2.6 Family Refusal of Services
Families can and sometimes do refuse Division services. Despite their best efforts, Children’s Service Workers may be unable to engage some families in the treatment process during the assessment. In other instances, families may simply withdraw later from the treatment process.
The Children’s Service Worker and supervisor must jointly assess the risk to the child(ren) when a family refuses services.
If it is determined that the child(ren) is in danger, legal intervention is needed and an immediate referral to the juvenile office is required.
If there is not sufficient cause to pursue legal intervention, after supervisory consultation, the case will be closed. The Children’s Service Worker must thoroughly document the reasons for closure and any existing concerns in the case record.