AG 2012 04 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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protection issues identified were: [1] substance abuse [parental], coupled with frequent mental health issues; [2] family violence; [3] and sexual abuse. One of our team's primary accomplishments this past calendar year has been consistent attendance and participation by the representative from our mental health entity, the PBH. Many of our review cases involve mental health issues and it is valuable to have this member present with us. Our team used the months of April and May to become involved in some community events that provided the team with a forum or opportunity to disseminate educational materials and messages regarding child safety and well- being. Team members volunteered their time to go to these community events [fairs, celebrations, conferences, etc.] to provide the educational materials and messages. Team meetings are the setting where members around the table are able to learn of new or expanded services to families and children, as providers of these services are invited to team meetings to describe and explain their services. Child Abuse and Neglect in Cabarrus County We started our year with a report from the Court Improvement Project director, who advised that all of the changes and improvements put into place had insured that children were moving more quickly through the court system, barriers to child reunification were being addressed in the monthly meetings, and one judge presiding over the court had helped to move cases along. Mental health needs of parents and children often make it harder to achieve permanence for children. The DSS Multiple Response system of service delivery, along with the Court Improvement Project, has enabled the DSS to `front load' services to families and has brought about more open relationships between the families and the child protection agency, making service delivery less contentious and enabled the agency to make a difference in the lives they touch. Mid year, the DSS reported a drastic increase in cases of family violence and sexual abuse. Causation of this increase is not known, but is being studied. The collaborative efforts of our partner agencies who are members of the Child Protection and Child Fatality Prevention teams are invaluable in helping to protect children and prevent fatalities. Some agencies focus on safety, some on health, some on education, some on therapy, and some on support, but all of the agencies together work to make our Cabarrus County families stronger and safer for our children. Child Fatality Prevention Task force [CFPTI The Child Fatality Prevention Task Force meets in March, June, September, and December. The membership of this group is similar to that of the Child Protection Team, and in fact, many members participate in both committees. The Chair Attachment number 1 1 -1 Page 239