Transcript
Child protection agencies (hereinafter referred to as “agency”) serve an extremely important role in addressing the issues of abuse and neglect around the country. When a child has been abused, neglected, abandoned, or placed in harm’s way, the child protective services agency is notified, most frequently, through a hotline. If there is a determination to investigate the allegations, assess, or refer the family for services, the matter is referred to an agency caseworker who makes contact with the child, the family, and others, ultimately making significant recommendations about what actions should be taken to address the allegations. The matter may be referred to a court where further decisions are made about the steps that should be taken to protect the child and serve the family. Services and programs are traditionally offered to the family to help them overcome the issues that put the child’s safety and well-being at risk, ultimately leading to a decision of permanency –which may include the child remaining with or returning to the family, guardianship, adoption, or other alternatives. Finally, the case may be closed, which is based in large part upon the recommendation of the caseworker. "The trauma that caseworkers witness, review, and relive every day with children and families in crisis is overwhelmingly personal and complicated." "The fundamental problem with “quick fixes” is that they fail to truly address the most important aspect of the child protection agency – the caseworker."
