Speakers: Kaleena Erwin, LMSW, CPM, Research Project Manager, University of Kansas
Systems: What are the best things you've seen in improving the child welfare system in the last 3-5 years?
Kaleena Erwin, LMSW, CPM: So in the last 3 to 5 years, I've really seen a shift in messaging around mandated reporting. So previously, it was when in doubt, make a report to DCF and they'll figure it out from there. But now we're really asking mandated reporters to take a pause and consider what might be happening in the family system. So for example, we really used to see a lot of reports about kids coming to school with dirty feet, dirty clothes, having chronic head lice or just saying that they're hungry. But now we really encourage mandated reporters to consider if the issue is truly neglect or if it's just related to poverty. And we are working to create networks and communities that can support families. So ideally mandated reporters can refer families to those supports for issues that are related to poverty instead of DCF, especially if the concern is not related to abuse or neglect.
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