Differential Response in an Underserved Hispanic Area

The Child Welfare System in California is undergoing reforms to improve the safety and welfare of children and families. Among them is a promising approach known as Differential Response (DR). DR is strategy expanding the ability of agencies to respond to reports of child abuse, neglect, and health problems by diverting families to community agencies at the first sign of trouble. DR includes a Broader Response to Ensure Child Safety and Seeing Families as Part of the Solution. Focus is on a family's willingness to make needed improvements. Under DR, Community Partnerships offer a coordinated set of support and community resources to children and families in need. Most CPS referrals to us were Hispanic because of the geographic location. CPS referrals documented current and projected risk. As well, we documented family risk using the Bridges Assessment Tool. CPS made recommended services referrals that we expanded during home visits. Support services were provided in the family's residence emphasizing safety, individual parenting education, personal stress management, and household management. All engaged families had a home safety assessment. Home visitors developed an Individualized Family Support Plans (IFSP), with specified goals and objectives. Multiple referrals were made and followed-up. No families were referred to CPS. Many of these families have multi-problems such as mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and children with developmental disabilities. They are chaotic with a disorganized family life. Our final conclusion is that only by providing concrete services and formal case management does DR have an opportunity of being successful.