ATA's one-of-a-kind aproach to managing custody and access cases.

Managing custody and access cases in child welfare

The management of custody and access cases is one of the most challenging and emotionally laden areas of work in child welfare. This group of cases is characterized by conflicting interests between various parties, including child protection workers caught between two parents, each claiming to represent the child’s interests. This setting creates a stressful and sometimes adversarial climate that distracts from the central focus of child safety and can have detrimental consequences for all parties.

Custody and access cases are amongst the most difficult to manage in child welfare because they are characterized by conflicting interests of different parties, including child protection workers who may find themselves caught between two parents, each claiming to represent the child’s interest. This adversarial system, built on the possibility of parents fighting over a child in the court, coupled with the stress of parental separation and divorce, creates a stressful and antagonistic atmosphere that is far removed from ensuring the child’s safety and well-being. False allegations and triangulation are the major issues here. They can create cognitive distortions, including the distress that the child already experienced with the parents’ conflict, as the child protection worker gets caught up in the dispute between the parents. False allegations also heighten the triangulation aspect of custody and access, where the emotional and safety issues of the child become less relevant. At the same time, the conflict between the parents takes centre stage. Although courts impose a ‘safety plan’ requiring ‘no contact’ with the alleged abuser, it has the unintended consequence of alienating the child from the conflict that precipitated such intervention.

Understanding one’s role as a CPS worker

Child protection workers must clearly define their role at the onset of a case. This involves setting expectations with the parents and highlighting that the worker's primary responsibility is to ensure the child's safety and well-being, not to take sides or determine custody arrangements. Workers must also promote awareness by discussing the motives behind calls and the impact of parental behaviours on the child.

Example: ‘I do not take sides. My job and responsibility at CPS are to make sure your children and your family, including both caregivers, are safe and can do their best to work together to take care of each other and resolve their challenges and problems.’

By offering clarity about CPS’s role at the onset, everyone involved can focus on the children in question, avoid being drawn into the parents' dispute, and clarify and stabilize the process of resolving the problems and building safety plans. 

Balanced Assessment of Risk

A balanced risk assessment involves thoroughly investigating allegations while considering the child's emotional and psychological impact. Workers are encouraged to speak directly with children, using tools to understand their perspectives and experiences. Asking specific questions at screening or intake can help workers gauge the severity of the issues and the level of risk involved. Questions like "What worries you most about...?" and "What is your understanding of what I do or my role as a CPS worker?" are crucial in setting the stage for a balanced assessment.

Creating Purposeful Safety Plans

Safety plans are central to the ATA Consultancy approach. These plans should be developed in collaboration with parents and their support networks to ensure they are realistic and sustainable. The plans often include parallel arrangements for each parent, specifying behaviours and actions to ensure the child's safety and well-being during visits. It is essential to highlight the child's voice and ensure that the safety plans reflect their needs and concerns.

Effective Communication Strategies

Clear communication is vital in managing custody and access cases effectively. Workers need to establish transparent communication channels to explain the goals and processes of the intervention. Continuous dialogue with both parents and regular updates on the child's status and progress are necessary to maintain focus on the child's well-being. Support structures such as mentoring and discussion groups can help parents understand the importance of safety plans and their roles in ensuring the child’s well-being. This support also helps in managing their emotions and expectations.

Role of Change Champions

Identifying and empowering change champions within the family or community can significantly enhance the implementation of safety plans. These champions can advocate for the child’s needs and help implement the safety plans effectively, ensuring sustained efforts towards improving the child’s situation.

Conclusion

Custody and access cases in child welfare present significant challenges, but adopting a comprehensive, rigorous, and sophisticated structured approach like the one offered by ATA Consultancy can help mitigate these issues. Child protection workers can navigate these complex cases more effectively by focusing on the child's well-being, promoting collaboration between parents, and creating clear, purposeful safety plans. Continuous support, clear communication, and strategic management are crucial to achieving sustained and meaningful change in child welfare practices.

For information about our comprehensive, one-of-a-kind custody and access training for child welfare practitioners, please get in touch with us at ataconsultancy.net.