Our child welfare system is based on allegations before the child even enters the system. Someone feels that a child is potentially being harmed and reports that to the Public Children Services Agency. Thus, an allegation occurs. With the intent to protect children from child abuse and neglect, the Ohio legislature created “Mandated Reporters” that require many people to report what they see as indications of abuse or be threatened with loss of their own jobs or licensure.
This process of ensuring safety for Ohio’s children, filters down to everyone involved. Child caseworkers as well as resource parents become subjects of allegations. Being accused of child abuse or neglect is often one of the most difficult experiences of being a foster, adoptive, or kinship family.