The Walter Family - Case Study Example

Catherine Walter, a self-proclaimed ‘depressed’ mother. The children are entitled to their basic needs and because there appeared to be a lack of provision in the Walter family, Mrs. Walter may indeed be guilty of neglecting her children. II. Major Issues of the Family The major problem of the family is that it does not have any dependable resources, let alone in the financial aspect. Although the lack of financial resources does not significantly qualify for a type of neglect, the Walter children are left exposed to possible substantial harm from the lack of food and a safe and clean dwelling place with no parent or any form of guardian to attend to their immediate needs. Mr. Walter abandoned his family without providing any essential aid (e.g. insurance) while Mrs.

Walter admitted to have depressive symptoms which would give enough reason for the community CPS to take necessary action over the situation. Parental depression can cause a parent to divert her attention away from her children (Jackson et al. 5). III. Needs of the Family The Walter family requires a good provider. . Generally, the family needs economic and professional help from concerned social workers who could assist them. IV. Action Plan and Intervention Goals It is necessary that the alleged neglect of the Walter children by their mother, Mrs.

Catherine Walter be determined properly. The community agency should know whether the treatment or intervention is favorable for the children and Mrs. Walter. Despite the fact that it’s the main duty of the community CPS to reduce the probable risks to a child, separating a child from his/her parent should be its last remaining option because doing so against the will of the family member concerned may have negative psychological effects to them especially when it is not necessary. In the following action plan, the persons directly involved during the treatment will be the Walter children, Mrs.

Walter, physicians, pediatricians, social workers, child psychologists, and nutritional professionals who can detect victims of abuse or neglect. Intake/Initial Assessment/Investigation The Child Protective Services Agency must acquire credible evidence to substantiate the report of neglect (Depanfilis). Mrs. Walter should be properly and justifiably evaluated whether she could still provide the physiological and emotional needs of her children or not despite the fact that she admitted to undergoing depressive symptoms for it still unjust to opt for placement without due process of law (25).

However, if it is the parent’s own choice to confine her children into a foster home instead, then she is already waiving her right as a responsible mother to her children. This recommended action will also determine whether statutory child protection is the best approach to the Walter family case.