Prevention Services

Richland County Children Services Board offers Prevention Services to work with young mothers, families of school-aged children, and families of unruly and delinquent youth to prevent problems from developing into abuse or neglect.

Ongoing Teams

Ongoing workers assist families with developing a case plan for needed services for families and children. Services are offered to help solve issues to prevent abuse and neglect. The services may include such items as counseling, day care, evaluation, treatment, and referrals to other agencies.

School Based Teams

School Based Intervention social workers are located within Mansfield City schools and are the primary Children Services' contact for students and school and staff throughout the city and county. School based social workers devote a significant amount of time to prevention efforts by helping families avoid potentially abusive or neglectful situations with their children before becoming a formal part of the child welfare system.

Court Liason Team

Court Liaison social workers work closely with the Juvenile Court magistrates, probation officers, and parents with unruly or delinquent teens. Social workers interview family members and make recommendations for community based interventions. The staff rely heavily on family teams that meet to coordinate family members' and community professionals' efforts to help stabilize and improve the youth's behaviors.

Protective Supervision Order (PSO) Teams

Protective Supervision Order social workers collaborate with the Juvenile Court and families whose children are victims of child abuse or neglect. Staff work with families and other professionals involved with the family to develop a case plan that is specific to the needs of the family. The case plan consists of goals that address problems in family functioning which create risk to the child(ren). The case plan becomes a court order, which requires cooperation from all parties noted in the case plan. The objective is to alleviate risk while maintaining children in their own homes.

Help Me Grow

The program assists with health and developmental services for pregnant women and families with newborns, infants, and toddlers under the age of 3. Services are designed with your family's concerns and goals. Support is provided to answer questions about your child's health and well-being. Special services that are offered include prenatal visits, home visiting, and support to your family and children.

Family Team Meetings

Family team meetings are coordinated to improve the care and protection of children by assessing strengths and needs, developing goals, and reviewing progress. Participants include family members, friends, support people, community specialists, and social workers.