A lack of transparency repeating itself in CPS keeps most people from understanding the depth and scope of the problems facing at-risk children, the institution, and its workers Frustration is common for people involved in Child Protective Services and criticisms outweigh kudos exponentially. Much of what is believed about Child Protective Services is just not so.
Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota Children summarized the following research to demonstrate some of the most common misconceptions:
Research on Common Misconceptions in Child Welfare
Child welfare policy is currently influenced by a number of beliefs that are not supported by research. Seven concerned experts joined forces to challenge ten common misconceptions[1]. The following summarizes some of their key findings. The topics are complex and nuanced so we encourage interested parties to read the original document and form their own conclusions.
- Are low income children reported more frequently to child protection due to “surveillance bias”? This is the belief that poor families are disproportionately referred to child protection due to increased exposure to mandated reporters such as through public assistance and school programs. In fact the poorer a neighborhood the lower the proportion of reports come from mandated reporters. Also, two studies showed surveillance bias increased child protection referrals by less than 2%.
- Is bias the reason for the disproportionate representation of Black families in child protection? Poverty is the most important single factor in maltreatment across all racial and ethnic groups, excepting Hispanics. Once poverty is controlled for, Black families are at similar or slightly lower risk of being reported than white children, or to have a substantiated case, or to experience placement in out-of-home care. To reduce disparities public policy should focus on broader societal racism in areas such as housing, employment, wages, education, health and related systems.
- Do child protection workers confuse poverty with neglect? Child protection policies in Minnesota and many other states clearly differentiate between neglect caused by poverty versus parent’s actions or inactions. In addition, only about one fourth of neglect cases are due to material needs, and only about one quarter of those are substantiated, so the universe of cases where this error could even potentially occur is only around 4%.
- Are research-supported practices only effective for white families? Practices such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Level 4 Triple P, Parent-Child Interaction Therapies and Multi-Systemic Therapies are robust interventions across racial and ethnic groups. Studies include 40% or more families of color.
- Does foster care cause bad outcomes? The harms that caused children to be removed to out-of-home care are the primary cause of poor outcomes later in life. Eight out of ten children believe that removing them to foster care was justified and improved their lives. Longer stays in foster care are associated with improved educational attainment and increased financial assets, reduced odds of arrest, criminal conviction, early pregnancy/parenthood, and homelessness/housing instability for 17 to 21 year olds.
The research summarized here is critically important for creating more child-centric policies and practices. Again, we suggest further reading to ensure a fuller understanding of the findings.
Richard P. Barth, Jill Duerr Berrick,, Antonio R. Garcia, Brett Drake, Melissa Jonson-Reid, John R. Gyourko, Johanna K. P. Greeson, “Research to Consider While Effectively Re-Designing Child Welfare Services”, Research on Social Work Practice 2022.
WHEN YOU Share KARA’s reporting with FRIENDS, INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK and most of all, your State Representative (find them here) change will come a little bit faster. When enough of us become informed and speak up for abused and neglected children, we will improve their lives and our communities!
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All Adults Are the Protectors of All Children (Don Shelby)
Read more Misconceptions:
Misconception: CPS Always Rescues Children from Abuse
One of the most common positive misconceptions is that CPS primarily functions as a rescue service for abused children114. In reality, CPS’s role is much broader and more nuanced. Their primary goal is to ensure children’s safety and well-being, which often involves working with families to address issues rather than immediately removing children from their homes12.
Misconception: CPS Investigations Always Lead to Child Removal
Many people believe that when CPS investigates a family, it usually results in children being taken away. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, only a small percentage of CPS investigations lead to child removal12. The vast majority of children (over 90%) remain in their homes following a child welfare investigation5.
Misconception: CPS Can Quickly Solve All Family Problems
There’s a misconception that CPS has the power and resources to swiftly resolve all issues within troubled families. In reality, addressing family adversity is complex and often requires long-term support and intervention beyond what CPS can provide19. CPS is not a substitute for a comprehensive welfare system or community support network.
Misconception: CPS Workers Are Emotionless Professionals
Some people believe that CPS workers approach their jobs without emotion, making it easier for them to remove children from families. This is a significant misunderstanding. CPS workers often experience high levels of emotional stress and secondary trauma due to the nature of their work1.
Misconception: CPS Only Investigates Legitimate Cases of Abuse or Neglect
There’s a belief that CPS only investigates when there’s clear evidence of abuse or neglect. In reality, CPS is obligated to investigate all credible reports, many of which may turn out to be unfounded or based on misunderstandings24. The purpose of an investigation is to determine whether children are at risk, not to confirm pre-existing suspicions.
Misconception: CPS Can Enter Homes and Remove Children at Will
Many people think CPS has unlimited authority to enter homes and remove children. However, CPS workers must follow legal procedures and typically need consent or a court order to enter a home, except in emergency situations23.Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for developing a more accurate perception of CPS’s role and capabilities. While CPS plays a vital part in child protection, it’s important to recognize its limitations and the complex nature of the issues it addresses.
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