CHINS social worker coming for home visit - what should we expect?

[threeturkeez]

Hello all,

We filed a CHINS petition on our difficult child because he poses a threat to our other two children. Part of the process is a home visit from a CHINS social worker. Does anyone have experience with this? It's scheduled for next Monday and I'm wondering what we can expect from such a visit. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JJJ]

So much depends on the caseworker. In theory, she is suppose to be evaluating how much of your allegations are true, determining if there is other support they can offer you, and seeing if there is family dysfunction beyond the child's mental illness.

In reality, a good worker will do all that. A bad worker will threaten to take your other children if you can't keep them safe, or they will suggest that you place your other two with a relative so you can focus on difficult child.

If you have an attorney, I would strongly recommend having her there, or at least someone from her office as a 'notetaker'. Often, the mere presence of someone else can keep everything professional.