7.0 Introduction to Family Support Services | CWS

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Child Welfare Policy Manual

Chapter:

(7) Family Support Services

Policy Title:

Introduction to Family Support Services

Policy Number:

7.0

Previous Policy Number(s):

N/A

Effective Date:

November 2023

Manual Transmittal:

2023-03

Codes/References

O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5 Reporting of Child Abuse (e)(f)
O.C.G.A. § 49-5-8 Powers and Duties of Department of Human Services
O.C.G.A. § 49-5-40 Definitions; Confidentiality of Records; Restricted Access to Records
O.C.G.A. § 49-5-41 Persons and Agencies Permitted to Access Records
O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-12 Definitions
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)

Discussion

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has a two-track differential response system to address reports of known or suspected child abuse and neglect, Investigations and Family Support Services (FSS). FSS is an alternative child protective services (CPS) response for providing protection to children by engaging the family to build consensus around the everyday life situations which may interfere with the family’s ability to nurture and protect their child(ren). The family’s participation in FSS is not voluntary as there are allegations of maltreatment. FSS are designed to ensure child safety and prevent future involvement in the child welfare system using formal and informal services to strengthen and support families.

The FSS track is utilized when the Initial Safety Assessment (ISA) does not indicate a present danger situation or impending danger safety threat. An assessment of child safety and family functioning is required just as it is during an Investigation. However, there is no formal finding of substantiated or unsubstantiated concerning the allegations of abuse or neglect.

When the assessment identifies the need for formal and/or informal non-safety related services, DFCS partners with families to develop strategies to address these needs. Upon the conclusion of the FSS assessment, when the child(ren) are determined to be safe and non-safety related services are recommended, the family will be engaged to build consensus regarding the benefit of the recommended services in enhancing family functioning. If consensus cannot be reached regarding the family’s participation in services, the family will be provided with a list of available services prior to case closure. If present or impending danger is indicated at any time during the FSS case, FSS is terminated and an investigation is initiated.

DFCS’ new Practice Model, informed by Solution-Based Casework (SBC), is embedded in the provision of FSS. SBC is best thought of as the architecture that holds our practice to a consistent focus on safety outcomes. At the heart of SBC is the belief that by building a partnership with the family, solutions to the everyday problems can be developed. This partnership, along with acknowledging, documenting, and celebrating successes, provides a framework for the family to sustain positive change moving forward. By using the SBC model, the case manager is able to follow a conceptual map for family-centered practice from assessment through case closure.^[1]

The Family Support Services philosophy is:

The family is the best entity to protect their child(ren) and the family network can be a positive force in helping to achieve a successful outcome.
Partnering with the family in order to reach a consensus concerning the difficulties they are experiencing is the best approach to successful intervention.
Developing mutual respect with the family is the best way to gain a family’s trust and obtain engagement in service provision.
Intervention is best when it is solution based, individualized, and family centered.
Family strengths are considered a positive asset and should be used in achieving and sustaining success.
Prompt access to formal or informal supports contributes to success.
Positive changes in family functioning should be celebrated.

Initiating the Assessment (ISA, Investigations, Special Investigations, or FSS)

Initiating the assessment is defined as making or attempting to contact the family or another person who can provide information essential to the disposition of the investigation or assessment.

CPS Communication Center (CICC) contacting the family or another person during the intake assessment phase to determine the location of the alleged maltreated child does not constitute initiation of the assessment.

Parent(s)

Parent(s) is used to refer to person(s) legally obligated to provide or secure adequate care for a child including his/her parent, guardian, or legal custodian.