Children's Services Fact Sheet

click here for a PDF version of this page     Family Preservation   While Hamilton County Children’s Services works to protect children in its care, it also believes in looking for ways to keep families together. Consumers can voluntarily participate in Family Preservation programs to work toward that end. This fact sheet explains what the Family Preservation programs are, how to get involved, and what you will work on with your caseworker. What is Family Preservation? A  Children’s Services program that helps families who are in a crisis or have chronic problems that affect the safety of their children. An intensive service that involves a social worker coming into  your home for some of the following issues: v      Make sure children are safe v      Avoid unnecessary placement of children out of the home v      Address situations that led to the crisis v      Establish a permanent home for children   How long does the service last? First Phase: v      The first home visit takes place within 24 hours of the Family Conference. v      Home visits take place three times a week for six to eight weeks. After the first phase, the case may be closed or recommended for Step-Down. Step-Down Phase: v      A plan is developed to try to close the case. v      Home visits in this phase will be fewer than three times a week and could be as few as twice a month, depending on your family’s needs.   Who can receive Family Preservation Services? Families who want to participate. Family Preservation is voluntary. Families who want to eliminate threats to their children’s safety and well-being.   Who cannot receive Family Preservation Services? People with untreated mental illness. People with untreated substance abuse problems. People who are homeless, at risk of being evicted or living in shelters. Parents whose children are in foster or kinship care without plans to return within seven days. What kinds of issues will Family Preservation Services address?   Lack of attachment Problems observing boundaries Parenting skills Developmental expectations Appropriate discipline Problems with school Financial management/budgeting Connection with community resources Troubled adolescents Divorce/separation Hygiene / household management/ housing Communication Role definition Developing safety plans Marital issues Transportation Isolation Life skills (job training, GED, etc.) Failure-to-thrive Children Coping with illness and disability    How can I become involved with Family Preservation? Ask your caseworker. He or she will schedule a Family Conference for you where your family’s situation will be discussed to determine whether Family Preservation is the service you need.