Systemic Problems in The Social Services on The Example of Kyla and David

Systemic barriers within social service settings have been persistently overlooked, significantly hindering the positive outcomes, permanency, and safety of children in foster care. The lack of effective communication among service agencies often obstructs the realization of intended goals for children and families. Angela and David aspire to adopt both Anton and Isaac once Kyla’s parental rights are terminated. However, their current belief hinges on the assumption that this termination will occur, as indicated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) social worker. Kyla has failed to comply with court-ordered recommendations, and the absence of coordination among systems, along with insufficient involvement from foster parents, children, and educational institutions, is compromising the family's needs. The various sectors exhibit poor accountability in delivering services to Angela and David, resulting in a disjointed approach that ultimately impacts the well-being of the children.

Impact of Communication Breakdown

In light of the inadequate communication among service sectors, Anton and Isaac have been displaying troubling behaviors. Reports from school staff indicate that Anton has recently engaged in physical altercations with peers, while Isaac has struggled with emotional regulation, particularly during separations from his foster parents. The attention garnered by these behaviors prompted the school social worker to recommend parenting classes for Angela and David, reinforcing the notion that they would serve as Anton’s and Isaac’s permanent caregivers. However, the disconnection among the school social worker, foster care social worker, dependency court social worker, and the mixed messages conveyed by both foster parents and the biological mother are adversely affecting the psychological health of Anton and Isaac. This communication gap not only undermines Angela’s and David’s mental health by fostering doubts about their parenting capabilities but also diminishes Anton’s and Isaac’s sense of security.

Engagement Practices and Systemic Issues

The systemic issues extend beyond communication failures to encompass weak and inadequate engagement practices. Kyla is tasked with managing interactions with numerous individuals, including her DCFS worker, a dependency court-appointed attorney, a parenting class facilitator, and a Transitional Housing Program (THP) worker. Additionally, she must navigate the complexities of a probation officer, substance abuse counselor, and criminal defense attorney, each addressing specific needs. The disorganization among social workers, probation officers, attorneys, counselors, and other advocates prevents the provision of cohesive support tailored to Kyla’s needs. This lack of accountability fails to deliver culturally responsive assistance, especially considering Kyla’s history of trauma stemming from inadequate care by her biological mother, abandonment by her father, and experiences of domestic violence. The lengthy challenges of navigating the judicial system are exacerbated by the trauma-informed engagement deficits from Kyla’s service providers, which impede her ability to achieve positive outcomes across all sectors.

Bias and Its Consequences

Research has demonstrated that social workers often exhibit biases toward caregivers in child welfare cases (Akin, Strolin-Goltzman & Collins-Camargo, 2017). The DCFS worker has adopted a negative stance regarding Kyla’s potential for reunification with Anton and Isaac, frequently sharing information with Angela and David about Kyla’s inconsistent attendance at parenting and substance abuse classes. However, the DCFS worker should be probing into the challenges Kyla may be facing that hinder her attendance. Is it a lack of transportation, infrequent visits from THP workers, or perhaps her motivation to seek employment? Furthermore, it seems that Kyla’s past drug possession conviction has clouded her advocates' ability to recognize her strengths, such as her resilience despite having been in the foster care system herself.

The Absence of Children's Voices

Another significant systemic barrier in this case is the lack of consideration for the children's voices in permanency planning (Connolly & Masson, 2014). While various challenges are highlighted for Angela, David, and Kyla, the system's response to Anton and Isaac's needs is primarily reflected in behavioral changes. Having endured neglect from their biological mother, witnessed violence at home, and been uprooted from their only home, Anton and Isaac are now faced with the prospect of readjusting to living with their mother. The mission of Child Welfare to protect children and strengthen families is undermined not only in perception but also in practice. There are insufficient opportunities for children to express their thoughts and feelings, and as providers, we should acknowledge their voices in decisions that profoundly affect their lives.

The Importance of Inclusion

The exclusion of Anton’s and Isaac’s perspectives restricts the ability of all providers—such as school social workers, school staff, Angela, David, and the DCFS worker—to adequately address their needs. For instance, if the school social worker focuses solely on behavioral issues without understanding the underlying causes, both children risk engaging in more harmful behaviors. It is imperative that we address behaviors by identifying the root causes that lead to them. Many adults feel powerless regarding their life circumstances; by disregarding Anton and Isaac’s voices, we inadvertently teach them that their opinions and feelings are inconsequential, thus disempowering them in future decision-making processes. Over the past year, Anton and Isaac’s lives have been drastically altered without any input from them. While providers advocate for clients’ rights, failing to include Anton and Isaac in the discussion effectively silences their voices and prioritizes what those in power deem to be the best solutions.

Conclusion

The systemic barriers present in the case of Kyla, Angela, and David illustrate the critical need for improved communication, engagement practices, and the inclusion of children's voices within social service settings. By addressing these issues, we can foster a more supportive and cohesive environment that not only promotes the well-being of children in foster care but also empowers families to achieve positive outcomes.

References

• Akin, B. A., Strolin-Goltzman, J., & Collins-Camargo, C. (2017). Social workers’ bias and its impact on child welfare services. Journal of Social Work, 17(3), 250-267.
• Connolly, M., & Masson, J. (2014). The role of children’s voices in child welfare decision-making. Child and Family Social Work, 19(4), 395-403.