Purpose - CA Paper (4)

EngagingFamiliesinServicesThroughChildWelfare1
Engaging Families in Services Through Child Welfare
CA Paper
Denise Lloyd
PAA 610 PUR 610 Con
Professor Franklyn Rother
December 10, 2011

Exploration
NewYork CityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesisanorganizationthatservesthe five
boroughsof NewYork Citythat overseeschildrenwhoare subjectedtochildabuse andneglectatthe
handsof theirparentsorpersonslegallyresponsible. New YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’s
Serviceswascreatedin1996 duringthe office termof Mayor RudolphGiuliani,inwhichthe Child
Welfare Administrationwasstrugglingtoensure the safetyof children. The agencywasmonitored
underthe umbrellaof HumanResources,butNew YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesis
consideredasa stand-alone agencytobe headedbyacommissioner,whowill have responsibilityof
childprotectionandfostercare programs(http://www.nytimes.org/1996).
It appearedthatduringthisera,the agency,formerlyknownasChildWelfare Administration
(CWA),Special ServicesforChildren(SSC),andBureauof ChildWelfare (BCW) struggledinthe
protectionof children,providingservicestofamiliesforthe prevention of childrenenteringintofoster
care underHumanResources,where many structuringtookplace withinthe childwelfare organization.
Here is the timelinehistoryof ChildWelfare inNew YorkCity.
 1832 - Almshouse Departmentestablishedwhenlawsregulatingthe treatmentof
 childrenare passed.
 1895 - Almshouse Departmentabolishedandreplacedbythe Departmentof Public
 CharitiesandCorrection.The Citybeginstomake paymentsto private charitable
institutions,knownascontractagencies,tocare directlyfordestituteandabused
children.
 1940 - Bureauof ChildWelfare (BCW) createdaspartof the Departmentof Welfare.
 1949 - Divisionof FosterHome Care establishedunderBCWas the Citybeginsproviding
itsown fostercare servicesdirectly.
 1962 - Divisionof Home findingcreatedwithinBCWtolocate suitable fosterhomesand
investigativeapplicants.
 1964 - FirstChildProtectionUnitestablished,eventuallyevolvingintofiveborough
offices.
 1966 - Human ResourcesAdministration(HRA),asocial servicessuperagency,iscreated,
incorporatingBCW.
 1974 - BCW becomesSpecial ServicesforChildren(SSC),continuingasadivisionof HRA.
 1989 - SSC renamedChildWelfare Administration(CWA),continuingasa divisionof
HRA.
 1996 - CWA abolished.AdministrationforChildren’sServices(ACS) createdbyExecutive
Orderas a stand-alone agency.
 2000 - ACS dedicatesthe Children’sCenter,the firstbuildinginNew YorkCity’shistory
specificallydesignedforchildrenenteringfostercare.
 2001 - In November,New YorkCityvotestomake ACSa permanentagency,makingit
the firstfree-standing,City-charteredagencyinthe City’shistorysolelydevotedto

childrenandfamilies.Thankstoanemphasisonneighborhood-basedpreventive
services,ACSreachesacrucial milestone whenthe numberof childrenreceiving
preventiveservicessurpassesthe numberof childrenenteringfostercare.
 2004 - Children’sServicesCommissionerJohnB.MattinglyappointedbyNew YorkCity
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.CommissionerMattinglycomestoACSwithmore than30
yearsexperience workingwithchildrenandfamilies.
(www.nyc.gov/acs)
As of September2011, RonaldRitcher became the new CommissionerforNew YorkCity
AdministrationforChildren’sServices.
Before NewYorkCity AdministrationforChildren’sServiceswascreatedtodeal withchildabuse
and neglect,there wasthe agencyNewYorkSocietyforthe Preventionof CrueltytoChildren. Thisis
consideredtobe the first childprotective agency inthe world. Foundedin1875, thisagency was
inspiredfromthe firstknowabuse childbythe name of Mary Ellen. (http://www.nyspcc.org). While
residingwithfosterparentsMaryEllenwassubjectedtoseriousphysical abuse atthe handsof her
fostermother. Atthe time there wasno organizationthatdealtwithabusedchildren,andno
immediate actiontookplace toensure MaryEllen’ssafety. Ittooka woman,Etta Wheeler,whowent
learnedof Mary Ellen’sabuse,andbroughtitto the attentionof HenryBergh,whoat the time wasthe
founderof The AmericanSocietyforthe Preventionof CrueltytoAnimals. MaryEllen’sabuse was
investigated,there wasatrial inwhichMary Ellendescribedindetailsaboutthe physical abuse thatshe
endured,andthe fostermotherwasfoundguiltyof neglectandwasimprisoned. EttaWheelertook
Mary Ellenintohercare and raisedherintoadulthood,inwhichshe startedafamilyandlivedwell until
intohernineties (http://www.nytimes.com/2009).
NewYork Societyforthe Preventionof CrueltytoChildrenremainsinoperation,andprovides
an abundance of servicesof mental health,legal,andeducational programsthatensuresthe safety and
welfare of children. Here are the followingservicesthe agencynow provideswithinthe community:
Positive ParentingPlus – thisistherapeuticprogramthat conductssupervisedvisitsthatallows
childrentovisitwiththeirnon-custodialparents. The programalsoprovidescounselingservices,
parentingskillstraining,andeducationneeds.
Trauma Recovery Program – thisprogram isto helpchildrentowhoendure physical andsexual
abuse. It alsoprovidesservicestofamilieswithmental healthissuesandsubstance abuse.
Safe Touches: Personal SafetyTraining –program forchildrentoteach sexual abuse
prevention,aswell asworkshopsforchildrenfromkindergartentothirdgrade.
CrisisDebriefingServices – providestrainingtoNew YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’s
Servicestoassiststaff aftertraumaticeventsoccur,such as childfatalities,violence inthe fieldagainsta
staff member,orafterthe handlingextreme casesof physicalandsexual abuse.

Professional EducationProgram – to educate and identifyinreportingchildabuse andneglect,
as well asto advocate for legislative actionthatprotectschildrenandstrengthenfamilies
(http://www.nyspcc.org).
Although NewYorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServiceswent throughmanychangesover
the years,the ultimate goal remainsthe same:toensure the safetyandwelfare of children. Since New
York CityAdministrationforChildren’sServiceshasseveredtieswithHumanResources,the agencyhas
openedthe Children’sCenterinManhattan,whichisspecificallydesignedinplacingchildreninfoster
care and monitoredbycontractedfoster care agencies. Fostercare agenciesare alsocontractedby
NewYork AdministrationCityforChildren’sServices,andare monitoredbythe Office of Special
Investigationdepartment. Inadditiontofostercare,New YorkCity AdministrationforChildren’s
Servicescontractsvariousagencieswithinthe communitytoprovide general andintensive,preventive
servicestofamilieswhoare incrisisandat riskof childrenbeingremovedandplacedinfostercare. The
majorityof these preventiveagenciesalsoprovidefostercare services,asbothare contractedthrough
NewYork CityAdministrationforChildren’sServices.
Childprotective servicesandsocial servicesare locatedwithinthe UnitedStates,andhave their
ownpoliciesandregulationsoninvestigationchildabuse andneglectcases,aswell asprovidingservices
for crisisintervention. In1974, the Federal ChildAbuse PreventionandTreatmentActrequire local
officialstorespondtoall reportsof childabuse,andhas establishedchildprotective services to
investigateabuse comesandtohelpstopabusive behavior(Macionis2005, p. 173-174).
There isan organizationthatadvocatesforchildrenwhohave enduredabuse andneglect
globally. The International Societyforthe Preventionof Child Abuse andNeglect(ISPCAN)was
establishedin1977 (www.ispcan.org).The organization’smission istocoincide withothercountriesto
advocate for childrenwhowere subjectedtoabuse andneglect. Itappearedthatthisorganizationrely
on contributions andinputglobally inordertoputthisoperationtogethertoassistothercountrieswith
crisisintervention,services,andadvocacytofamilies.
CommunityNeedIdentification
Whenworkingwithfamilies,ascaseworker,itisimportanttobecome familiarizewiththe
communitythatisbeingserved. There are familieswhoresideincommunitiesof the lowerclass,single-
familyhomes,highcrime,anddrug-infestedareas. AccordingtoWoodside andMcClam, the community
has a dual role in the causationand resolutionof families’problems. Incontrast,the community can
have resourcesneededforresolvingproblems(2002,p. 316). The objectisforidentifythe needsof the
communityandthento provide the appropriate servicestoservice thoseneeds.
Familiesinthe midstof crisesand/oratriskof childrenbeingremovedfromhomescanbenefit
fromvariousservices. Familieswhoengageinpreventive servicescanlooktowardsthe strengtheningof
familystructure,stability,andempowerment. However, there are familieswhohave historywithNew
York CityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesandhave beenreferredtopreventive services,andyet

basedon caseworkpractice,the same familiescontinue tobe reportedforabusingand/orneglecting
theirchildren. Basedonworkexperience,some familiesappeartonotwantto benefitfromhavingan
agencyinstructparentshowto disciplineorcare for theirchildren. Whenanabusedchildand/orchild
fatalityreachesthe media,ittendstoreflectthatchildwelfareservicesisnotmakingmuchof an effort
to ensure thatfamiliesare providedwiththe helptheyneedinordertominimize more reportof child
abuse and neglect.
There isalwaysthe possibilitythatfamilieshave differentviewswhenitcomes toraisingand
discipliningchildrenbasedonthe families’cultural background. Whencaseworkers’valuesandbeliefs
clashwiththe families’valuesandbeliefs,itwouldbe difficulttoforfamiliestounderstandthe needof
services,aswell asthe caseworkers’insistence of familiesdoingso. AccordingtoWoodside and
McClam, itis importantforcaseworkerstoknow andidentifywhattheirownvaluesare andhow the
valuesinfluence the relationshipsbetweencaseworkersandthe familiestheyworkwith whenitcomes
to providingservicestofamilies(2002,p. 216). It isalsoimportantas caseworkerstonot allow their
ownvaluesandbeliefstobecome superiortothe families’ownbeliefs. The goalsof the caseworkers
are to educate familiesastowhat actionsplace childrenatrisk.
Organizational Analysis
The missionforNewYorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesistoensure the safetyand
welfare of children. The agencyhasfive keycommitmentsforall tofollow whenitcomestoprotecting
children:
1. No childwe come intocontact withwill be lefttostruggle alone withabuse orneglect.
2. No familywhoneedsandwantshelptokeeptheirchildrensafe will be leftwithoutthe help
it needs.
3. Everychildwe come intocontact withwill get the helpshe/he needstobe healthyand
achieve her/hisfull educationalanddevelopmentalpotential.
4. No childinourcare will leave uswithoutacaring,committed,permanentfamily.
5. Everyteammemberat Children’sServicesandeachof our partneragenciescan expect
guidance,respectandemotionalsupporttoachieve ourgoals. Everychild,family,
communitymemberandfosterparentwe come intocontactwithwill be treatedwith
concernand respect.
www.nyc.gov.acs
For families tobe engagedinpreventive services,familiesusuallyhave anopencase withchild
welfare. A childprotectivespecialistconductsaninvestigationonafamilythatwasreportedtothe New
York State Central Register(SCR) ChildAbuse andMaltreatmentHotline. If the investigationconcludes
that there were some evidence of child(ren) neglectwithinthe family,the familycanbe referredtoa
contractedpreventiveagencyasa formof crisisinterventiontoprovide servicestohelpstrengthen the
familywhoare at riskof childrenbeingremovedfromthe home. AlthoughNew YorkCity
AdministrationforChildren’sServiceshasthe meanstoremove childrenfromthe home forimminent

dangerand placedinfostercare,the agencyalso hasthe obligationandresponsibilitytoprovides
servicestofamiliesasa formof interventionbefore the riskfactorsof abuse and/orneglectbecomes
imminent. The goal isnotonlyto remove childrenfromtheirhomes,asthiswouldbe eitherasa last
resortwhereas servicesare noteffective andisconcludedthatchildrenwouldnotbe safe undersuch
circumstances. The agencyalsomakesdiligenteffortstokeepfamiliestogetherwhetheristorefer
familiesforservices,orobtaininterventionthroughfamilycourt tomandate families toengage in
servicesinordertokeepchildrensafe andremainathome.
NewYork CityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesisobligatedtoformulateaservice planwith
familiestoensure thatthe needsare beingmetandtoensure the safetyandwelfare of children. This
includesschedulingfamilyteammeetings,where familiescome togetherwiththe agencyanddiscuss
the issuesthatcan place childrenatrisk andexplore whattype of servicesthatcanbe implementedto
service the family’sneeds. The agencyalsohave childsafetyconferences,inwhichthere are safetyand
riskfactors withinthe family,andthe agencycan considerfamilycourtinterventionasameansfor the
familytobe supervisedbythe agencyandreportto the court on the families’progressregardingthe
children’ssafetyandfamilies’cooperationandcompliance withservices.
NewYork CityAdministrationforChildren’sServiceshasnumerousfieldofficeswithinthe five
boroughsthat conductchildprotective investigationsandaFamilyService Unitthatmonitorsfamilies
that have opencasesinfamilycourt. The agency’sfield officesare placedtooversee various
communitieswithinthe New YorkCityarea,andthe areas are separatedbyvariouszonesforeach field
office tocoverand serve the boroughs. The EmergencyChildren’sServices(ECS) operatesandconduct
childprotective investigationsduringhourswhenfieldofficesare inoperable(evenings,nights,
weekends,andholidays). Inthissense,New YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesoperates
twenty-fourhoursaday, sevendaysa weektoensure safetyandwelfareforchildrencontinuously.
Familiesinthe midstof crisesand/orat riskof childrenbeingremovedfromhomescanbenefit
familystructure, stability,andempowerment. However,there are familieswhohave historywithNew
basedon caseworkpractice,the same familiescontinue tobe reported forabusingand/orneglecting
abuse and neglect.
Preventiveagenciesare contractedbyNew YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesto
provide variousservicestofamiliesforcrisisinterventionwhenchildrenare subjectedtosome formof
abuse or neglect. These agenciesprovideservicestofamiliestopreventchildren frombeingremoved
and placedinfostercare. Not onlyare preventive agenciesserveswithinthe communityinneed,but
there are agenciesthatalsocaters to the communitybasedontheirethnicityandcultural background.
One of the servicesprovidedtofamiliesare caseworkcounseling,inwhichcaseworkersandsocial

workersworkwiththe familiestoprovide counselingservicesandsupporttohelpstrengthenandbuild
the families’relationshipswitheachother. Servicesalsoinclude parentingskillstraining,inwhich
clientsmeetweeklyforaperiodof time (averagesbetweeneighttotwelve weeks) tolearndifferent
techniquesandalternate stylesof parentinganddiscipliningchildrenwithoutthe use of corporal
punishment,inwhichcanbecome excessive if parentsbecome overwhelmedoroutof control.
Preventiveagenciesalsoprovide assistance tofamiliesinworkingwiththeminregardstohousing
issues,educational needs,assist inacquiringchildcare, andhomemakingservices. Preventive agencies
can alsoreferfamiliestocommunity-basedservicesformental healthservicesandsubstance abuse
treatment.
If there are familiesthathave mental healthissues,orhave issueswithsubstance abuse,there
are intensive,preventive servicescalledFamilyTreatmentand Rehabilitationservices(FTR) available.
These servicesare more intensive,itrequiresmore caseworkcontactbetweenserviceprovidersand
families,visitstothe home usuallyoccurthree tofour timesaweek,andfamiliesare sometimes
referredtocommunity-basedagenciesfordrugtreatmentandmental healthservices. However,the
preventiveagencymonitorsthoseservicestoensure thatthe familiesare compliantandbenefitfrom
these services. FTRis usuallyatemporaryservice andconductedinphasesbasedonthe level of
compliance fromthe family. The more compliantfamiliesare inthe service,the agencywouldslowly
phase outto the pointwhere familiesfulfill andcompletethe requirementsof the program.
Belowisa listof some of the preventive servicesthatare available tofamiliesforcrisis
intervention andthe type of servicestheyprovide.
Episcopal Social Services
Episcopal Social Servicesisanagencythatprovidesgeneral,preventive services,aswell as
FamilyTreatmentandRehabilitationServices(FTR). Familiesbecomeinvolveonce acase isreportedto
the State Central Registry(SCR) inwhichACSrefersthe agency. The preventiveagencyprovideshome
visits,advocacytohelpfamiliesforsupport,educational support,andparentingskillstraining,individual
and familycounseling,andplaytherapy. General preventive andFTRare usedas a meansof servicesto
preventchildrenfrombeingremovedandplacedinfostercare (www.essnyc.org).
Puerto Rican FamilyInstitute
PuertoRicanFamilyInstitute (establishedin1960) isa non-profit,multi-programagencythat
providespreventive serviceswithinthe Latinocommunity. Servicesincludemental health,crisis
intervention,placementprevention,residential care,andeducation.
Mental Health ClinicProgram – Providesclinical treatment(bilingual andbi-cultural) withinthe
Latinocommunity. The agencyhas psychiatristsandsocial workersonsite. The programprovidesthe
followingservices:
 ScreeningandDiagnosticAssessments

 TreatmentPlanning
 PsychiatricEvaluations
 Individual,Group,andFamilyTherapy
 CouplesCounseling
 CrisisIntervention
 Case ManagementServices
Most insurancesandMedicaidare accepted.
Home-basedCrisisInterventionProgram – This isan alternative topsychiatrichospitalization
for childrenagesfive toseventeenyearsold,andisa short-termprogramforfourto six weeks. This
program offersthe followingservices:
 FamilyCounseling
 ParentingSkills
 Advocacy
 Managementof PsychotropicMedication
 Linkage toadditional neededservices.
To be eligible forthisprogram,childrenmustbe deemedatriskof psychiatrichospitalizationin
orderto attendthe program. Parentsare requiredtoparticipate intreatmentonce theyacceptthis
program.
FatherhoodInitiative Program – This programis designedtohelpfathersimprove their
relationshipandreconnectwiththeirchildren,aswell asprovidestechniquesof parenting. Malesage
twelve andupare eligible toparticipate inthe program. Fathersmusthave anactive relationshipwith
theirchildrentoparticipate inthisprogram. The program offersthese otherservices:
 AngerManagementWorkshops
 Skill-basedMarriage Educational Workshops
Thisprogram isofferedfree of charge andis conducted inEnglishandSpanish.
Head Start Program (establishedin1997)
Thisprogram providescomprehensivechilddevelopmentprogramtomeetchildren’sneeds:
educational,emotional,social,health,andnutrition. Thisprogramisavailable forlow-income families
and parentswhoparticipate onwelfare-to-workprograms. Parentsalsolearnjob-relatedskillsastheir
childrenparticipate inthe head-startprogram. The program iseligible forchildrenagesthree tofive
yearsold.

Case ManagementPrograms
AdolescentSupportive Case ManagementProgram – This programprovidesindividual case
managementservicesof mental health. The programisto helpreduce hospitalization,improve
residentialplacement,andsocial stability.
ChildIntensive Case ManagementProgram – Thisprogram providesindividual servicesto
childrenwhohave notsuccessfullyengagedincommunity-basedmental healthservices.
Adult ICM/SCMManagementProgram – Thisprogram providesindividualservicesforadults
whohave not successfullyengagedincommunity-basedmentalhealthservices.
Brooklyn Partial HospitalizationProgram – Thisprogram providesservicestoachieve
stabilizationof the mentallyill whilekeepingthemrootedinthe community. Servicesprovidedfourto
six weeksageseighteentosixty-five. Medicaidandotherinsurance are accepted,aswell asfor
individualswhoare notusingalcohol ordrugs,or displaysaggressivebehavior. The programoffers
these services:
 PsychiatricEvaluation
 MedicationManagement
 AssignedIndividual Therapist
 Group Therapy
 Drama and Art Therapy
 FoodPreparationandLunch Daily
 HealthClass
 Addictive BehaviorGroup
 RelaxationGroup
 Mental HealthServicesGroup
 SkillsBuildingGroup
 SocializationGroup
 Case Management
Intermediate Case Facilities– Thisprogram providesservicesandsupporttothe
developmentallydisabled,aswell asthe individualslearntoacquire skillstohelpthemlive
independently. www.prfi.org
Coalitionfor Hispanic Families
CoalitionforHispanicFamiliesisapreventive agencythatprovidesgeneral preventive and
Intensive case managementserviceswithinthe Latinocommunity. The agencyservesthe following
communitiesinBrooklyn,NY: NorthBrooklyn,Bushwick,Ridgewood,Queens,andMaspeth,Queens.
The agency’spurpose isto helpstrengthenfamilies,helpkeepfamiliestogether,providesupportto

familieswhenchildrenreturnhome fostercare,andto preventchildabuse and/orneglect. The agency
providesthe followingservices:
 AssignedCase PlannerandParentAide toassistthe family
 Provide counselingandsupportduringcrisis
 Parentingandgroupsessions
 Mother-infantgroups
 Assistinprovidingdevelopmentalneedsforchildren
 DomesticViolence counseling
 Referredassistance forpublicassistance
 Educational/Vocationalservices
 Prenatal assistance
 ChildCare and HeadStart
www.cfshb.org/index.php
Brooklyn CommunityServices(establishedin1866)
BrooklynCommunityServices(BCS)isanon-profit,preventiveagencywhose missionistohelp
strengthenfamilieswhoare at riskof separationandplacementof fostercare. The agency’sgoalsare to
improve familyfunctioning,encourage the highestlevelof copingskills,adaptivebehavior,and
developmentforeachfamilymember. The agencyalsopromotesindependentfunctioninginregardsto
educationandemployment. The agencyprovidesanintensive FamilyTreatmentandRehabilitation
Program (FTR) forfamilieswhohave issuesof mental healthandsubstance abuse. The agencyalso
provideshomemakingservicesforfamiliesinneedof assistance inthe home toengage inhousehold
tasks(lighthousecleaning,preparingmeals,homemanagementtraining,andchildcare).
www.wearebcs.org/bcs
Here is the listingforthe remainingcontractedagenciestoservice familiesforcrisis
intervention.
AbbottHouse
AlianzaDominicana
Angel GuardianChildrenandFamiliesServices
Arab-AmericanFamilySupportCenter
AssociationtoBenefitChildren
AstorHome forChildren
Berkshire FarmCenterforChildrenandServicesforYouth

Big BrothersBigSistersof NYC
Boysand GirlsHarbor
Bronx LebanonHospital
BrooklynBureauof CommunityService
Buildersforthe FamilyandYouth
Cardinal McCloskeyChildrenandFamilyServices
CatholicGuardian Societyof NewYork
CatholicHome Bureau
ChildDevelopmentSupportCorporation
Children’sAidSociety
Children’sVillage
ChinatownYMCA
Chinese-AmericanPlanningCouncil
Church Avenue MerchantBlock
Citizen’sAdvice Bureau
CoalitionforHispanicFamilyServices
CommunityCounselingandMediation
CommunityMediationServices
ConcordFamilyServices
CypressHillsLocal DevelopmentCorporation
Day Care Council of NewYork
DominicanSistersFamilyHealthServices
DominicanWomen’sDevelopmentCenter
The Door
East HarlemCouncil forCommunityImprovement

EdwinGouldServices
Episcopal Social Services
FamilyConsultationServices
FamilySupportSystems
FlatbushHaitianCenter
Forestdale
Good ShepherdServices
Graham Windham
GreenChimneys
HANACInc.
HarlemChildren’sZone
Harlem-DowlingWestSide CenterforChildrenandFamilyServices
Heartshare HumanServicesof NewYork
Highbridge CommunityLife Center
InwoodHouse
JewishBoardof FamilyandChildren’sServices
JewishChildCare Association
Kingsbridge HeightsCommunityCenter
Lakeside FamilyandChildren’sServices
Leake & Watts Services
Little FlowerChildren’sServicesof NewYork
Little Sisterof AssumptionFamilyHealthService
LowerEast Side FamilyUnion
LutheranSocial Servicesof MetropolitanNewYork
MercyFirst

NeighborhoodYouthandFamilyServices
NewAlternativesforChildren
NewWorldCommunities
NewYork CityMissionSociety
NewYork Foundling
NewYork Urban League
NorthernManhattanPerinatal Partnership
Northside CenterforChildDevelopment
Ohel Children’sHome andFamilyServices
PartnershipwithChildren
PathwaysforYouth
ProtestantBoardof Guardians
PuertoRicanFamilyInstitute
QueensChildGuidance Center
Rosalie Hall
Safe Space (CenterforChildrenandFamilies)
SalvationArmySocial ServicesforChildren
SCAN – NewYork
SCO Familyof Services
Seaman’sSocietyforChildrenandFamilies
Sesame FlyersInternational
SouthernQueensParkAssociation
St. Barnabus
St. Cabrini Home
St. Dominic’sHome

St. John’sResidence andSchool forBoys
St. Luke’s-RooseveltHospital Center
St. Vincent’sServices
StatenIslandMental HealthSociety
SteinwayChildrenandFamilies
The Valley
VisitingNurse Service of New York
Women’sPrisonAssociationandHome
*List as of July 2005.
www.nyc.gov.acs

J o b D e s c r i p t i o n
Child Protective Specialists respond directly to reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Using investigatory
and social work skills, they partner with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-
being of children throughout New York City.
T y p i c a l D u t i e s
 Complete field visits to investigate allegations of abuse and/or neglect.
 Interview family members and a broad range of contacts to assess child safety.
 Assess the risk of future abuse or neglect of children in the household.
 Coordinate a team of family members, staff and service providers to evaluate safety and identify
interventions that can reduce risks for children.
 Remove child(ren) into protective custody or foster care, when appropriate.
 Enter and maintain accurate and timely computerized records of all case information.
 Help families navigate government agencies and access entitlement benefits.
 File petitions and testify in family court and other legal proceedings.
R e q u i r e d Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s
 A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, in specified discipline.
 Twenty-four semester credits in any combination of the following fields: social work, psychology,
sociology, human services, criminal justice, education (including early childhood), nursing or
cultural anthropology. At least 12 credits must be in one of these disciplines.
 Candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency and basic typing skill.
 All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive drug screening.
Candidates who speak and/or write in the following languages are encouraged to apply: Spanish, Russian,
Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Urdu, and African languages.
New York City residency is NOT required.
Your application may be considered for additional assignments for which you are qualified. Only applicants
scheduled for interviews will be contacted. Submission of application is not a guarantee that you will recei ve
an interview.

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Jacqueline McKnight
Borough Commissioner
Dir Fl OP Ch PR IV
Brooklyn Field Office
William Fletcher
1st Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR III
Audrey Elliott
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
CFSFAP
Ducoste Lamothe
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
Zone A
Joan Cleary
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
Zone BJames B. Harris
Deputy Director
Adm Dir Soc Svc II
Admin
Sharon Rogers
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
Zone C
Peter Goldman
CPMAdmin
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Apps, Admin
Andrea McNeil
CPMAdmin
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Admin, Liaisons
Michael Hernandez
CPMCES
Dir FL OP CH PR I
CFS – Marcy, Linden
Keeva Bragg
CPMCES
Dir FL OP CH PR I
CFS – Bedford, Grant
Sonia Ricketts-
Hunnard
CPMCES
Dir FL OP CH PR I
CFS – Adams, Pine
Beverly James
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
Zone D
Marsha Goodluck
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 218, 241, 253,
296
Fatima Robinson
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 207, 209, 237,
283
Josee Garcon
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 212, 276, 287,
299
Moses Sutherland
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 172, 185, 275,
289
Derrick Carter
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 190, 192, 192,
227
Lutonja Aiken
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 204, 211, 229,
231
Sharice Randall
CPMFPP
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Bushwick
Units KP7, KP8
Sallie Brown
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 201, 210, 247,
262
Dominque Lubin
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 248, 259, 261,
297
Tresilla Boyd
CPMFSU
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 183, 286, 288,
294
Hopelee Hobson
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 174, 179, 196,
199
Sharice Randall
CPMFSU
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 203, 258
Andrew Derose
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 250, 269, 290
Kwesi Booker
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 169, 181, 193,
197
Waheed Rasaki
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 171, 244, 268
Tolani Epemolu
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 175, 176, 184,
188
Almarie Buddington
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
Zone E
Airat Bakare-Adejob
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
Zone F
Nana Darkwa
CPMFSU
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 178, 221, 233,
251
Jacqueline Anderson
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 173, 217, 230,
274
Carla Lawrence
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 191, 219, 252,
293
Roslyn Norrell-Fleming
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 202, 208, 228,
254
Micheal Dunbar
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 177, 186, 187,
189,
Claudette Hall
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 180, 240, 246,
281
Marshka Vielot
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 249, 260, 266,
278
Marie Philippeaux
Acting Deputy Commissioner
Adm Dir Soc Svc V
Division of Child Protection
Carl Anderson
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
FSUFPP
Judy Enwright
CPMFSU
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 213, 214, 215,
225
Crystal Dougherty
CPMFSU
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 224, 234, 235,
245
Shanaz Mohammed
CPMFSU
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 182, 238, 255,
280
Vacant
CPMAdmin
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Keisha Baxter
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 205, 271, 292
Maryann Ponton
Deputy Director
Dir FL OP CH PR II
FSUFPP
Isiaka Oyesile
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 216, 236, 285,
298
Updated December 12, 2011
Ylonis Tingue
CPM
Dir FL OP CH PR I
Units 170, 206, 243

DENISE A. LLOYD
987 Myrtle Avenue # 3B Brooklyn, New York 11206 (347) 375 -8864
Summary
My goal is to one day own, operate a non-profit institution that works and advocate for children
who are challenged with various learning disabilities and behavior disorders, as well as provide
education and advocacy for parents. To reach my goal, I plan to first obtain my master’s degree
in Public Affairs and Administration, and then continue with obtaining a law degree. The
purpose of acquiring a degree for Public Affairs Administration is to enhance my knowledge of
researching public & political policies, intergovernmental relationships, strategy-planning,
proposal writing, non-profit governance, management, and marketing. In addition, I plan to
pursue a law degree to learn and recognize the legal aspects of operating a non-profit institution
Specialties
Government Competitive analysis, Nonprofits, compliance,
Liaison, Public Policy Research, Team Leadership, Communication
Experience
Child Protective Specialist
New York Administration for Children’s Services
Government Administration industry
March 2005– Present (6 years 6 months)
Child Protective Specialists respond directly to reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Using
investigatory and social work skills, they partner with families and community resources to
ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout New York City.
Complete field visits to investigate allegations of abuse and/or neglect.
Interview family members and a broad range of contacts to assess child safety.
Assess the risk of future abuse or neglect of children in the household.
Coordinate a team of family members, staff and service providers to evaluate safety and identify
interventions that can reduce risks for children.
Remove child(ren) into protective custody or foster care, when appropriate.
Enter and maintain accurate and timely computerized records of all case information.
Help families navigate government agencies and access entitlement benefits.
File petitions and testify in family court and other legal proceedings.

Customer Service Rep. / Bank Teller
Emigrant Savings Bank
Investment Banking industry
June 2000– April 2005 (4 years 11 months) Greater New York City Area
Accurately and efficiently process and record routine transactions for bank customers including
cashing checks, accepting deposits and withdrawals, processing loan payments and money
transfers. Promote and advise on the bank's products and services.
Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities
receive and count working cash at beginning of shift
identify customers, validate and cash checks
accept cash and cheques for deposit and check accuracy of deposit slip
process cash withdrawals
perform specialized tasks such as preparing cashier's checks, personal money orders, issuing
traveler's checks and exchanging foreign currency
perform services for customers such as ordering bank cards and checks
receive and verify loan payments, mortgage payments and utility bill payments
record all transactions promptly, accurately and in compliance with bank procedures
balance currency, cash and checks in cash drawer at end of each shift
answer inquiries regarding checking and savings accounts and other bank related products
attempt to resolve issues and problems with customer's accounts
initiate and open new accounts
explain, advise on and promote bank products and services to customers
Assistant Retail Manager
A & E Stores Inc
Privately Held; Apparel & Fashion industry
September 1991– October 1999 (8 years 2 months) Greater New York City Area
Manage a staff of over 20 Employee
develop a sales strategy to achieve organizational sales goals and revenues
set individual sales targets with sales team
delegate responsibility for customer accounts to sales personnel
co-ordinate sales action plans for individual salespeople
oversee the activities and performance of the sales team
ensure sales team have the necessary resources to perform properly
monitor the achievement of sales objectives by the sales team
liaise with other company functions to ensure achievement of sales objectives
evaluate performance of sales staff

provide feedback, support and coaching to the sales team
plan and direct sales team training
assist with the development of sales presentations and proposals
investigate lost sales and customer accounts
track, collate and interpret sales figures
forecast annual, quarterly and monthly sales revenue
generate timely sales reports
develop pricing schedules and rates
formulate sales policies and procedures
help prepare budgets
control expenses and monitor budgets
maintain inventory control
Metropolitan College of New York
MPA / HS-BCP, Public Affairs & Administration
2011 – 2012 (expected)
College of New Rochelle
Bachelor of Arts with Honors
2001 – 2005

SectionTwo-ActionPlan
Week Objective Strategies/Activities Evidence Assessment Outcome
1
Assignmentof
field
supervisor
Had a discussionwith
the agency’sresource
supervisoron
assigningfield
supervisorfor
conducting the CA
project.
This was
discussed
on
09/14/11.
Explainedthe
importance of
beingassigneda
fieldsupervisor.
Was assuredthat
a fieldsupervisor
will be assigned
shortly.
2
Assigninga
field
supervisor.
Beginning
research for
the research
paper.
Wentto followup on
a fieldsupervisor.
Began doing research
on the history ofNew
York City
Administrationfor
Children’sServices.
09/19/11
09/23/11
Receiveda time
outline on when
NewYork City
Administration
for Children’s
Servicesbegan.
Did not receive a
response
regarding field
supervisor.
3
Assignmentof
field
supervisor.
Assigneda field
supervisor.
09/26/11 Discussedthe CA
and research
classesfor the
fall semester.
FieldSupervisor
acceptedto
monitor and
guide studenton
the class
projects.
4
Discuss with
field
supervisor
about the
research paper
and CA.
The strategy was to
choose a topic to
prepare and conduct
the researchpaper
and CA.
10/04/11 The topic for
both papers was
to discuss
providing
preventive
servicesto
familiesincrisis.
There was a
mutual
agreementand
acceptance of
topic by field
supervisor.
5
Begin
formulating
the surveyfor
the research
Designa
survey/questionnaire
regarding families
engagingin
10/12/11 The objectis to
gain the different
perspectivesof
how clientsand
Preparinga
sample survey to
provide to class

paper. preventive services
from the perspective
of clientsand
caseworkers.
caseworkers
react to
preventive
servicesand
those services
benefitfamilies
involvedwith
childwelfare
services.
by 10/15/11
6
Meetingwith
field
supervisor.
Fieldsupervisor
requestedto meet
with studentfor
followup with the
research and CA.
10/21/11 At the time,it
was not feasible
to meetwith
fieldsupervisor
due to work
assignments.
Studentwas
unable to meet
with field
supervisor.
7
None None None None None
8
Preparingthe
survey
Questionnaire
for the
research/CA
Designthe survey–
questionnaire togain
the perspectivesof
both caseworkers
and clientsregarding
theirthoughts on
preventive services.
Week
ending
11/05/11
The goal is to
have clientsand
caseworkers
expresstheir
opinionson
familiesengaging
in preventive
serviceswhile
having an open
case with child
protective
services.
Completedthe
preparation of
the survey
questionnaire.
9
Continuing
research for
the research
paper and CA.
Gathering
informationof some
of the abundance of
preventive service
agenciesthat are
contracted through
ACS.
Week
ending
11/12/11
The assessment
is that
preventive
agenciesare
designedto
assist families
with a variety of
servicesfor crisis
interventionto
Was able to
obtain
informationof
preventive
services.

keepfamilies
together.
10
Continuingto
gather
information
and prepare
both research
paper and CA.
Research through
various literaturesto
support ideasand
documentationto
support the research.
Week
ending
11/19/11
Assessingthe
relationship
betweenclient
and caseworker
in order to find
common ground
on the benefits
of families
engagingin
services.
Was able to
obtain literature
to support ideas
and
documentation
11 Distribute the
survey-
questionnaire.
Have caseworkers
and clientscomplete
the surveyand
provide comments to
support their
answers.
Week
ending
12/03/11
There is an
assessmentthat
both clientsand
caseworkers
wanted to
expresstheir
opinionsin the
survey.
The outcome
was that the
majority of the
caseworkersand
clientswere in
an agreementin
the answers
from the survey.
12 Met withfield
supervisorto
discuss
progress.
Discussedhaving
caseworkersand
clientsparticipatedin
the survey–
questionnaire in
regards to preventive
services.
12/05/11 Explainedto field
supervisoron
how clientsand
caseworkers
were able to
participate inthe
survey.
Studentand field
supervisorwere
in an agreement
to make efforts
to meetagain
shortly.
13 Final
preparations
with research
paper and CA.
Conclude gathering
informationto
support the research,
as well as gathering
data for the survey –
questionnaire.
Week
ending
12/10/11
The project and
research paper
took a great deal
of time and
energyfor
completion.
The assignments
were very
challengingdue
to extensive
research,
interviews,
survey,and work
schedule.
*Landscape

Constructive Action
SectionThree-Documentation
 Date: WednesdaySeptember14,2011
 Time: 2:30 pm
 Location: NewYork CityAdministrationfor Children’sServicesBrooklynFieldOffice
 Participants: Denise LloydandWilliamFletcher(Resource Coordinator)
 ContentNarrative: WenttomeetwithMr. Fletchertoinformhimthat I beganattendingclasses
at MetropolitanCollegeof NewYorkinpursuitof the Master of PublicAdministration. I
inquiredonhavingafieldsupervisorassignedtome tomonitormy progresswhile attendingthe
college. Mr.Fletcherinformedme thathe wouldlookintoitandthenwouldgetbackto me as
soonas possible.
 Analysis: Thisismyfirststeptowardspursuingmymaster’sdegree,andIam not familiarwith
havinganyone supervise me while attendingclasses. Myonlyconcernisthat I am not
transferredtoanotherfieldoffice andunitbecause Iwouldhave toadaptto new staff and
supervisor. Icome froman unitedbutself-sufficientunitandteamwhere we tendtowork
independently,butalwayscome togetherinsupportof one another.
 Assessment: Iassessthatthis wouldbe a greatchallenge forme,anditwouldtake me some
time to adaptto becominga studentagain. Iknow thiswouldbe more difficultandmore
challengingforme asoppose topursuingmybachelors’degree.
 NextSteps: My nextstepisto follow upwithMr. FletchersothatI will be assigned afield
supervisor.

Constructive Action
 Date: Monday September19, 2011
 Time:mid-afternoon
 Location: NewYork CityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesBrooklynFieldOffice
 Participants:Denise Lloyd
 ContentNarrative: Neededtofollow uponwhowouldbe assignedasmyfieldsupervisor. Did
not meetwithMr. Fletcher,butIsentan e-mail toremindhimaboutassigningme. However,I
didnot receive aresponse fromhim.
 Analysis: There wasnoanalysistomake at thistime.
 Assessment: Iam startingto become concernedof notbeingassignedafieldsupervisor,asthe
fall semesterhasalreadystarted.
 NextSteps: Continue tomake effortstoreachMr. Fletchertohave a fieldsupervisorassigned
to me.

Constructive Action
 Date: FridaySeptember23, 2011
 Time: 8:30 pm
 Location: home
 Participants: Denise Lloyd
 ContentNarrative: Thiswouldbe agood place to start seekingatopicforthe researchpaper
and CA. I knowboth paperswouldhave tocoincide withthe organizationIworkfor,aswell as
my workexperience.
 Analysis: The analysisistryingtofind atopic thatI wouldlike todiscussinregardstomy
organization. Iam not somuch infavor to write aboutchildabuse orneglect,asthere are other
issuesthatACSdealswiththattie in to abuse andneglect.
 Assessment: Iam hopingthatI am able to come up witha resolutiononhow tobetterservice
my clientsafterdoingmyresearchandcompletingpapers.
 NextSteps: Will choose atopic,as well asfollow upwithfieldsupervisor.

Constructive Action
 Date(s): MondaySeptember26,2011
 Time: 2:30 pm
 Participants: Denise LloydandIsiakaOyesile(ChildProtectiveManager)
 ContentNarrative: Iwas informedbyMr.FletcherthatI was assignedafieldsupervisor. Mr.
Oyesile acceptedtobecome myfieldsupervisorwhile inattendingcollege. IprovidedMr.
Oyesile withsyllabusesforbothclasses.
 Analysis: The challengewillbe todothe research,aswell asto reportto a fieldsupervisor
despite myworkandfieldschedule.
 Assessment: Mr. Oyesileisnotmyregularmanager,as the manageris onmedical leave. I
wouldhave tobecome accustomedtoMr. Oyesile’sstyleinhow he makesassessmentsand
hopedthathe wouldassistme tothe bestof hisability.
 NextSteps: Continue todoresearchforthe researchand CA paper.

Constructive Action
 Date: TuesdayOctober4, 2011
 Time: 12:00 pm
 Location: NewYork City AdministrationforChildren’sServicesBrooklynFieldOffice
 Participants: Denise LloydandIsiakaOyesile
 ContentNarrative: MetwithMr. Oyesileregardingchoosingatopicforthe researchandCA
paper. I decidedtowrite the CA and researchpaperaboutservicesandthe family.
 Analysis: The purpose of writingaboutservicesandthe familyisthatouragency refersfamilies
to preventiveservicestohelpthemandpreventchildrenfrombeingremovedintofostercare.
At timesfamiliesdeclinedto acceptservices,orthatthe same familiescontinue tohave
allegationsof abuse and/orneglectagainstthem.
 Assessment: ItseemedthatMr. Oyesile wouldhave me discussservicesingeneral. However,I
believeitwouldbe more beneficial toresearchandexplore whyfamiliesare notreceptive to
engaginginservices;especiallyif servicescanbe an interventioninkeepingfamiliestogether.
 NextSteps: Continue withthe research.

Constructive Action
 Date: WednesdayOctober12,2011
 Time: evening
 Location: home
 ContentNarrative: Thisiswhere Iformulate the surveyforthe researchpaper. Iwill create a
seriesof statements(approximately10) where Ican obtainparticipants’feelingsandopinions
regardingservicesprovidedtofamilies.
 Analysis: The goal isto provide the survey/questionnaire tobothcaseworkersandclients. The
objectisto gainthe perspectiveof bothinregardsto how theyfeel aboutservices.
 Assessment: Iworkwithfamiliesonadailybasis,andmostof the time theyengage inservices.
However,there are afewthat are notreceptive toengage inservicesforvariousreasons. The
goal is to reallygetanunderstandingonthe families’feelingsonwhytheydoor do notwant to
engage inservicestohelpstrengthentheirfamilies.
 NextSteps: Complete formulatingthe surveyandthenshow forapproval.

Constructive Action
 Date: FridayOctober21, 2011
 Time: afternoon
 Participants: Denise LloydandMr.Oyesile
 ContentNarrative: Iwas sentan e-mail fromMr.Oyesile requestingtomeet. Thisweekhas
beenverydifficulttomeetinthe office,asIhad to catch up withplentyof workand
documentation. Lately,itbecame more difficulttomeetwithmyfieldsupervisorbecause of
office andfieldwork. Thishastakensome time gettinguse to,butI will make anefforttomeet
withMr. O. nextweek.
 Analysis: Atthispoint,there isnothingtoreportonanalysis,exceptthatIam continuingthe
researchforthe researchpaperand documentation.
 Assessment: Myassessmentrightnow istryingto formulate abalance betweenworkand
school work.
 NextSteps: Continue withthe researchpaperandto meetwithMr. O.

Constructive Action
 Date: WeekendingNovember5,2011
 Time:
 Location: home
 ContentNarrative: Completedpreparingthe surveyandisplanningonhavingcaseworkersand
clientscompletethem. Still wasunabletomeetwithMr.Oyesile due toabusy weekof field
and office work. Itisbecomingmore difficulttomeetwithMr.O. Inaddition,mycomputer
recentlycrashedandisin needof repair. Due to the crash, the researchand workthat has been
done so far hasbeenlost. Therefore,Ihave tostart fromscratch, but will become difficult
withouta computerat home because thisisthe onlytime Iam able toreallydoany work.
 Analysis: The goal isstill tocontinue the researchpaperandCA despite mycurrentdilemmaof
lostworkand no computer.
 Assessment: Nottoallowthisissue todissuade me fromreachingmygoalsof completingthese
papersfor thisclass.
 NextSteps: Lookto otheralternativesof completingthe research/CA papers,andtocomplete
the survey/questionnaire.

Constructive Action
 Date: WeekendingNovember12, 2011
 Time:
 Location: home,work,and college
 ContentNarrative: The planisto conductresearchon the preventive servicesthatiscontracted
by ACS. There isan abundance of preventive agenciesthatworkwithACS,andIbelieve thereis
a complete listingof themonthe agency’swebsite.
 Analysis: The goal isto researchvariouspreventive agenciesanddiscussthe type of services
theyprovide tofamiliesincrisisforinterventioninkeepingfamiliestogether.
 Assessment: The majorityof the preventive agenciesprovide the same type of services,but
there are several thatprovide notonlygeneral butintensive case managementservices.
 NextSteps: Meetwithfieldsupervisortoprovide himwithstatusonwhere Iam at withthe
research/CA.

Constructive Action
 Date: WeekendingNovember19, 2011
 Time:
 Location: home
 ContentNarrative: Iam continuingtohave difficultiesdocumentingmyworkwithoutthe use of
a computerat home. It is notfeasible touse the computeratworkdue to unauthorizeduse of
usingcomputersthatis notwork related. Itwasa verybusy week,asIwas still notable tomeet
withMr. Oyesile,aswe are stationedontwodifferentfloors. Iwill still make anefforttoreach
out to Mr. O. regardingmyprogressof the researchpaperandCA.
 Analysis: Iam readyto start havingpeople dothe survey,andIwasable to provide acopy of
the surveyto Mr. Oyesile despitenotactuallymeetingwithhimface toface. I am hopingthat
for nextsemester,Iamable to time-manage myself more efficientlysothatI am able to report
to the fieldsupervisorfully.
 Assessment: Iam feelingmore pressuredinhavingbothresearchandCA complete ontime.
 NextSteps: Have the surveycompletedandbegingatheringdataregardingthe outcome of the
survey.

Constructive Action
 Date: WeekendingDecember3,2011
 Time
 Location: home and work
 Participants: Denise Lloyd,caseworkersandclients
 ContentNarrative: Wasable to have caseworkersandclientscomplete the survey. Itwas
difficultasIfell ill lastweekandwasunable todoany school workor workat the office. Iwas
able to have mycomputerrepairedbuthadlost whateverworkIhadsaved. Will have to start
once again fromscratch and it wouldtake me some time. Ionlyhope thatI am able to
complete everythingontime.
 Analysis: The goal isto gatherall the data of the surveytakenby caseworkersandclientsandto
compare them. I will alsoconductan interviewwithaclientandcaseworkerregardingtheir
opinionsonprovidingservicestofamilies.
 Assessment: Iam still makingeffortstocompleteall myworkandsubmittedina timely
manner.
 NextSteps: Complete the researchandCA papersand submitthemontime.

Constructive Action
 Date: Monday December5,2011
 Time: 5:30 pm
 Participants: Denise LloydandIsiakaOyesile
 ContentNarrative: Iwas finallyable tomeetwithMr.Oyesile,andexplainedthe challengesI
was experiencing,suchascomputercrashingandlosingmywork,tiedupwithoffice andfield
work,and tryingto gatherresearchto do bothresearchand CA paper. AlthoughIhad
previouslyprovidedMr.Oyesile acopyof the survey,he requestedanotherone andI gave him
one.
 Analysis: Still gatheringthe dataforthe researchand plansonaddingit intothe paper,inwhich
it hasbecome challenging.
 Assessment: Still determine tosubmitall the workontime,butitis still achallenge.
 NextSteps: Complete bothresearchpaperandCA paper.

Constructive Action
 Date: WeekendingDecember10,2011
 Time
 Location: home
 Participants:Denise Lloyd
 ContentNarrative: Iam puttingtogetherbothresearchandCA paper at the same time. This
has proventobe verydifficultforme. However,Idonot planto give up,andwill continue to
make the effortto complete everything.
 Analysis: The goal isto complete bothresearchandCA papersand submitthemonthe due date
of December10,2011.
 Assessment: Thishasbeenverychallengingforme,andI hope thatI plan andtime-manage
myself betterinthe upcomingsemesters. Inow realize thisismore challengingthanIimagined.
 NextSteps: To buildabetterrelationshipwithfield supervisorforthe remainingsemesters.

Analysisand Evaluation
Supervisoryinteractionhasbeenachallenge fromthe beginningof the project. However,once
supervisionhasbeenassigned,there wasabrief discussionof atopic to researchand implementation
for the Constructive ActionProject. The choice wasmade to conductthe projectof providingservices
for clientswhohave opencaseswithNew YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServices. Itisusually
requiredthatfamiliesare referredtopreventive orcommunity-basedservicesonce aninitial or
subsequentinvestigationdetermine thatachildor childrenenduredsome formof abuse orneglectat
the handsof theirparentsor caregivers. However,basedoncaseworkpractice,familieseitherdonot
accept servicesorare non-compliantwithservices. The Constructive Projectwill explorepreventive
services,andexploreclients’experience and/orapprehensionof engaginginservices.
Althoughsupervisorysuggestionswere made toexplore the variousservicesthatare available
to the familiesinvolvedwithNewYorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServices,ascaseworkers,it
wouldbe more ideal andbeneficial forall concerned(caseworkersandclients) toexploreandidentify
clients’feelings,interaction,andapprehensionof servicesonce theybecome engaged. The issuesfrom
a caseworker’sviewisthatclientshave extensive historywithchildwelfare,andthatserviceshave
alreadybeenprovidedbutthatfamiliescontinue tohave reportsmade againstthemandbecome
involvedindifferentservice agencies.
As caseworkers,itisthe responsibilitytoinformandeducate clientsonthe benefitsof engaging
inservicestohelpstrengthenfamiliesand workasa form of interventiontopreventchildrenfrom
enteringinthe fostercare systemdue tosome formof abuse or neglect. The explorationof services
usuallyoccurseitherduringtowardsthe endof an investigation. However,inthe FamilyService Unit,
there isalreadyfamilycourtintervention,inwhichcaseworkersare assignedtosupervise andmonitor
familiesinadditiontoensure thatfamiliesengageinservices.
There are a total of fouror five caseworkersworkingwithinaunit. Workerstendto discussand
offersuggestionsand/oradvice regardingclient-caseworkinteraction. Attimes,caseworkerswould
discussthattheyhave good interactionandrapportwiththe majorityof theirclientsontheirworkloads.
There are usuallypositive feedbackandfamilywillingnesstobe compliantwithservicesbecause they
have a purpose anda goal to strengthentheirfamilies,aswell asworkingtoterminate theirrelationship
withthe childwelfare agency. Some caseworkerswouldreportthattheyhave difficultiesworkingwith
theirfamilies,notreceptive of services,andunwillingorcooperativewithworkingwiththe childwelfare
agency. It needstobe exploredexactlyhow caseworkersinteractwithclientswhenitcomesto
referringclientsforservices. Inwhatmethodcaseworkersuse whentheydiscussserviceswithclients?
Do caseworkersuse “friendlybanter”,constructive straighttalk,ormake verbal threatstoclients?
Caseworkershave discussedtohave usedall these methodswhenengagingfamiliesinservices,inwhich
at timeshave beeneffectiveand othertimesnotsoeffective. Therefore,caseworkerstendtouse

varioustechniquesonhowtheyengage clientstodiscussservices,butdonotcome withthe same
results.
Issues
Whenit comesto engaginginfamilies,therebecome challengesanddilemmasonone’sown
valuesandbeliefs. Attimes,itcanbecome anissue whencaseworkers’ethical valuesandbeliefscome
intoplay,especiallywhencaseworkersare parentsthemselves. Itispossible thatcaseworkers tendto
use theircaseworkpractice basedontheirownvaluesandbeliefs.Thiscanbecome anethical dilemma
because caseworkersare focusedonthe problemsandissuesthatfamiliesare enduringbasedontheir
ownperceptionof howfamiliesconductthemselvesamongsteach other. The questionbeing,are
caseworkersconsciouslyaware of howtheyinteractwiththeirfamilieswheninteractingandservicing
them? Do theirlacksof objectivitycloudtheirjudgmentonhow toprovide familieswiththe
appropriate servicesneeded tokeepfamiliestogether?
Barriersusuallycome intoplaywhenengagingfamiliesinservices. Ascaseworkers,itisideal to
be preparedwithvariousbarriersfamiliesgive astotheirreasonstheyare not able to acceptor engage
inservices. Barrierstendtobe brushedor passedoff as excusesforclientsnottakingresponsibilityfor
theiractionsor whatledthemto become involvedinchild welfare. However,shouldthe barriersof
clientsbe dismissedorexplored? One thingneedstobe clear;familiesconsiderchildwelfare asaform
of interference anddecisionmakingintheirlives. There isalwaysthe possibilityof resentmentand
hostilityfromthe familiestowardscaseworkersinchildwelfare cases andleadlastingimpacton
families’liveswhenitcomestotheirchildren.
SystemUtilization
To explore the effectivenessandengagementsof serviceswithfamiliesistoview caseworkers’
and clients’perceptionof howtheydeal withservices. Because caseworkersconductfieldworkof
conductinghome andschool visits, collateralcontactswithschools,physicians,extendedfamily
member,and/orpriorservice providers, caseworkershave tofull scope of interactingandevaluating
clients’view andinterestonhowservicesare accepted. Also,caseworkerswithinthe unitsoftenshare
theirexperiencesontheirowncaseworkpractice andinteractionwiththeirownclients. Althoughusing
such practice can assistcaseworkersinthe engagementof families,prior historyof childwelfare or
collateralsshouldnotfullydrawsuchconclusionsof interactingwithfamiliesonanegative level. Such
interactionandinformationgivenandprovidedtocaseworkersare toassistonprovidingaconcise and
effectivestrategytoassistclientsinlinkingthemwithappropriate servicestotendtothe existingand
priorneedsof the familythatplacestheirchildrenatrisk.

ResultsAssessment
To analyze the perceptionsof families’engagementof services,asurvey/questionnaire will be
conducted,withclientsandcaseworkersasparticipants. There willbe aseriesof tenquestions
indicatingvarioustypesof services,suchasparentingskillstraining, substance abusetreatment,early
interventionservices,mental healthservices,andeducationservices. The surveywill alsoexplorethe
perceptionregardingif clientswill benefitserviceswithintheirowncommunity,orthe optionof
travelingabroadinorderto meetthe needsof the family. Canfamiliesbenefitfromservicesthatwill
cater and identifytheirethnicityandculture? Will clientsbe more receptiveof engaginginservicesif
childcare isprovidedatthe service facilitywhileclientsare beingserviced sothatissuesof childcare
doesnotbecome as a barrier?
Althoughcaseworkersandclientswillparticipateinthe survey,the questionsare the same for
both. The objective istoobtainthe perspectivesof bothgenrestodetermine anycommonalityor
differencesof howservicesare beingviewedtoservice families. The participantswill alsoprovide
commentstosupporttheiranswersontheirviewsof servicingfamilies. Once all informationanddata
are collected,the surveywouldprovide the perspective of how servicesare beingexplored,discussed,
and implementedbetweencaseworkersandclients. The analysisof the surveywilldetermine if clients
and caseworkershare the same viewsandbeliefsof familiesengaginginservices,orclientsand
caseworkershave differencesthatmayinturn affectthe interactionbetweenclientsandcaseworkers
on howto move forwardwithservicingfamilies.

NewYork CityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesisanorganizationthatservesthe five
boroughsof NewYork Citythat overseeschildrenwhoare subjectedtochildabuse andneglectatthe
handsof theirparentsorpersonslegally responsible. New YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’s
Serviceswascreatedin1996 duringthe office termof Mayor RudolphGiuliani,inwhichthe Child
Welfare Administrationwasstrugglingtoensure the safetyof children. The agencywasmonitored
underthe umbrellaof HumanResources,butNew YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServicesis
consideredasa stand-alone agencytobe headedbyacommissioner,whowill have responsibilityof
childprotectionandfostercare programs(http://www.nytimes.org/1996). It appearedthatduringthis
era,the agency,formerlyknownasChildWelfare Administration(CWA),Special ServicesforChildren
(SSC),andBureauof ChildWelfare (BCW) struggledinthe protectionof children,providingservicesto
familiesforthe preventionof childrenenteringintofostercare underHumanResources,where many
structuringtookplace withinthe childwelfare organization.
Althoughthe agencywentthroughmanychangesoverthe years,the ultimate goal remainsthe
same:to ensure the safetyandwelfare of children. Since New YorkCityAdministrationforChildren’s
ServiceshasseveredtieswithHumanResources,the agencyhasopenedthe Children’sCenterin
Manhattan, whichisspecificallydesignedinplacingchildreninfostercare andmonitoredbycontracted
fostercare agencies. Fostercare agenciesare alsocontractedbyNew York AdministrationCityfor
Children’sServices,andare monitoredbythe Office of Special Investigationdepartment.
In additiontofostercare,NewYorkCityAdministrationforChildren’sServicescontractsvarious
agencieswithinthe communitytoprovide general andintensive,preventive servicestofamilieswhoare
incrisisand at riskof childrenbeingremovedandplacedinfostercare. The majorityof these
preventiveagenciesalsoprovidefostercare services,asbothare contracted throughNew YorkCity
AdministrationforChildren’sServices.
Familiesinthe midstof crisesand/oratriskof childrenbeingremovedfromhomescanbenefit
familystructure,stability,andempowerment. However,there are familieswhohave historywithNew
basedon caseworkpractice,the same familiescontinue tobe reportedforabusingand/orneglecting
abuse and neglect.
As caseworkersandservice providersworkwithfamilies,there are oftenvariousreasonsof
families’apprehensionof engaginginservices,asthisisone of the challengeswhenconducting
caseworkpractice inchildwelfare. Itappearedthatthe term“services”istakenona negative level.
Parentstendto thinkof servicesasa meansof a caseworkerinformingthemthattheyare notgood
parents;theydonot knowhowto raise theirchildren,orfeel thatagencieswantparentstoraise their
childrenbasedonwhatsocietydeemsappropriate,whichcango againstparents’values,beliefs,

culture,andupbringingwhentheywere children. Familiesmayfeel thattheyare eitherobligatedor
indebtedtocaseworkers,childprotective services,andpreventive agenciestoengage inservices,in
whichfamiliestolose asense of powerandself-control,andcaseworkerstendtogainpowerand
control overfamilies(Macionis,2005, p.200). Some familiesfeel uncomfortable of someone unfamiliar
withthe familycomingintotheirhomesonaregularbasis. Familiesoftenexpressthisasa formof
intrusionintotheirpersonallives. Otherreasonsstemthatagenciesassignedtofamiliesare notfamiliar
withthe family’sethnicity,culture,orlanguage. Familiesmayalsoreportthattheyengage inservicesin
the past frompreviousinvolvementinchildwelfare services,butfeltthatthe serviceseitherdidnot
helpresolve theirissues,orthe servicesdidnotaddressthe needsof the family. Also,there are clients
whoadamantlyrefuse toengage inservicesandoffernoclearexplanationexceptof notneedingany
services.
Notonlyis itbecomingmore difficulttoengage familiesintoparticipatinginservices,butalsoto
service the familiesthatwouldkeepthemfrombeing“repeatedoffenders”inhavingmore reports
made againstthem. One couldsay that placingservicesinfamiliestime andtime againisapotential
waste of time and energybecause familieshave notbenefitfromthe servicesthatleadsthemto
continue havingchildwelfare servicesintheirlives. Towhatextentof actionwouldhave totake place
to ensure the safetyandwelfare of childrenif familiesdonotparticipate inservices,butthere isnorise
of level of imminentdangerwhenchildreneventuallybe removedorplacedinfostercare.
The issuesthatneedto be exploredare the followingtype of servicesthatare beingofferedto
families:
 Identifythe specificneedsof servicesandoffertofamilies.
 Ensure availabilityof servicestofamilieswithintheircommunity.
 Locatingagenciestoaccommodate and coincide withthe families’ethnicity,language,
and culture.
 Recognizingandidentifyingfamilies’valuesand beliefsinregardstoanyservice plan.
The problemisto identifythe needforfamiliestoengage inservicesinordertostrengthen
families,keepthemtogetherandpreventchildrenfromenteringinthe fostercare system. However,
there tendstobe apprehensionof familieswantingtoputtheirtrustincaseworkersandservice
providerswhenrecommendingfamiliestoengage inservice throughpreventive agencies. Should
familiesnotparticipateinservices,whetheritisthe families’fearormisunderstandingonthe benefits
of services? Docaseworkersand/orsocial workershave some formof responsibilityonhow they
approach servicestothe clients? Whenfamiliesare introducedtoservicesbythe caseworkers,are the
servicesbeingofferedinapositive way,are familiesofferedchoices,orare theybeingthreatenedof
losingtheirchildrenshouldthistake place? Are caseworkers,service providers,andsocial workers
clearlyexplainanddescribe the type of servicestofamiliesingreatdetail inwhichfamiliesare able to
understand?
The hypothesisforthisissue: once familiesare referredtoandengage inappropriate,
preventiveservices,familiescanbe strengthenandremaintogether. Preventiveservicesisaformof

interventionforwhenchildrenare atriskof beingremovedandplacedinfostercare due tobeing
subjectedtoabuse and/or neglectbytheircaregivers. Preventiveagenciesofferavarietyof servicesfor
familiestoengage intohelpeducate caregivers,providesadvocacyandsupport,andtostrengthenthe
familyrelationship. One waytoidentifythe engagementof servicesistolookat variousservices
throughthe perspective of clientsandcaseworkers. A surveywill be providedtoclientsand
caseworkersregardinghowtheyfeel aboutthe type of servicesandevaluatebothvaluesandbeliefs
regardingthem. Thiswouldbe helpfulinordertogainsome understandingastowhyfamiliesare
unwillingorapprehensiveof engaginginservicesinordertokeeptheirfamiliestogether. Inaddition,it
couldalsooffersome insightasto howcaseworkers’ownobjectivity,values,andbeliefsdetermine how
theypresentandengage inexplainingthe reasonwhyitisimportantforfamiliestoengage inservices
before interventioninFamily Courtwouldbe warrantedtoeithermandate familiestoengage in
services,orbecome atriskof childrenenteringintothe fostercare system.
The missionof childwelfare servicesistoensure the safetyandwelfare of children. When
familiesare underinvestigationforallegedabuse orneglect,the agencyhasthe responsibilitytogather
information,obtainaccountsof whatledtothe reportmade,and to make assessmentof the child’s
environmenttoensure thatthe childissafe and identifyanyfactorsthatplacesa childatrisk of harm.
Dependingonthe findingsonthe investigation,the agencycandetermineif the childisina safe
environment,orif interventionshave tobe putin place to ensure the child’ssafetywhile remainingwith
theirparentsor caregivers.
One of the challengeswhenconductingcaseworkpractice inchildwelfare isengagingparentsin
servicestohelpstrengthenfamilies. Here isan example of whata parent’snegative response to
engaginginservices: There are parents whouse corporal punishmenttodiscipline theirchildren.
Parentscan be investigatedbychildprotectiveservices,andconclude thataparent’suse of corporal
punishmentwasexcessive due toachildsustainingpainand/orbecame injured. One formof
interventionthatmaybe recommendedisforthe parenttoengage insome formof parentingskills
traininginorderto learnnewtechniquesandalternative methodsof discipliningchildrenwithoutthe
use of corporal punishment. Parentsmayfindthiseither unnecessaryorevenoffensive,asthe term
“parentingskillsclasses”canbe interpretedasaparent’sinabilitytotake care of theirchildren. During
the trainingprocessof becomingaChildProtective Specialist,itwasinstructedthatdespitehow abusive
or neglectful aparentisto theirchild,noone knowsachildbetterthanthe parent. Therefore,itcanbe
understoodwhyaparentwouldtake offense tosomeonerecommendingparentingskillstrainingto
enhance theirownparentingexpertise inaneffective andnon-threateningway.
One of the barriersof familiesnotengaginginservicesisdenial. AccordingtoMacionis,by
familiesseekinghelpmeansthattheyare admittingthatthere isa problem(2005, p. 197). When
becominginvolvedwithfamiliesinwhichabuse orneglectplaysafactor,familiesare notlikelyto
acknowledge thatthere are anyproblemsorissuesinthe home. Forexample,somefamiliesmaynot
believethatparentsarguinginthe presence of childrenwouldnotbe aproblemthat wouldrequire
themto engage inservices. Familiesinvolvedinthisaspectmayfeel thatitisnormal for parentsto
disagree withone anotherandinturnhave arguments. However,familiestendtonotrealize that

childrencanbe affectedbytheirparentsarguing,especiallywhenthe argumentsbecome verballyor
physicallyabusive.
Anotherbarrierforfamiliestoengage inservicesisthatthere are agenciesdonotidentifywith
the families’language orcultural background. Attimeswhenfamiliesare referredtopreventive
agencies,familiesbecome linkedtoagenciesthatare opentoserve the familywithintheircommunity,
but doesnotnecessarycateror identifytothe families’language orcultural background. Thiscan
become anissue andleadto frustrationforall partiesconcerned,asservicescannotbe veryaffective for
the familyif the assignedagencycannotfindcommongroundwiththe familyandmeettheirneeds
efficientlydue tolanguage barrierandcultural differences.
Anotherbarrierforfamiliestoengage inservicesisthe clashingof valuesandbeliefs. There is
alwaysthe possibilitythatfamilieshave differentviewswhenitcomestoraisinganddisciplining
childrenbasedonthe families’cultural background. Whencaseworkers’valuesandbeliefsclashwith
the families’valuesandbeliefs,itwouldbe difficulttoforfamiliestounderstandthe needof services,as
well asthe caseworkers’insistence of familiesdoingso. AccordingtoWoodside andMcClam, it is
importantforcaseworkerstoknowand identifywhattheirownvaluesare andhow the valuesinfluence
the relationshipsbetweencaseworkersandthe familiestheyworkwithwhenitcomestoproviding
servicestofamilies(2002, p.216). It is alsoimportantas caseworkerstonotallow theirownvaluesand
beliefstobecome superiortothe families’ownbeliefs. The goalsof the caseworkersare toeducate
familiesastowhatactionsplace childrenatrisk.
The surveywouldappearinthisformat,and will be providedtocaseworkersandclientsto
complete andsubmittedforevaluation.

Engaging Families in Preventive and Community-based Services
The purpose of this surveyis to gain perspective ofindividuals’feelingsregardingdifferent
typesof servicesthat are designedtohelpstrengthenfamilies,as well as to prevent
placementof childrenintothe fostercare system.
Directions: Read each statementgivenon this scale of servicesand rate your opinion…1for
Strongly Agree,2 for Agree,3 for Disagree,and 4 for Strongly Disagree. Afterwards,please
provide your opinion(s) onthe comment sectionto explainyour rate for each statement.
Your answers and commentswill be confidential.
ParentingSkillsTraining can enhance and strengthenyour ability to discipline childrenwithout
the use of corporal punishment. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Parents can benefitfrom engagingin servicesfromany preventive serviceswithintheir
community. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Parents who smoke marijuana can benefitfromengagingin a drug treatment program for all
illicitsubstances. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Familiescan benefitfromengagingin servicesthat cater to theirown ethnicity,culture,and
community. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
It is important to connectfamiliesto agencies(preventive orcommunity-based) that
specificallytargetcurrent family issues. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Childrenfrom infancyto three years oldshould be recommendedfor earlyintervention
services. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
All family membersinvolvedin domesticviolence shouldengage incounselingservices.
1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Any familymemberthat is suspectedto have mental healthissuesshouldundergo mental
healthevaluationsto determine theirhealthstatus. 1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Parents shouldagree withrecommendationsfrom schoolsto have their childrenundergo
evaluationsto determine theirchildren’slevel ofacademicfunctioning.
1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Service agenciesshouldprovide child care serviceswhile parentsare engagedin services.
1 2 3 4
Comments______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Total: ___SA ___A ___D ___SD
Client Caseworker

As caseworkersandclientsconductedthe survey,several interviewswereconductedby
caseworkersandclientregardingtheirinteractionswitheachothers,aswell astheirfeelingsregarding
servicesforfamilies.
Caseworker#1 hasworkedforchildwelfare forapproximatelytenyearsandisconsidereda
seasonedworker. Caseworkerhadengagedinvariousfamiliesof race,ethnicity,andculture,with
differentvaluesandbeliefsfromthe caseworker’sown. Atthis time,the caseworkermostlyinteract
withclientsthathave issueswiththeirmentalhealth,whichcanbe challengingtoengage in;especially
whenthere are differencesof opinioninregardingthe level of care forchildren. Caseworker1had
declaredthatto be effective withfamilies,therehastobe straighttalk withparentsandcaregiversin
regardsto providingservices. However,Caseworker1 declaredthatinadditiontostraighttalk,there
has to be mutual respectanda positive rapportbetweencaseworkerandclient. Caseworker1believes
that once clientsare respectedintheirownhomes,andcaseworkersdemonstrate empathyand
understandingtothe clients’,thenthere isthe likelihoodthatclientscanbe more receptive when
caseworkersexplore serviceswiththem. Caseworker1had alsoexpressedthatcaseworkersmustbe
honestandeducate clientsintheirrightstoengage inservices,whatistobe expectedof the clientsto
reach the goalsof strengtheningfamilies,anddiscussthe consequences clientswouldface shouldthey
do notengage inservicestopreventchildrenbeingatriskof beingremovedfromtheirhomes.
Caseworker1had theirownperspective whenitcomestoprovidingvariousservicestofamilies.
Caseworker1feelsthatcaseworkersmustidentifythe problemsthe familiesare currentlyfacing,and
thenlinkthemtoservice providersthatwouldassisttheminreceivingthe appropriate servicesneeded.
For example,Caseworkerhadreservationsinclientsengaginginageneral substance abuse treatment
program that workwithindividualsthatengage inall illicitsubstances. Caseworker1believesthat
clientsthatuse marijuanashouldonlyparticipateinadrug treatmentprogram strictlyformarijuana
smokers. Caseworker1expressedthata marijuanasmokershouldnotinteractwithacocaine or heroin
userbecause the drugshave differenteffectsfromeachother,andeitherparticipantcannotfullyrelate
to theirownaddiction.
Caseworker2has workedforchildwelfare forapproximatelyfiveyears,andalthoughhas
confidence intheirabilitytoworkwithinthe childwelfaresystem,there isalwaysroomfor
improvement. Caseworker2mainlyfocusedon how clientsare notable tounderstandthe needof
engaginginservices. Caseworker2 hasa caseloadwithfamiliesthatemigratedfromothercountries
and tendto raise theirchildrenbasedontheirownculture andbeliefs. Caseworker2statedthat
althoughthe caseworkerunderstandsthe families’culture andbeliefsof how they raise anddiscipline
theirchildren,itisthe responsibilityof the caseworkertoeducate clientstoinformthemthatcertain
methodsof discipliningchildrenare notrecognizedoracceptedinthissociety. Caseworker2discussed
aboutreferringfamilies toservices,andstatedthatfamiliesshouldbe referredtoagenciesthatwould
service thembest. Caseworker2feltthat the families’ethnicityandculture shouldnotplaymucha
factor whenitcomesto engaginginservices,andthatonce clientsknow the consequencesof not
engaginginservices, theyshouldbe able toparticipate withoutanyobjections.

Caseworker2was more straightforwardwhenitcame to the variousservicesofferedto
families. Caseworker2feltthatclientsshouldnotuse certain barriersasan excuse fornot engagingin
services. Forexample,Caseworker2believedthatservice providersare notresponsible forproviding
childcare forclientsinorderfor themtoparticipate inservices. Caseworker2feltthatclientsknowthat
theyare to attendandparticipate inservices,andtherefore,shouldmake theirownarrangementsto
ensure thattheirchildrenare beingcaredfor. In contrast,whenitcame to servicessuchasearly
interventionreferral orschool interventiontohave childrenevaluated,Caseworker2believedthatit
shouldbe the decisionof the clientstodetermine if theirchildrenshouldacceptanyreferralsor
services.
Caseworker3has workedforchildwelfare forapproximatelysevenyears,andisconfidentthat
theyare able towork withtheirfamiliesefficiently. Caseworker3expressedthattheirgoal isto work
withthe familiestothe bestof the caseworker’sabilitytoensure thatfamiliesare strengthen,and
considersfostercare as a lastresort of intervention. Caseworkerbelievesthatfamiliescanbenefitfrom
all servicesavailable,whetherthe service providersare withinthe communityornot. Caseworker3
expressedtobe ingreatfavorwithservice providersensuringchildcare servicesforclientssothat
clientscanparticipate inserviceswithoutchildcare beingabarrierto reachclients’goal of
strengtheningfamiliesandterminate the involvementof childwelfare. Caseworkerexpressedthe need
to establishagoodrapport withclients,buttoalsostressthe importance andconsequencesof clients’
interestorapprehensionof the engagementof services. Caseworker3expressedtobe infavorof the
availabilityof earlyinterventionservicesandschool becomingmore involvedandproactive inexploring
servicestochildrenwhoare inneedbasedontheirlackof theirdevelopment.
Some clientswere alsointerviewedregardingtheirperspectiveswhenitcomestothe
involvementof childwelfareandthe engagementof services.
Client#1isa single motherof fourchildren,hasextensive historyof childwelfare,andatone
pointhad the childreninfostercare. The childrenhave since returnedtohercare,andshe isnow
engagedinservicesforfamilytreatmentandrehabilitation,drugtreatment,andmental healthservices.
Clientexpressedthatshe ismore receptive of beingengagedinservicesbecause she experienced the
childrennotbeinginhercare. Client#1statedthat she realizedthatshe wasstubbornindoingservices
mostlybecause she wasindenial thatshe hadany issueswithhermental health,andthathermarijuana
use didnot impairherabilitytotake care of her children. Client#1expressedthatshe isworking
towardshergoal incompletingherservices,workingonformingabetterlastingrelationshipwithher
children,andtoendthe cycle of beinginvolvedwithchildwelfare.
Whenconductingthe survey,Client1hadagreedwithfamiliesengaginginserviceswithintheir
community asa form of convenience tothe family. Client1wasalsoin favorwithservice providers

havingchildcare in the facilitiessothatclientsdonotworry aboutfindingchildcare at the lastminute
and keepingthemfromgoingtotheirservices. Client1,whohas issueswithmarijuanareportedto
benefitlearningaboutthe effectsof othertype of drugsand know to stayaway fromthemfor her
healthandfor the sake of keeping herchildreninhercare.
Client#2 isa single motherof fourchildren,hasnopriorhistoryof childwelfare,andisonly
involvedwithchildwelfare due toaverbal dispute withherpre-teenage daughter. Client2was referred
to and engagedingeneral preventive services. Client2was verycompliantwiththe service agencyby
attendingoffice andhome visits,as well asparticipatinginindividualandfamilycounseling. After
several monthsof beingserviced,Client2feltthat familyissueshave beenresolvedandservicesare no
longerneeded. Asa result,the service providerandfamilyhave made adecisionto close the service
case. WhenaskedClient2aboutthe needforservices,Client2reportedthatthere wasa needfor
counselingservicesdue tothe strainedrelationshipwithherchild.
Client2 expressedthat she didnotbenefitmuchfromthe agencythatprovidedcounseling
service tothe family. Client2expressedthatall the caseworkerdidwascome tothe home,askeda
seriesof questionsregardinghowthe familywasfunctioning,andthenleftthe home. Client2reported
that visitsatthe agency were asmuch the same as the home visit,inwhichshe made the decisionto
terminate services. Client2expressednoanimosityorresentmenttothe assignedcaseworker,butfelt
that time waswastedforall partieswere concernedbecause she didnotbenefitorlearnedanything
that wouldmake sucha great impactof strengthening herfamily. However,Client2expressedthat
beinginvolvedwithchildwelfare didinfacthelpthe importance of puttingthe family’sneedsfirst,and
has made effortstoresolve anyfamilyissueseffectivelybefore anyoutside interventionisneeded.
Client#3 isa single motherof twochildren,aboyanda girl. One of the childrenisexperiencing
developmental delaysandisinneedof earlyinterventionservices. However,the clientdidnotact
appropriatelytoensure herchildreceivesservicesneededandhadplacedchildatrisk. The familyhas
beenreferredtopreventiveservicesandcommunity-basedservicesforearlyintervention,aswell as
familycourtbeinginvolved sothatchildwelfare canmonitorthe familytoensure thatthe familyisin
compliance withservicesandchildren’sneedsare beingmet.
Client#3 expressedthatshe wasnot initiallyreceptiveof servicesmainlydue because of how
the caseworkerfromchildwelfare interactedwithher. Client#3 expressedthatshe feltthatthe
caseworkerbelievedtobe betterthanher,andtriedto tell herhow to raise and discipline herchildren.
Client3 expressedthatshe knowsherchildrenandare capable of caringfor themwithoutplacingthem
indanger. Client3alsoreportedthatshe feltdisrespectedinherownhome whenthe caseworker
threatenedtakinghertocourt andevenconsideredremovingherchildrenfromher.
Despite herfeelingsabouthowherinteractionwithherinitial caseworker,Client#3 didagree
that familiesshouldbe engagedinserviceswithinthe communityforconvenience,have childcare in

theirfacilities,andprovideservicesthatonlytendtothe specificneedsof the family. Client3is now
complaintwithservicesbecause the service providershave treated herwithrespectandwelcome her
inputonhow she feelsaboutraisingachildwithdelays. Client3ismore receptive towardsservices,but
feltthatchildwelfare caseworkersneedtolearnhow toengage infamiliesbetterbecause itaffectsthe
livesof theirchildren.
More likely,clientsandcaseworkerswouldhave adifference inopinionandperspective of
services. Withthe use of thistool,resultscouldhave some commongroundbetweencaseworkersand
clientsashowtheyfeel aboutthe type of servicesbeingofferedandprovidedtofamilies. Once
perspectivesare evaluated,explorationcantake place asto how servicescanbe improved,inwhich
clientscanagree to a level of compliance withoutfeelingthattheyare beingforcedorcoerced. Six
caseworkersandsix clientshave conductedandcompletedthe surveyasa formof pre-testasto how
theyfeel aboutpreventiveservicesandthe type of servicesare provided. Duringthe continuationof
the projectregardingfamiliesengaginginpreventive services,more intensive researchwouldbe made,
and a post-testwouldbe conductedtosee if there are anysignificantchangesinthe perspectiveof
services,orthe perspectiveremainsthe same.
This surveywasprovidedtoandansweredbycaseworkerstoobtaintheirperspectiveof the
benefitsof servicestofamilies. These are the commentsmade byparticipatingcaseworkers.
1. Parenting SkillsTraining can enhance and strengthenyour abilityto discipline children
without the use of corporal punishment.
16%
67%
17%0%
Caseworker
Strongly Agree
Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree

16% stronglyagree thatparentingskillstrainingcanenhance andstrengthenindividual’s
abilityindiscipliningchildrenwithoutusingcorporal punishment.
67% agree that parentingskillstrainingcanenhance andstrengthenindividual’s abilityin
discipliningchildrenwithoutusingcorporal punishment.
17% disagree thatparentingskillstrainingcanenhance andstrengthenindividual’sabilityin
discipliningchildrenwithoutusingcorporal punishment.
0% stronglydisagree thatparenting skillstrainingcanenhance andstrengthenindividual’s
abilityindiscipliningchildrenwithoutusingcorporal punishment.
Comments
- The parentsstill have tobe willingtouse alternative discipline methods. ParentingSkills
classesisnot a guarantee.
- Parentingtrainingclassescanbe helpful.
- Some people are notaware of the appropriate waytodisciplinetheirchildren,andIbelieve
trainingwouldhelpthemtoavoidusingexcessive corporal punishment.
- Thisis the purpose of parentingskills training.
- Yes,because theyare a lot of familiesfromdifferentculturesthatuse physical meansto
disciplinechildrenandbelieve itisthe onlyeffectiveway.
- Most clientsreallydon’tbelieve ittobe a fact. Theybelievenoone shouldtell themwhat
to do.
Basedon the surveyanddata collected,itappearedthatthe majorityof caseworkersagreed
that familiescanbenefitfromengaginginparentingskillsclassestolearnalternative
techniquesof discipliningchildrenwithouthavingtoresorttocorporal (physical)
punishment. However,therewere afew caseworkerswhofeltthatparentsdonotbelieve
engaginginparentingskillstrainingwouldmake muchof a difference intheirstyleof
discipliningtheirchildren,andconsideredthistobe anintrusiononoutsidersinstructing
themon howto parenttheirchildren.
16%
67%
17%
0%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Parenting Skills Training can enhance and
strengthen your ability to discipline…

2. Parents can benefitfrom engagingin servicesfromany preventive serviceswithintheir
community.
16% stronglyagree thatparentscan benefitfromengaginginservicesfromany preventive
agencywithintheircommunity.
67% agree that parentscan benefitfromengaginginservicesfromanypreventive agency
withintheircommunity.
17% disagree thatparentscanbenefitfromengaginginservicesfromanypreventive agency
withintheircommunity.
0% stronglydisagreedthatparentscanbenefitfromengaginginservicesfromany
preventiveagencywithintheircommunity.
Comments
- Theyneedtoengage witha providerthatwill suittheirfamilydynamics.
- Some of these servicesare notinthe community.
16%
67%
0%17%
Parentscan benefit fromengaging in
services fromany preventive services
within their community.
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
16%
67%
17%
0
Strongly Agree
Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Parentscan benefit fromengaging in
services fromany preventive services
within their community.

- I believefamiliescanbenefitfromengaginginservicesintheircommunitybecausethe
servicescanhelpthe familyfindresourceswithinthe community.
- The preventive service agencyhastoprovide the correctservicestothe familyby assessing
of family’sneeds.
- Yes,because itwouldnotbenefitthe familytogoto an agencythat is notin their
community. Agenciesthatare too far woulddiscourage the familyfromparticipatingin
services.
- As a caseworker,Istronglyagree thatclientscanbenefitfrompreventive andcommunity
services.
Basedon the surveyandcollecteddata,itappearedthatthe majorityof caseworkersagreed
that familieswouldbe more receptive of participatinginapreventive agencythatservice
theircommunity withouthavingtodounnecessarytravel toagenciesthatisfar fromtheir
homes. However,some caseworkersdisagree,indicatingthatalthoughpreventiveagencies
are withinthe families’community,itdoesnotnecessarymeanthatthe agencywouldhave
servicesthatwouldfitthe currentneedsof the family. Inotherwords,familiesreferredto
preventiveagencieswithintheircommunitywouldbe the resultof convenience andnotthe
needsof the family.
3. Parents who smoke marijuana can benefitfrom engagingin a drug treatment program for all
illicitsubstances.
17%
50%
33%0%
Parentswho smoke marjuana can benefit
from engaging in a drug treatment program
for all illicit substances.
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

17% stronglyagree thatparentswhosmoke marijuanacanbenefitfromengaginginadrug
treatmentprogramfor all illicitsubstances.
50% agree that parentswhosmoke marijuanacanbenefitfromengaginginadrug
treatmentprogramfor all illicitsubstances.
33% disagree thatparentswhosmoke marijuanacanbenefitfromengaginginadrug
treatmentprogram.
0% stronglydisagreedthatparentswhosmoke marijuanacanbenefitfromengaging ina
drug treatmentprogram.
Comments
- Many timesmarijuanaisa beginnerdrugandabusersmove tostrongerdrugs. Thus,all
illicitsubstance treatmentisgreat.
- I feel noteveryone needsaprogramto stopsmokingmarijuana.
- I feel thatpeople who smoke marijuanashouldbe inadrug programfor marijuana. I
believeapersonhearingaboutotherillicitdrugswill make themcurioustouse andtry
otherdrugs.
- That will helpthemtounderstandthe importance tobe drugfree,andparentscan benefit
fromdrug treatmentprogram.
- It isgood to educate familiesonthe affectsof all drugsandnot justmarijuana.
- I believeeveryonedoingsome sortof drugsshouldengage intreatment.
There appearedtobe mixedopinionsregardingdrugtreatmentforparents whoonlysmoke
marijuana. Some caseworkersagreedthatparentsshouldengageinadrug treatment
program that educatesparticipantsonall illicitdrugsandnotjustmarijuana. Some
17%
50%
33%
0%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Parentswho smoke marjuana can benefit
from engaging in a drug treatment program
for all illicit substances.

caseworkersconsidermarijuanatobe the beginnerdrugor“gateway”drug that wouldhave
marijuanausersadvancedtootherpotentdrugslike cocaine,crack/cocaine,orheroin.
Therefore,itwouldbe imperativeandbeneficial formarijuanauserstolearnhow the other
drugswouldaffectthem. Meanwhile,othercaseworkersfeltthatbylearningof otherdrugs
beside marijuanawouldonlyleadtocuriosityforindividualstouse those drugs.
4. Familiescan benefitfromengaging inservicesthat cater to their own ethnicity,culture,and
community.
50% stronglyagree thatfamiliescanbenefitfromengaginginservicesthatcatertotheir
ownethnicity,culture,andcommunity.
17% agree that familiescanbenefitfromengaginginservicesthatcaterto theirown
ethnicity,culture,andcommunity.
50% 17%
33%0%
Families can benfit from engaging in
services that cater to their own ethnicity,
culture, and community.
50%
33%
17%
0%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Families can benfit from engaging in
services that cater to their own ethnicity,
culture, and community.

33% disagree thatfamiliescanbenefitfromengaginginservicesthatcaterto theirown
ethnicity,culture,andcommunity.
0% stronglydisagreedthatfamiliescanbenefitfromengaginginservicesthatcaterto their
ownethnicity,culture,andcommunity.
Comments
- These typesof providershave abetterunderstandingof theirclientstoensure successin
the program.
- Sometimestheseagenciesdon’thave translatorstosuitthese families’needs.
- I believeservicesthatcaterto families’ethnicity,culture,andcommunity willbenefita
familybetter. The serviceswill know whatthe familyisgoingthroughwithbelieves,
customs,and tradition,andcanhelpthe familymore because theycanrelate.
- Notreally,itdependsof the willingnessof the familytounderstandtheir needsforservices.
- An agencythat providesservicestofamiliesbasedontheirethnicity,culture,and
communitywouldputfamiliesatease andfindcommongroundwiththe agency.
- Yes,most definitely. We are made upof differentculturesandsometimesascase managers
we don’tunderstand.
The majorityof the caseworkersstronglyagree thatfamiliescanbenefitfromengagingin
servicesthatcaterto theirethnicity,culture,andthe community. The more the service
providerisable toidentifyandrelate tofamilies’cultural andethnicmakeup,the more
receptive familieswill participate andcooperate withservices. However,there weresome
caseworkerswhofeltthatfamilieswhoare inneedof servicesshouldparticipatedespite
whattype of agencywhoservice them. Inotherwords,familieswhoare aware that there is
a needforthemto engage inservicesshoulddosoregardlesswhattype of agencyis
referredtothemforservice.
5. It isimportant to connect familiestoagencies(preventive orcommunity-based) that
specificallytargetcurrent family issues.

50% stronglyagree thatit isimportantto connectfamiliestoagenciesthatspecifically
target currentfamilyissues.
17% agree that itis importanttoconnectfamiliestoagenciesthatspecificallytargetcurrent
familyissues.
33% disagree thatitisimportantto connectfamiliestoagenciesthatspecificallytarget
currentfamilyissues.
0% stronglydisagreedthatitisimportantto connectfamiliestoagenciesthatspecifically
target currentfamilyissues.
Comments
- In orderfor the servicestobe functional andproductive,agenciesneedtofocusoncurrent
issuesbesidepastissues.
- It isimportantto connectthemwiththe rightagencythat servicestheirneeds.
50%
33%
17%0%
It is important to connect familiesto
agencies (preventive or community - based )
that specificallytarget current familyissues.
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
50%
33%
17%
0%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
It is important to connect familiesto agencies
( preventive or community - based ) that
specifically target current family issues.

- Because the family mighthave pastissuesthatneedtobe addressedsoIbelieve anagency
that targetsmultiple issueswouldbenefitfamilies.
- That’s true,butthe family’swillingnessisneededtoaccomplishthattasksandgoals.
- Familiesshouldbe linkedtoagenciesthat have the servicestodeal withcurrentissues,and
not onlystandardservicesthatwouldbe unable tohelpfamilieswithexistingissues.
- To a certainpointyes. Sometimesone issuecanbecome broad.
One of the issuesthatcaseworkershave challengeswithisthatfamiliesare referredtoand
become engagedinservicesthatare notaddressingthe issuesandthe needsof the family.
For example,if afamilyhasissueswithsubstance abuse,the bestsolutionwouldbe torefer
and linkthe familytoa service providerthatwouldprovide drugtreatmentservices,notjust
general caseworkcounseling. However,othercaseworkersfeel thatfamiliesshouldengage
inan agency thatoffermultiple servicestoaddressall needsdespite whatissuesfamiliesare
goingthrough.
6. Childrenfrom infancyto three years old shouldbe recommendedforearly intervention
services.
50%
33%
17%0%
Children from infancyto three years old
should be recommendedfor early
intervention services.
50%
33%
17%
0%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Children from infancyto three years old
should be recommendedfor early
intervention services.

50% stronglyagree thatchildrenfrominfancytothree yearsoldshouldbe recommended
for earlyinterventionservices.
33% agree that childrenfrominfancytothree yearsoldshouldbe recommendedforearly
interventionservices.
17% disagree thatchildrenfrominfancytothree yearsoldshouldbe recommendedfor
earlyinterventionservices.
0% stronglydisagreedthatchildrenfrominfancy tothree yearsoldshouldbe recommended
for earlyinterventionservices.
Comments
- Theyshouldonlybe referredif there isaconcernin theirdevelopmentalmilestones.
- That’s goodto do if any concernsare indoubtsof your child.
- Thiswill helpfamiliestofinddelaysandlearningissuessotheycanbe addressedearlyinthe
child’slife.
- For assessmentandprevention.
- Thisis a goodidea,to see if childrenare eithermeetingtheirmilestonesorare inneedof
therapiesforanydelays.
- Early interventionisanimportantwaytorecognize the issue some childrenwouldhave
before beingengagedinschool.
The majorityof caseworkershave agreedorstronglyagreedtoan extentthatitis important
for childrenfrominfancytothree years oldbe recommendedforearlyinterventionservices.
Caseworkersbelieve thatitisimperativeforparentstohave theirchildrenwithinthatage
range to be evaluatedtoensure thatthe childrenare currentlymeetingtheirmilestones,as
well asto begin interventionof providingvarioustherapiesforchildrenwhoare determined
to experience developmental delays. However,some caseworkersbelieve thatchildren
shouldonlybe recommendedforearlyinterventionif there are suspicionsthatchildrenare
showingindicationsof delay. Earlyinterventionevaluationsandservicesare voluntary
servicesunlesscourtinterventionmandatesthe familytoparticipate inthe service.

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