User:Bfranci8/sandbox

This is my sandbox for rough drafts and editing.

I will be doing my long research paper about DCS and how it is beneficial to children. I will also be discussing the problems it can have.

The Department of Child Services was established in January 2005 by Governor Mitch Daniels. The Department provides direct attention and oversight of two critical areas: protection of children and child support enforcement. James W. Payne, a juvenile court judge in Marion County for 25 years, was named the Agency's first Director. DCS protects children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers child support, child protection, adoption and foster care throughout the state of Indiana.

Foster care children go into foster care due to not being provided a safe, nurturing, and stable environment at home. Factors that contribute to this are substance abuse, alcohol, anger issues, immature parenting, stress, lack of understanding of child development, family patterns of abuse or neglect, isolation, and unrealistic parenting expectations. In extreme cases or reoccurring cases, the Department of Child Services have to remove the child from their home and provide them with a healthy temporary home to prevent them from experiencing abuse and neglect. This care can be provided by a relative or through a non-related licensed foster parent. The Department of Child Services ensures that caregivers fulfill their roles as foster parents. The foster parent and relative caregiver’s role includes: participating in child and family team meetings or case plan conferences, supporting the case plan goals, participating in court hearings when informed, providing the child’s basic needs, maintaining confidentiality, supporting approved visitation plans with parents, and supporting the child’s identity with their family of origin. 

Thesis: Department of Child Services is beneficial because it helps children have a better childhood, helps children become better adults, and helps parents become better parents.