A: Child protective services are required by law when conditions which led to the abuse or neglect or the child still exist. It is important to correct those conditions so that a child can remain safely in their own home.

Q: Does a parent have a choice about receiving child protective treatment?

A: Because these services are required by law when neglect or abuse has been substantiated they are considered to be mandatory services.

Q: Do you usually have to take children away from parents who have neglected or abused their children.

A: Usually we are able to provide services to families so that the problems leading to the abuse and neglect are corrected and children are able to be safe at home. Only about 10% of the families that we serve in the Family Preservation Unit have their children removed. The removal of children occurs when the risk of harm continues to be high because of abuse or neglect and parents are either unable or unwilling to protect their children.

Q: How often does the family involved with Family Preservation services have to come into an office for services?

A: Very rarely. Most of the services provided to the Family Preservation Unit are provided in the family's home.

Q: How many people are able to get off of work to see a social worker as often as they might need to?

A: It is usually not necessary for people to take off of work in order to meet with their social worker. Our services are family centered which means that every consideration is given to scheduling appointments at a mutually convenient time.

Q: All families that receive child protective services also receive welfare checks, right?

A: That is incorrect. Child abuse and neglect and thusly, the need for Child Protective Services cuts across all socioeconomic lines. Only about 1/3 of the families being served at any time are receiving financial benefits form the Department of Social Services.

Q: How often will I see a social worker if I am involved with Family Preservation?

A: If you are receiving Child Protective Services, the social worker is required by law to see you at least once a month face to face. The social worker is also required to have weekly contact either directly with you or with someone who had some knowledge of your situation.

Q: What sort of services exactly will I receive if I am involved with the Family Preservation Unit?

A: There are a variety of services that are provided to families. An individualized Service Plan is developed with each family. The services that are provided depend on the needs and concerns and problems that are identified by the family and the social worker.

Q: What is Intensive Family Preservation?

A: Intensive Family Preservation is a specialized service that is offered to a family when it appears that a child may be removed without some extra assistance. In-home services are provided up to 10 hours a week for approximately 6 weeks to relieve the crisis that might cause a child to be removed.

Q: Isn't it too risky to leave a child in an abusive or neglectful home while changes are being made?

A: Risk to a child is always very carefully assessed. It is important to consider the risk of harm that a child might experience in a neglectful situation versus the emotional trauma that will be created by separation from his family. The safety of the child is always the first consideration.

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