How appropriate response is a part of protective factors.

1. Safe Children Healthier Families
How Appropriate Response Is A Part Of
Protective Factors

2. How Does DSS Fit With
Community Protective Factors
 Each community has it’s own
strengths and weaknesses
 Many people think that DSS is the
only agency that is responsible for
child welfare
 That is like saying that doctors are
the only ones that are responsible
for people’s health.
 DSS is part of the community

3. How Does DSS Fit With
Community Protective Factors
 Just like people can take action to
improve their health…
 Communities can take action to
enhance prevention of child
abuse/neglect
 Each child and family belongs to the
community
 Each case belongs to the family
 DSS is one of the agencies responsible
for facilitating services to build protective

4. How Does DSS Fit With
Community Protective Factors
BEFORE:
 DSS intake was to either accept or not
accept report
 DSS was only finding abuse or neglect in
36% of cases
 So, 64% of time DSS did not find abuse or
neglect. Many families had identified risk
factors especially around concrete needs
(i.e. financial supports, housing, food and
clothing)

5. How Does DSS Fit With
Community Protective Factors
BEFORE:
 DSS could make referrals during the 45
day investigation but could not follow up
after the investigation
 These cases often would be reported
again because of risk factors
 Some workers feeling somewhat
helpless would indicate abuse/neglect
just so they could get services and help
the family

6. How Does Appropriate Response Fit
With Community Protective Factors
AFTER:
 January 17, 2012, DSS began
implementation of Appropriate
Response in Greenville, Anderson and
Spartanburg.
 Implemented statewide May 21, 2012
 Appropriate Response has structured
safety questions and an evidence-based
risk matrix to help guide decisions at
intake

7. How Does Appropriate Response Fit
with Protective Factors
 Low and Moderate Risk cases are
referred to our community contractors.
 Community contractors
 assess family for child safety and then
for needs.
 connect the family to services to address
identified needs.
 identify gaps in service within the
community.

8. How Does Appropriate Response Fit
With Community Protective Factors
AFTER:
 Community contractors work with
community leaders and DSS to enhance
services and increase community
protective factors.
 Since Appropriate Response more children
and families are receiving appropriate
services than ever before
 Children are safer and families are
healthier due to enhanced service
opportunities available within the
communities