An introduction to the juvenile dependency court process and the child welfare system: A curriculum for parents

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a curriculum to address the unmet needs of parents with children in the child welfare system in regards to their knowledge of the child welfare and juvenile dependency court systems. Current research suggests that parents who more effectively engage in the child welfare system are more likely to benefit from services and reunify with their children. This curriculum aims increase the parent's awareness and knowledge of the child welfare and juvenile dependency court system, thus increasing effective communication between the parent and the system.

This curriculum includes rationale as to why engaging parents in child welfare services is beneficial, a Leader's Guidebook which contains four complete sessions for instruction, and an accompanying Participant's Guidebook for parents to use during the sessions.