7-2 HSE 325: Final Presentation

7-2 HSE 325: Final Presentation. Sara Elijah Instructor: Dr. Mark Meis Southern New Hampshire University HSE 325 Ethics and Law in Child Welfare February 22, 2026.

[Audio] Hello Lena, and thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I want to start by saying that this presentation is meant to support you and your family, not to judge or punish you. Our goal is to make sure Marcus and Ava are safe while also helping you get the resources and support you need. We want to work with you as a partner, so your family can stay together safely whenever possible. Let us start by talking about your family's current situation so we can understand where support is needed most. You are raising Marcus, who is seven, and Ava, who is ten months old, on your own. Living in rural southern Ohio can make things harder because services like healthcare, transportation, and childcare are often limited. Marcus's school has noticed concerns with attendance and hygiene, which can sometimes happen when families are under stress. Ava is still an infant, so her medical and developmental needs require regular attention. We also understand that housing conditions and utilities have been challenging. Looking at these factors together helps us focus on ensuring that your children are safe while connecting you with resources that make parenting more manageable..

[Audio] There are programs at both the federal and state levels designed to help families. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds many of the services that support families in situations like yours. Laws like CAPTA make sure children are protected while also providing prevention services for parents (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2023). Another law, ASFA, focuses on keeping children safe but also working toward reunifying families whenever possible (Lindner, 2023). Here in Ohio, the Department of Children and Youth oversees local services. Programs like PRC can provide emergency help with utilities, rent, or home repairs. I do want to be honest that sometimes there are waitlists or eligibility rules, especially in rural areas, but we will help you apply and access what you qualify for. Our goal is to use these federal funds to build a family service plan that works within these limitations to provide the stability your children need..

[Audio] While federal laws provide the framework, community resources are the boots on the ground that will support you daily. For immediate needs, programs like SNAP and WIC, along with local food pantries, are available to address household instability and ensure Marcus and Ava have consistent nutrition. To help with Ava's medical needs and Marcus's health, the community health department offers local services. Child Protective Services will also work with you on a safety plan and connect you to resources. Parenting classes are available if you would like support with routines, supervision, or child development. Marcus's school can also help with supplies and social work support. Housing agencies may assist with heating or home repairs, and transportation programs can help you get to appointments. These services are meant to reduce stress on you so you are not handling everything alone..

[Audio] I also want to explain the legal side so you understand your rights. Certain professionals, like doctors or teachers, are required by law to report concerns about child safety (Ohio Laws, n.d). This is called mandated reporting. It is not personal, and it does not automatically mean you did something wrong. Ohio law defines neglect as when children's basic needs, such as medical care, supervision, or safe housing, are not being met. However, the law also protects you. Child welfare agencies must first try to help you fix concerns before considering removing children. This is called making reasonable efforts. Courts oversee decisions to ensure fairness. Our focus is always on keeping families together safely whenever that can be achieved..

[Audio] Beyond the specific laws we discussed, it is vital for you to know that our work is guided by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (NASW, 2013). This means that as we move forward, your family's dignity must be honored at every step. We are here to provide support, not to place blame or judge the circumstances that brought us here today. We recognize that many of the issues you are facing, like rural isolation and financial stress, are systemic challenges. That is why we use trauma-informed approaches meaning we look at what you have been through, not just what is happening now. Family preservation is always the goal when children can be kept safe at home. You will be involved in planning services, setting goals, and making decisions. We want to build trust and work together so the outcome supports both your children's safety and your family's stability..

[Audio] To move forward successfully, we know that courtrooms and legal papers can be very confusing and scary, but you will not have to navigate them alone. There are advocates who can help guide you. CASA volunteers may be assigned to represent your children's best interests while also supporting reunification. OhioKAN is another program that helps parents understand services and case plans. Legal Aid can also answer questions about your rights at little or no cost. Your caseworker will also explain each step, including court dates and service expectations. You will receive a written plan, so you know exactly what is required. These supports are in place to make the process clearer and help you succeed..

[Audio] We also recommend a few specific go-to resources. First is PRC emergency funding, which can help restore utilities, fix housing concerns, or cover urgent expenses (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 2023). Stabilizing the home quickly reduces safety risks. For longer-term support, Help Me Grow offers home visits that focus on Ava's development and provide parenting guidance. Parenting programs can help with routines, supervision, and child needs. Mental health counseling is also available if you would like support managing stress or past trauma. We recommend these services because they address both immediate safety concerns and long-term family stability. We are committed to helping you build a bright and secure future for yourself, Marcus, and Ava..

References:. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2023, August). The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). https://acf.gov/cb/law-regulation/child-abuse-prevention-and-treatment-act-capta Lindner, A. (2023, October 5). Understanding the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA): History and impacts. National Council for Adoption. https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/understanding-the-adoption-and-safe-families-act-asfa/ National Association of Social Workers. (2013). NASW standards for social work practice in child welfare. https://www.socialworkers.org Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. (2023). Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program. https://jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-and-refugee-assistance/cash-assistance/cash-programs/prevention-retention-and-contingency-prc-program Ohio Laws. (n.d). Section 2151.03: Ohio revised Code. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised- code/section-2151.03.