The Family Assessment Process is Family-Centered

Safety of the child is top priority.
Children have the right to their family.
The family is the most important resource for nurturing their children.
Families are respected for their individuality. Children can flourish in different types of families.
Family members are experts on their family.
A crisis is an opportunity for change.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Your family has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
You have a responsibility to know DSS's legal authority and right to intervene.

You have a right to know DSS's expectations of your family and what you can expect from DSS.
Your phone calls should be returned within one working day (If the social worker is not available, you should call the social worker's supervisor).

Important Numbers:

DSS Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Switchboard: 250-5822
Emergencies, after hours,  weekends: Dial 211 (or 252-4357) and ask for the emergency DSS Children's Services social worker.

Social Worker:     	  Phone:	 Supervisor:	 Phone: -------------

Child Protective Services
Multiple Response System:
The Family Assessment Response

The Children's Services Mission:
"To protect and provide permanence to children by preserving and strengthening families through family centered, child-focused, community based services."

What is the Multiple Response System?
North Carolina law requires that local county departments of social services ensure children's safety in their homes.

What Can my Family Expect During the Family Assessment Process?
During the first visit, the social worker will complete a Safety Assessment. If DSS decides that the child is not safe, you and the social worker complete a Safety Response to ensure your child's safety.
Together, you and the social worker will gather information from many people.

Safety is Priority
If at any time it is determined that your child's safety cannot be ensured in your home, or if your family chooses not to participate in the Family Assessment process, or if new allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency arise during the process, DSS has the legal obligation to take one or more of the following actions:

A Traditional Investigative

When a Child Protective Services (CPS)
report meets the legal definition of neglect, the Department of Social Services (DSS) will decide whether to conduct a Traditional Investigation response or whether a

This process is expected to be completed within 30 days.

From this information, DSS will make a Case Decision. The Case Decision will

response
The court may become involved with your family
You may be asked to choose a safe place for your child other than your

Family Assessment response may be
more appropriate. Since there may be more than one option for response from DSS, this process is called the Multiple Response System.

What is the Family Assessment Response?
Whereas an Investigation response determines whether abuse or neglect has occurred,, the Family Assessment response determines whether a family is in need ofsupportive services to ensure child safety.  Your family may be eligible for the Family Assessment response. It involves working together to ensure that your child is safe.

be one of the following:
"In need of services" (this means that services are mandatory)
"Services recommended" (this means that services are not mandatory)
"Services not recommended" (this means that the case is closed).
If it is found that "services are not recommended" for your family, your case at DSS will be closed. If your family is found to be "in need of services," or you are "recommended for services," an In­ Home social worker will be matched with your family to begin supportive services.
The social worker will meet with your family within 7 days of the Case Decision to discuss the decision.

home
It may be necessary for DSS to take custody of your child.
It is important that you communicate with your social worker if you have any concerns about the process or if you need additional help creating a safe environment in your home.