Do No Harm
The key mission of state and local child welfare agencies is to protect children from harm.
This compendium of papers shows how class action litigation can reform public child welfare systems. The papers are written so policymakers, agency administrators, lawyers and judges can make more informed decisions during class action suits and come out with better practices and policies for the welfare of the child. It also presents challenges through case studies and discusses the funding aspect of such litigation.
Implementing a settlement agreement is, at best, extremely difficult. Huge public agencies will be required to overhaul policies and practices while simultaneously continuing to keep work flowing and meet the needs of out-placed children and fragile families. Involved parties should expect problems with implementing any settlement agreement. In addition to large-scale workplace issues, staff may resist reform simply because of the belief that if they implement the changes, it will be an admission of wrong doing.
