Hancock County's implementation of an alternative response approach to child welfare is proving to be effective- at least for now. "Alternative response" is a more recently developed way of addressing reported incidences of child abuse and neglect. Contrary to the traditional response when child abuse or neglect is reported, caseworkers assigned to alternative response intake units do not name "victims" and "perpetrators." Instead, their goal is to work with the family to prevent removal from the home if possible. This includes linking the family with services such as parenting classes and drug and alcohol counseling, and helping them to find housing and employment. As the following article shows, this approach has shown positive results in Hancock County, and has also been implemented in other children services agencies (including Franklin County).
There are, however, situations when an alternative response approach may not be appropriate. For cases of alleged sexual abuse, and for situations where a child is at imminent risk of harm, investigations often lead to court involvement or immediate removal from the home. This movement toward alternative response presents a fine line which caseworkers must walk- how can they remain objective while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children? Is the trauma of being removed from the home and potentially moving from foster family to foster family greater than that of physical abuse or neglect? Would these potential foster families truly be the best fit for the child?
http://thecourier.com/local-news/2014/02/03/foster-care-numbers-declining/
This is a very touchy topic. I feel like ideally it is better to keep the child with the family, we know the trauma of removal can often be more powerful than abuse that occurs in the home. That being said that this "alternative approach" means that everyone on the service team needs to work twice as hard to ensure the safety of the child. There needs to be increased supervision and constant checking in with everyone involved. Its nice to have options though, it will increase diversity of treatment which is always a positive.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited that Hancock County Children Services has began to implement the Alternative Response unit. I am on an alternative response unit at Franklin County Children Services with the hopes of being hired at Hancock County. I have found that the alternative response unit at Franklin County Children Services has been a very positive way to be able to assist families in need. But I do agree with you Becca alternative response is not always the best way to go and that is why it is important to remember there needs to be a traditional response team as well.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea, because I do agree with trying to keep the children in their family. Most often, those who abuse have been abused them self and may have never got the help they really needed. Parenting classes, counseling, etc benefits the parent as well as the children and family and think this is great opportunity. I do not think it does any good to just take a child away and try and find a new home and then that parent still receives no help, the cycle can and will continue. I think there may be some circumstances that the child needs to be removed depending on the level and form of abuse though, and maybe not necessarily permanently. Every case and situation is different and should be handled accordingly.
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