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Do you think there needs to be more investigation when doing CPS

I'm an adopted child, along with my twin brother, who's special needs and I found out not too long ago that there are actually a lot of adopted and foster kids in my area. But, not all are in a loving caring home like I am. I feel like I should step in, give back to the kids and make a change in their lives before its too late. #child-development #working-with-children #child-care #children #career-choice #career-path

Thank you comment icon Hi - I have 4 children, 2 who are adopted (bio sisters). It is wonderful that you want to help other in need. There different type of people who help adopted children. Find what make you happy and then connect that to giving back or you can also look to be a volunteer at a non-profit that supports kids in foster care. Dawn Cordero

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Dan’s Answer

I applaud your empathy for others that are from similar circumstances as you but not as fortunate with their placements. The best way to help until you can be part of the solution is to be available to others who need someone to talk to, and advocate and encourage them to report anything that sounds questionable to the appropriate authority (CPS, guidance counselor, law enforcement, etc.).

Dan recommends the following next steps:

Find a local advocacy or child welfare agency/foster agency that would have opportunities for volunteerism or internship.
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Joe’s Answer

CPS or Family Services, could go by any number of names from one area to another. It's a tough area to work in because it often attracts people like yourself with a high degree of empathy. There will almost always be more cases to work on than there are people to take on those cases. You will be overworked. These two factors alone lend toward the industry's high rate of burn out.

All that being said, it is a noble area to explore. Volunteering for support organizations is a good way to get involved while still being able to set boundaries for your own mental health. If working with foster or adoption cases isn't your job, it is easier to step away when you need a break. There is a national organization called CASA that supports children in situations like you describe. You could also look into Big Brother/Big Sister programs. Both of these opportunities would allow you to help out individuals and make lasting connections.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that many organizations have legal limits on how you would be able to help. Sometimes, this can be the most frustrating part of trying to help people. But often those laws or policies are present for a reason. It is valuable when you get frustrated by them to take a moment to calm down then investigate the policy to understand why it may be in place. If you find it to be out of date or not serving its intended purpose, you could work with policy makers to have it changed or removed.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Jalencia,

Should there be more investigation when doing CPS in cases involving adopted and foster children?

When it comes to the welfare of adopted and foster children, especially those who may not be in loving and caring homes, the need for thorough investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) is crucial. The safety and well-being of these vulnerable children should be a top priority, and ensuring that they are placed in nurturing environments is essential for their development.

Importance of Investigation in CPS Cases:

Child Protection: Adopted and foster children are often at a higher risk of abuse or neglect due to various factors such as trauma from previous experiences, special needs, or inadequate caregiver training. Conducting thorough investigations helps identify any signs of mistreatment and ensures that appropriate interventions are made to protect the child.

Legal Compliance: CPS investigations are mandated by law to safeguard the rights of children and ensure that they are placed in safe environments. By conducting detailed assessments, CPS can determine whether a child’s placement meets the necessary standards for their well-being.

Early Intervention: Early detection of potential issues through comprehensive investigations allows for timely intervention to address any concerns regarding the child’s safety or welfare. This proactive approach can prevent further harm and provide support to both the child and their caregivers.

Accountability: Conducting thorough investigations holds caregivers accountable for their actions and ensures that they fulfill their responsibilities towards the children under their care. It also serves as a mechanism to address any shortcomings in the system that may put children at risk.

Challenges in CPS Investigations:

Resource Constraints: Limited resources, including staffing shortages and high caseloads, can hinder the ability of CPS agencies to conduct in-depth investigations in a timely manner. This can impact the quality of assessments and potentially compromise child safety.

Complexity of Cases: Cases involving adopted and foster children may present unique challenges due to factors such as trauma history, behavioral issues, or medical needs. Investigating these cases requires specialized knowledge and skills to effectively assess the situation.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: Coordinating efforts among various stakeholders involved in the child welfare system, including social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, and legal authorities, is essential for conducting comprehensive investigations and ensuring holistic support for the child.

In conclusion, given the vulnerability of adopted and foster children, there is a compelling need for more thorough investigations by CPS to safeguard their well-being and promote positive outcomes in challenging situations.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Child Welfare Information Gateway: This source provides research-based information on child welfare policies, practices, and resources related to adoption, foster care, and child protection services.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW offers professional standards and guidelines for social workers involved in child welfare services, including best practices for conducting investigations in cases involving vulnerable children.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): AAP publishes guidelines on pediatric care and child advocacy, offering insights into the importance of comprehensive assessments in safeguarding the health and well-being of adopted and foster children.

These sources were instrumental in providing evidence-based insights into the significance of thorough investigations by CPS in cases concerning adopted and foster children.

God Bless, JC.
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Hannah’s Answer

Absolutely. We need a full overhaul of the adoption/foster care system and make sure that it's attracting/accessable for people who genuinely care about and want to help kids. Good question.
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