Chapter VIII:Protective Services 1400- PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
IV. CLIENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Parent/caregiver rights
SOC principles also provide that all parents/caregivers involved in cases of abuse, neglect, or dependency have the right to:
- Be treated in a courteous and respectful manner;
- Know DSS's legal authority and right to intervene in cases of child abuse, neglect, or dependency;
- Know the allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency reported at the first contact with DSS;
- Know any possible action which DSS/may take, including petitioning the court to remove the child in order to ensure safety and protection;
- Know DSS's expectations of the parent/caregiver;
- Know what services they can expect from DSS and other community agencies; and
- Have a family services case plan that is clearly stated, measurable, specific, that includes time-limited goals, and is mutually developed by the DSS and the parent/caretaker.
Parental Responsibilities
Parents/Caregivers are responsible for:
- Providing minimally sufficient physical and emotional care for their children;
- Accepting responsibility for their actions and rectifying behaviors that place their children at risk; and
- Actively participating in activities designed to reduce risk to the child and stabilize the family.
- Freedom from abuse, neglect, dependency and exploitation;
- Minimally sufficient care and support;
- An environment that promotes physical and emotional well-being;
- A life-long family relationship with at least one adult that promotes a sense of mutual belonging and is legally secure; and
- Representation before the Juvenile court by a Guardian Ad Litem and/or attorney if custody has been removed from the parents.
- principles also encourage the involvement of children, if appropriate, during the process of child welfare involvement.
Perpetrator's Rights
Persons alleged to have caused or contributed to the abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child have a right:
- To be informed of the allegations of child abuse, neglect, or dependency at first contact with DSS;
- To receive services designed to correct the behavior that led to the abuse, neglect, or dependency;
- To retain legal counsel, if they so desire (the court appoints counsel to indigent parents); and
- To be informed of the agency's actions relating to them, including referral for criminal charges when indicated.
Agency Responsibilities
Providing protective services to families is a very complex task. Intervening into the life of a family must be done with care, dignity, and respect. Social workers must:
- Have the skills to handle crises without escalating them;
- Identify strengths and risk factors within the family;
- Advocate with the family, community and other agencies for supportive services; and
- Help develop realistic goals and services.
