Protective Unit

The focus of the Protective Unit is to provide services that will ensure the safety of the child and assist the family in remaining together within thier own home.  If a child is unable to safely remain in the home, then the agency will provide services that will assist in reunification with the family.

Some of the services that the caseworkers often provide assistance with or referrals for are:

Parenting Classes/In Home Instruction

Mental Health Counseling

Drug and Alcohol Counseling

Educational Services

Housing

Home Visits

Medical Care

Budgeting Assistance

Crisis Services

Employment Services

Domestic Violence

Case Management

Psychiatric Services

Transportation Assistance

The protective caseworkers create plans with the family that develop goals and action steps for the family to take to improve on any needed areas that may affect their parenting ability.  The caseworkers monitor the progress of the plans and make changes as needed until the plan has been completed.

When the court orders a child be removed from the home, the Protective Unit selects the least restrictive placement for the child.  The agency bases the selection of placement on things such as keeping the child with family, meeting the special needs of the child, keeping sibling groups together, maintaining the same school district and keeping the child close to the removal family.  The Protective Unit caseworker also monitors the child's adjustment to the foster home or out of home placement.

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