NCJ Number
188416
Date Published
1998
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This publication summarizes the features of a family-centered child protection model for child-welfare practice.
Abstract
The integrated child welfare model described has variously been referred to as the "IHS (Institute for Human Services) Model," the "Ohio Model," the "Family-Centered Child Protection Model," the "Protection and Permanence Model," or the "P2 Model." The model evolved over the last 20 years in a laboratory of direct services, policy development, research and assessment, and training development provided first by the public children services system of Ohio and subsequently the State and provincial public child welfare systems within the TRAINet collaborative, which includes a majority of the provincial and State public child welfare systems in North America. The foundational values of the model are stated as follows: "All children have an absolute right to a safe, permanent, stable home, which provides basic levels of nurturance and care, and is free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation." Under the model, the first choice of intervention is to strengthen and empower a child's own family, thus assuring the child safe and nurturant care at home. Intrusive protective authority is used only when family members cannot be engaged, supported, and empowered to collaborate with the agency to ensure their children safe and nurturant care free from maltreatment. Although supporting the appropriate use of authority, the model emphasizes the role of the caseworker as an enabler, facilitator, and educator. When services to support and empower families cannot ensure protection of children at home, the agency must act immediately and decisively to protect children. This may include out-of-home placement; however, children should remain only briefly in "temporary," impermanent placements and only as long as is necessary to develop and implement a permanent plan. The model reflects a developmental perspective for all child welfare activities; this developmental perspective contends that development is a continuous process, influenced by personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Guidelines for the implementation of this model are provided. Appended list of TRAINet member organizations