In low-income communities, help with housing problems, day care, caretaking respite services, and other supports for parenting is more readily available to families who abuse their children than to those who do not. Often help of this kind is provided too late, after family relationships have deteriorated to the point of child maltreatment. This help should be much more universally available through community-based organizations that are responsive to the needs of their neighborhoods. With the help of federal funds, the state of California is implementing a comprehensive state-wide computer data system intended to support case workers and provide them access to enhanced, accurate, and timely information. So far, the implementation of the system has met with mixed success.
Case workers find the input of information time-consuming.
The system has become more complex as counties add their own components. The system was implemented while there were still problems because of federal time constraints. The tools will be based on actual research of outcomes of the various factors which caseworkers consider when determining the level of risk to a child's safety. Several other states have implemented research-based assessment systems. Seven counties have volunteered to be part of the pilot project.