Other
The author of this blog post points out that the focus of child protection social workers is generally much more on mothers than on fathers and explains that even when fathers are included they are often viewed through a “risk lens”. He considers some of the underlying reasons for this disparity, discusses the need to better understand the difficulties that fathers may face, and offers tips to help social workers adjust the way they support fathers.
Other
This article discusses reasons for the lack of father involvement in child rearing, the benefits of father involvement for children's well-being, and the benefits of father engagement that are specific to child protective services and foster care. Strategies for engaging fathers are discussed in the areas of agency commitment, locating and recruiting fathers, the initial contact, and on-going contact. Characteristics of successful father engagement programs are also noted.
Other, Fact Sheet
Identifying and locating fathers early helps children establish or maintain important connections with their fathers and paternal relatives. It also reduces delays in permanency, if the goal is adoption. Establishing paternity quickly after a putative father is located is critical to ensuring the case moves quickly and the father can assert and protect his constitutional rights to the care and custody of his child. Designed for judges, this bench card contains ways in which judicial officers can assist in this process. (Author abstract modified)
Report, Other
This paper discusses three key policy areas regarding incarcerated mothers and fathers in Oregon: prison nurseries and community-based residential parenting programs; foster care laws; and parenting programs for incarcerated fathers. After reviewing background and best practices associated with policy implementation in each area, the paper explores ways in which policymakers, stakeholders, and advocates might address each policy area in Oregon, and suggests the formation of a legislative task force to address these issues. It emphasizes the need for increased policy attention to be focused on…
Other, Fact Sheet
The five protective factors at the foundation of Strengthening Families are characteristics that have been shown to make positive outcomes more likely for young children and their families, and to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. The five factors are: 1. Parental Resilience 2. Social Connections 3. Concrete Supports 4. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development 5. Social and Emotional Competence of Children. Learn more about the research-based Protective Factors Framework on this webpage. (Author abstract modified)
Other
This article provides foster/adoptive parents, who may have some valid concerns about sexual abuse and about meeting the special needs of children who have been sexually abused, with some basic information about child sexual abuse as well as some special considerations to help them feel more confident in taking on the challenges and rewards of fostering or adopting these children.
Fact Sheet, Other
Intended to inform fathers in King County, Washington, this brochure reviews the mission of Child Protective Services (CPS) to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, provide services to help both parents, and protect the child. Information is provided on dependency cases, free legal assistance resources, the rights and responsibilities of fathers, contact information for complaints about CPS, and resource information for finding an attorney in King County.
Other
This issue of Reaching Out is devoted to looking at the subject of Fatherhood and Child Welfare. Along with several articles that spotlight current research and statistics, a number of articles give concrete tips to dads, administrators and social workers. (Author abstract)
Other
This Resource Guide was written to support service providers in their work with parents, caregivers, and their children to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. The guide includes information about protective factors that help reduce the risk of child maltreatment, strategies for changing how communities support families, and evidence-informed practices. It also offers suggestions for enhancing protective factors in families, tools to build awareness and develop community partnerships, information about child abuse and neglect, a directory of national organizations that…
Other
The United States incarcerates more people than any othercountry in the world, and over half of the 2.3 million inmatesare parents of children under age 18. One in 28 children inthe United States has a parent behind bars, and even morewill have an incarcerated parent at some time during theirchildhood. Children with incarcerated parents are morelikely to exhibit trauma symptoms than other children, andthey are at an increased risk of developing problematicoutcomes including behavior problems, substance abuse,academic difficulties, criminal activity, and physical andmental health conditions.…
