Child Protective Services begins when a family is reported to the agency due to concerns of child abuse, neglect or dependency. From the moment an intake is screened in, to the time that the case is closed, Children Services works diligently to ensure the safety of the child and the well being of the entire family.
The Investigation Stage occurs within the first 30-45 days that a case is opened. The investigator assigned to the case will conduct in-depth interviews to help determine the level of risk to the child and the need for any services. There are times that it is determined that a child is not safe in their own home and then that child must be removed and placed with relatives or in another setting such as a foster home, group home, or residential center. Anytime that a child is removed and put in the agency's custody, the Juvenile Court is involved. It is through this court process that the agency initially receives custody and can also obtain orders from the court to involve the family in the needed services.
The Ongoing Services that are offered to a family, can occur in cases where a child is still in the home (protective supervision) or after the child has been removed (temporary custody). In both situations, the caseworker involved with the family will develop a Case Plan in order to build upon the family's strengths and help them overcome any identified weaknesses. Most times the services detailed on these Case Plans become ordered by the Juvenile Court. Once the family has reduced the risk in their home to an acceptable level, the case will be closed (protective supervision), or in situations where the agency has custody, the child will be returned home. The agency will then monitor the home for a period of time before closing the case. However, if the family does not participate and progress in services within the initial 12 month period, the agency is required to pursue another permanency option for the child. These options include giving legal custody to a relative, filing a motion in court for the child to remain in foster care until adulthood or filing a motion in court for permanent custody. If permanent custody is granted, the biological parents' rights are terminated and the child is free for adoption.
The Adoption Services mark the final stage for a child involved with the agency. It is at this point that the agency is actively searching for an adoptive home that will best meet the needs of the child. Once a home is found, visits occur for a period of time and then the adoptive placement is made. The family then finalizes the adoption in Probate Court making the relationship between the child and the parents legal and permanent.
