Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Issue of Family Preservation vs Child Placement Discussion Chapter 8 takes a dive into the issue of family preservation vs. child

Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Issue of Family Preservation vs Child Placement Discussion Chapter 8 takes a dive into the issue of family preservation vs. child placement. The central question considered in this chapter is, when is it necessary to remove a child from the home and when is it best to preserve the family unit? Having read the previous chapters, you have hopefully acquired some information to help you consider the pros and cons of each, as well as consider the circumstances that might require placing children outside the home vs. providing resources and supports to families. Historically, a greater percentage of children were placed outside the home and for longer periods of time. The emphasis of child welfare currently is to preserve families whenever possible. The chapter describes the reporting, intake, and investigation process for child protective services, different types of supports that are provided to families at risk of child placement, and ways of assessing family functioning to determine if families are at risk. Below are some links to further reading about the North Carolina Family Assessment Scales, which are currently the only validated measures of family functioning and suitability for reunification.

https://www.nfpn.org/Portals/0/Documents/ncfas-r_scale_defs.pdf

https://www.nfpn.org/assessment-tools/ncfas-r-sample

In Chapter 9, the text provides an overview of the history and evolution of the juvenile justice system in the United States. The juvenile justice system was designed to provide support and opportunities for rehabilitation in recognition of the fact that youth are developmentally different from adults. Unfortunately, it grew more punitive over time and in many ways functions just like the adult criminal justice system. There are many areas of overlap between the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system. Sometimes, status offenses such as truancy or delinquency cases lead to the involvement of child protective services. Youth who find themselves in contact with the juvenile justice system may also find themselves being placed outside of the home. Sometimes, if parental abuse or neglect is disclosed, parents may find themselves involved in a dependency case or even a criminal case.

Involvement with the juvenile justice system is traumatic for youth who most likely have already been exposed to trauma. For this reason, youth courts should implement trauma-informed models. Social workers play a really important role in helping youth and thier families to navigate the justice system. Sometimes, these social workers are also charged with the responsibility of keeping children safe. This conflicting role can be confusing for families, who may then be reluctant to open up and communicate with their case worker. While the juvenile justice system can potentially help to repair harm and restore youth to a place of well-being and belonging in their families and communities, there are many critical issues that need attention in the years to come.

Assignments/Tasks for this week:

1. Read chapter 8.

2. Post your primary response in the chapter 8 discussion forum by Tuesday at 11:59pm. Secondary responses should be submitted throughout the week (but no later than Saturday at 11:59pm).

3. Read chapter 9.

4. Post your primary response in the chapter 9 discussion forum by Thursday at 11:59pm. Secondary responses should be submitted throughout the week (but no later than Saturday at 11:59pm).

5. Submit your end of week reflection by Saturday at 11:59 pm in Assignments.

1-On one document contains the discussion and down below is the question: There will be three discussion questions

1. Based on what you learned about the potential causes of child abuse and neglect, what approaches would you recommend for prevention? Your response should take into consideration preventive measures that target individuals, families, and communities.

2.This week, you are reading about the issues involved in the decision to preserve a family vs. placing a child outside of the home. There is a lot to consider in making this decision. One of the laws that is relevant to this discussion is the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, which mandates states to petition the court for a termination of parental rights if children have been placed outside of the home for 15 of the previous 22 months. It is important to note that the 15 months do not have to be consecutive – any 15 months of the previous 22 is enough to warrant a termination of parental rights. Critics argue this makes it difficult for parents who have been incarcerated or who are struggling to overcome addiction to regain custody of their children. Proponents argue that the law moves children towards permanency quicker than in the past. Read the attached article, “ASFA Case Example,” and provide your responses to the discussion questions that follow. You will also need to read the attached article, “Info for ASFA Case Example,” to assist you in answering some of the questions.

ASFA Case Example.pdf

Info for ASFA Case Example.pdf

3. After viewing the videos about Christel’s experience with the juvenile justice system, draw from what you have learned in this course about the appropriateness of formal punishment, and incarceration specifically, for school truancy.

Click below to access the videos. There are four short clips.

https://nj.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/fl32-soc-psjuvestory/frontline-prison-state-christels-story/

2- the other document is the reflection paper:

At the end of each week, students will submit a one-page reflection (double-spaced) of what they learned during the week from the assigned materials and discussions. Students will be evaluated on their ability to identify important concepts and ideas from the chapters, their understanding of the implications of these concepts/ideas for practice, and their analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in the information presented.