Child Welfare Services (CWS) in Glenn County are provided by the Health and Human Services Agency Child Protective Services Unit. The unit is composed of social workers who are trained in Child Welfare Services and the investigation of child abuse reportings.
The social workers investigate allegations of child abuse/neglect and provide case management and support services to the children and their families. The CWS Program has four (4) main service components:
- Emergency Response is the initial intake point of entry for the program. Social workers are required to respond to reports of child abuse/neglect and to determine whether an in-person investigation is necessary.
- Family Maintenance provides support services to prevent abuse/neglect while the child remains in his or her home. Generally, these services include counseling, parent training, respite care, and temporary in-home care. These services are delivered for voluntary cases to prevent placement of the child(ren) into foster care. Family maintenance is also a component of all court cases when a child is returned home from foster care and services are to transition the child(ren) home and to stabilize the family.
- Family Reunification provides support services to the family while the child is in temporary foster care. Typically, these services include individual and family counseling, parent training, and life skills. Family reunification services are court ordered. The family and social worker develop a plan that is focused what the parent needs to do for reunification of child and parent as quickly as possible.
- Permanent Placement provides management and placement services to children in foster care who cannot be returned to their family. The Court has determined that these children cannot be safely returned to their own home and services are provided to arrange a permanent plan which includes adoption, guardianship or long-term foster care.
The primary goal of Child Welfare Service s is the safety of children and keeping the family together. However, if it becomes necessary to remove the child(ren) from their home, the focus of the case changes to reunification of the family as soon as it is safe for the child(ren). If reunification is not a possibility the case focuses on finding a permanent living arrangement for the child(ren). Safety for the child(ren) is primary.
Family Programs
First 5 In-Home Visiting Program
Family advocates provide support, advocacy and referrals to treatment services for families with children that are between the ages of 0 and 5. Education and information about various states of child development, including access to a public health nurse who ensures health and safety of the children being served under this program. Nurses also provide health education, case management and assessments for family members. All First 5 services are provided through classes and activities at the Family Resource Center and during home visits.
Family Preservation & Support (PSSF)
The Family Preservation & Support Program provides one-to-one case management with parents. Services include family self-sufficiency planning, in-home services, and life skills classes. Case managers work with Child Protective Services and the referred family needing services for family reunification or for family maintenance.
CalWORKs Work Experience (WEX)
Case managers assist families that are on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Case managers assist with job preparedness, support and education. Case managers work with recipients and connect them to community resources to gain valuable work experience
Victim Services
Victim/Witness Program
The Victim/Witness Program is designed to assist people who have been involved in a violent crime. People face many problems after becoming a victim of a crime. Victims often suffer from a physical injury or emotional trauma. Victims often feel alone and confused. HHSA staff assists victims with their immediate safety needs, their understanding of the criminal justice system and their financial and emotional needs. Financial awards for up to $7,000 are available to victims/witnesses who meet eligibility guidelines. Victim/Witness services include: crisis intervention and on-going support; emergency assistance; referrals to additional services; advocate services for the family, friends and employers; orientation and education of the victim of the criminal justice system; temporary restraining orders; victim of crime compensation and restitution.
Youth Programs
Independent Living Program (ILP)
The ILP Program provides independent life skills training for all youth preparing to leave foster care or for young adults who have left the foster care system. The goal of the ILP program is to enable eligible youth to achieve success after leaving the foster care system, and to provide on-going case management services and to provide temporary financial assistance.
California Youth Connection (CYC)
The CYC is a voluntary leadership group formed by foster youth between the ages of 14 and 24. The youth discuss issues that they are currently facing in the foster care system and they focus on ways to improve the services for all foster youth. The youth sustain their efforts and attendance at conferences through fundraising efforts/activities.
Resource Family Approval Program
The foster care program in California has changed and is now a program called “Resource Family Approval. The new program has many new requirements, which you will have to complete to have your home approved as a “Resource Family”. The new requirements include; extensive documentation; criminal, child welfare and background check. A home environment check, a family assessment, a 21 hour training program, and any additional activities deemed necessary by the county for home approval. The Resource Family Approval Program evaluates and approves prospective Resource Parents also known as foster parents. This unit also provides foster care recruitment and retention.
The Resource Family Approval Program:
- Recruits foster families
- Provides information and training to prospective families
- Evaluates potential foster homes to ensure each meets space and safety requirements
- Interviews and assesses qualifications of prospective foster families and their capacity to care for children in foster care in Glenn County.
- Issues and updates Resource Home Approval certificates.
- Conducts annual inspections, ensures annual training is completed and completes complaint investigations when required
To Qualify:
- Reside in the County of Glenn
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Each adult in the home must be willing to submit to a background check to ensure that there are no safety risks
- Have adequate bedroom space to accommodate all family members, including foster children
- Home will need to pass a home and grounds safety inspection
- Have sufficient income to meet current expenses
- Be willing to complete required training
- Complete an application packet with three personal references
If you are interested in becoming a Resource Family, please call 530-934-1445.