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How the Child Welfare System Works
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Series: Factsheets |
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Author(s):
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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| Year Published: 2011 |
This factsheet provides a brief overview of the purposes and functions of child welfare systems from a national perspective. Child welfare systems typically receive and investigate reports of possible child abuse and neglect; provide services to families that need assistance in the protection and care of their children; arrange for children to live with kin or with foster families when they are not safe at home; and arrange for reunification, adoption, or other permanent family connections for children leaving foster care. A flowchart at the end of this factsheet shows how a report of child maltreatment may move through the child welfare system.
We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:
- Kinship Caregivers and the Child Welfare System (Factsheet for Professionals)
- What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? (Factsheet)
- Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms (Factsheet)
Table of Contents
Introduction (p. 1)
What Happens When Possible Abuse or Neglect Is Reported? (p. 3)
What Happens After a Report Is "Screened In"?
(p. 4)
What Happens in Substantiated (Founded) Cases? (p. 5)
What Happens to People Who Abuse or Neglect Children? (p. 6)
What Happens to Children Who Enter Foster Care? (p. 6)
Resources (p. 7)
Appendix: How the Child Welfare System Works (flowchart) (p. 9)
Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2011). How the child welfare system works. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.
This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.