"Iowa’s Department of Human Services plans to put an end to child abuse investigations in minor cases of alleged neglect, hoping that a new, less confrontational approach of working with families will improve the well-being of more children.
"Versions of that approach, called differential response, are being tried in 23 states. A bill to bring that approach in Iowa passed the Iowa Legislature Wednesday....
"Now, instead of looking for a “smoking gun” in a minor case of alleged neglect, DHS wants to abandon the investigation into who is to blame and send a caseworker out to the home within three days to evaluate the family’s needs. In 10 days, the worker would write a report recommending voluntary services already in Iowa communities or services paid for by the agency to alleviate stresses...."
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