Reference no: EM134025858

Problem

Think for a minute about the process of engagement in child protection services (CPS). What must the worker know about the limits and requirements of their role? How and what do they need to communicate to begin to build trust and set the stage for future work? What might be some qualities and skills needed for effective engagement? Tamara Fuller and Megan Paceley (2011) sought answers to these questions through interviews with parents who had been involved in CPS investigations. Parents described how important it was to have social workers who openly listened to their story; explained the CPS process; shared power; and actively communicated honesty, respect, and genuine concern rather than judgment. They appreciated reassurance and recognition of their roles and capacities as parents and caregivers. Workers who made themselves available, advocated for the parents and the children, and followed through on commitments fostered positive engagement with parents and outcomes for families over time. As one parent summarized, "they treated me like a real person." Their perspectives speak to the power of seemingly basic skills of engagement. In turn, parents recounted how difficult the experience was when workers were rushed, judgmental, poorly prepared, inflexible, and nonresponsive. Get the instant assignment help. What might be some of the contextual factors that work against effective CPS involvement with families? What contextual factors must be in place to support positive and productive engagement with families? How might organizational commitment to cultural humility strengthen the possibilities of engagement?