The mission of Hancock County Job and Family Services, Children’s Protective Services Unit is to assure the children of Hancock County greater protection from abuse and neglect, preserving families whenever possible.  This will be accomplished utilizing available resources and working with the community to eliminate service gaps.

Services are provided to all Hancock County families in need regardless of income, race, religion, social status, sex or handicap.

Investigation and Crisis Services

Children’s Protective Services receives and investigates reports of alleged child abuse and neglect in the county.  Child welfare workers investigate the report by conducting interviews and gathering information about the report in order to determine the degree of intervention necessary.  The worker will recommend services for the child and family which will help reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect.  Reports of alleged child abuse and neglect are received and investigated by the Children’s Protective Services Unit 24 hours per day.

 2003

Reports Received                                       466

Upon completion of an investigation, a case disposition is made.  The dispositions are substantiated, indicated, and unsubstantiated.  At the same time, a family assessment which determines risk to the child or children in the home is completed.

Protective Services

The goal of protective services is to protect children from harm and whenever possible prevent removal of the child, preserving the family unit.  The primary focus of protective services is safety.  To meet this objective, the emphasis is on improving parenting skills, counseling, homemaker services, child development, basic living skills and obtaining necessary community services.

 Substitute Care Services

Substitute care services are out of home services designed to protect children who are at risk of imminent harm.  Services may last from 1 day to 12+ months.

Substitute care services were provided to 81 children in 2003.