NCJ Number
120028
Journal
American Association for Protecting Children Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 13-18
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
As a result of a highly publicized child abuse death, the Washington State's Child Protective Service (CPS) system came under intense public scrutiny and reexamination.
Abstract
As a result of this reexamination, changes occurred in CPS statute, policy, and program. These changes include the broadening and clarification of investigative powers, new statutory language which elevates children's rights to safety and protection over parents' rights to care, new screening guidelines that have greatly increased the screening out of questionable CPS referrals, and a risk assessment tool providing a common language for discussion of cases for staff and other community professionals. The right approach to reforming CPS is to bring resources into line with responsibilities, provide clear and comprehensive program direction, and utilize sound management principles.