Minnesota still screens in significantly fewer maltreatment reports than most states. But some worry that helping more children will lead to removing more of them from their families, leading to significant trauma.
There is no disagreement that taking children from their parents is traumatic. But it is less so than being killed. Currently one Minnesota child is murdered by their caregivers every 6.7 weeks. Those who survive the maltreatment suffer lifelong adverse consequences, including difficulty in forming relationships, poor self-control, lower earnings, and chronic health problems.
The question is whether current policies strike a responsible balance between the trauma children experience from leaving their families compared to that of staying.
This is not a choice between being pro-family or pro-child. It is about making difficult decisions from the child’s perspective so we give appropriate weight to their safety and well-being.
For a more detailed discussion, listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts, or read the transcript here.
Well said, Rich. Our poor children have no voice and saving them from further pain and torment and yes, even death, has to be our #1 priority. I do believe that keeping a family intact is important, but not at the cost of a child’s life. I would add that what needs to happen is to look at the parents. How were they raised? How do they look at their children, are they people or property that are owned and controlled by parents? I say this, because of personal experience. Perhaps if someone had spoken with my parents, they would have been teachable to learn new parenting skills rather than hurting their children. I think it is vitally important to understand the “heart” of the parents, when it comes to their children(also applies to foster care and other family members raising children). If many knew and understood that their choices are the problem, would they be open to learning and changing behavior towards their children, vs losing them? We can’t forget domestic violence as a factor as well. That is I believe a large factor, as well, and it can go both ways. A man or woman, can be the abuser and use power and control to intimidate their spouse or partner.
Well said Rich. Children don’t get removed because nothing is happening rather the parent/caretaker for whatever reason isn’t taking the action to prevent. Think of the steps a worker must take to remove: meet statutory definition, supervisor or agency approval, county attorney review, GAL, childs attorney, parents and their attorney , courts approval. A lot of opinions are involved in removal decisions! Let’s stop getting bogged down with special interest agendas and on with the work of preventing and solving the maltreatment issues so placements don’t need to occur in the first place.