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CHILDREN SERVICES Mission Statement Washington County Children Services Board is endowed with responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. This principle intensifies when it is acknowledged that the future of our community rests with our children. The Intake/Assessment Unit, as the first line of defense, is committed to this imperative. All allegations of abuse and neglect for all children are taken seriously and assessed fully to determine risk, protect children, and whenever possible, preserve the family. We will pursue the safety and welfare of children while respecting each family's individuality and right to self-direct. It is our mission to lead the community in assurance that each child achieves his or her potential through support, affirmation, and protection. Responsibilities Children Services is legally responsible for the safety and protection of abused, neglected and dependent children as well as for the provision of services to children and families to assure stability, health and well being. Initial protective services are provided by the Intake/Assessment unit when reports are received by the agency that clearly identify abuse, neglect or dependency issues. Referrals are broken down into maltreatment classifications; sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional maltreatment and neglect. Reports that are received are graded into priorities which determine the time in which a caseworker is required to respond. Response times may range from 1 hour to 24 hours. An assessment/investigation requires the caseworker to interview the alleged child victim, caretaker(s), other children and adults in the home, witnesses and collateral sources and the alleged perpetrator in order to gather sufficient information to determine if the child has been abused, neglected or is dependent. Caseworkers utilize a risk assessment matrix as a tool to determine the current and/or future risk of harm to the child. Based on the level of risk and the family's strengths/concerns, the case may be closed, referred to other community resources or opened for further service from the family services unit. Private Violence Project Private Violence Project is a service contracted by Washington County Children Services to provide psychotherapeutic services on site. Counselors with the Private Violence Project are specialized in addressing the needs of sexual abuse victims and their families. This program also offers services to adult and juvenile sex offenders. For those children who are placed in foster care, a referral is made to the program to allow the children to express separation and placement issues. Intake/Assessment Unit Supervisor 204 Davis Avenue Marietta, Ohio 45750 740-373-3485 stewaa01@odjfs.state.oh.us Intake | Assessment/Investigation | Family Services Washington County Children Services ©2006 Washington County |