Child Welfare by Rosie Ruiz Michael Gomez Michelle

Child Welfare by: Rosie Ruiz Michael Gomez Michelle Garcia

Family & Children Services ● The Family and Children’s Services Branch offers child protective services, foster care services, and adoption services to children and youth in Monterey County. ● Mission: of FCS is to prevent the occurrence of child abuse and neglect. ● Goal: strive to keep children and youth safe and within the protection of a permanent family. ● Public Agency ● Interviewed Pat; director of Investigation department ○ MFT Degree and Licensed in California

Primary Services Child Welfare Differential Response Family-to-family Pathways to safety Adoption Services Agency try to better families as a whole Encourage parents/care provider to set goals for themselves

Populations Served Whole population in Monterey County Majority population served are Hispanics Pat explained they are Easier to work with Willing to change More religious Sometimes do not want help because of status

Presenting Problems Neglect Physical or Emotional abuse Mental abuse Sexual abuse

Funding Sources Federal government >State>county receives a portion based on their needs. Personal insurance or Medi-cal. Grants

Assessment Process Intake (Receipt of Reports of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect) Referral Initial Assessment (Investigation of a Report) Safety Evaluation and Plan Family Assessment Treatment Plan Treatment Service Provision Treatment Plan Evaluation Case Closure

Clients A lot of involuntary child welfare clients A lot of responds to reports of child abuse and neglect Child abuse is found in 25% of cases, file a smaller percentage. Monterey County is the lowest level per capita

Techniques used in the helping process Team decision community meeting - a way to find an alternative. Pathways to Safety Family to Family

Case Plan Only made when there is a decision made at the team decision community meeting. Developed with CPS and treatment providers Focus on what they think is necessary implementation of case plan-outcomes, goals, strategies to change the conditions and behaviors that result in child abuse and neglect.

Knowledge and skills Masters- 85% of SW Some positions with a BA Spanish- differential pay Efficient and organizational skills Teamwork Stress and burnout

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