The following documents give a detailed overview of the philosophies, practices and procedures used by the DHS Office of Children, Youth and Families as they provide services to children and families of Allegheny County. The information is presented as general background. Because of the nature of child welfare, family situations often necessitate flexibility in the way we accomplish our goal of keeping families strong and children safe.
The entire document and individual sections are available in PDF format.
Overview of Key CYF Philosophies, Practices and Procedures
Index Initial Reporting and CYF Response (includes Childline) Child Abuse Definition CYF Call Screening Required Reporters (Mandated Reporters) Intake Procedures Safety Factors Safety Plans Services for Client Families Custody Removals and Out-of-home Placements Permanent Placement Goals Requirements of Background Checks for Prospective Caregivers Parent's Rights Family Service Plans and Child Permanency Plans Reunification Court Hearings Case Closing Criteria Communications Policies Child Welfare Services in Allegheny County Glossary
Index
Initial Reporting and CYF Response (includes Childline)
Child Abuse Definition
CYF Call Screening
Required Reporters (Mandated Reporters)
Intake Procedures
Safety Factors
Safety Plans
Services for Client Families
Custody Removals and Out-of-home Placements
Permanent Placement Goals
Parent's Rights
Family Service Plans and Child Permanency Plans
Reunification
Court Hearings
Case Closing Criteria
Communications Policies
Child Welfare Services in Allegheny County
Glossary