How the Child Welfare System Works

This factsheet provides a brief overview of the child welfare system and its purposes and functions. Child welfare systems typically receive and investigate reports of possible child abuse and neglect; provide services to families that need assistance in the protection and care of their children; arrange for children to live with kin or with foster families when they are not safe at home; and arrange for reunification, adoption, or other permanent family connections for children leaving foster care. A flowchart illustrates how cases may move through the child welfare system.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What Happens When Possible Abuse or Neglect Is Reported

What Happens After a Report Is “Screened In”

What Happens in Substantiated (Founded) Cases

What Happens to Parents

What Happens to Children

Summary

Additional Resources

Appendix: The Child Welfare System (flowchart)

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

• Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
  (Factsheets)
• What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
  (Factsheets)
• Kinship Caregivers and the Child Welfare System
  (Factsheets for Families)