Re: Untreatable Families

["INGRAM, BOBBY B." <INGRAMBB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I, too, have a problem of using these terms in describing these families 
where the prognosis for successful reunification is poor.  But, as a CPS 
worker myself, I have to measure these concerns against  what's best for the 
child(ren).  If the prognosis is for reunification is poor, then I would 
have to put my energies into securing services to treat the child.  Hence, 
the need for the term "untreatable" where facilitating change in the family 
to meet the needs of the child(ren).  If the parents are unable or unwilling 
to meet their child(ren)'s needs, then the term would be appropriate.

Another issue to take into account is the fact that these children cannot 
wait for their parents to make up their minds about changing or not.  The 
courts are beginning to recognize this.  Everyone except the resistant 
parents seems to realize the weight of the fact that their children are 
taking their fist steps, cutting their first tooth, and making close, 
healthy bonds with people who are not related to them.  If the child could 
remain at the same stage at which they were removed for the next three to 
five years while the parents finally make the changes necessary to protect 
their child(ren), then I would support giving the parents every opportunity 
to do whatever it takes.  But the sad fact is that time is the 
second-biggest foe working against them.

So, the term "untreatable" becomes appropriate when the parents have not 
made appropriate changes within a timeframe (in Texas, it's only 12 months 
 -- by law).  This is, of course, taken in context that services have been 
and are being provided to these parents that would assist any other person 
in making the necessary changes.

Yes, it is sad that we've had to adopt this "cookie-cutter" approach to 
child welfare; but it's what Washington, DC and our state gov'ts have handed 
us.

Brian Ingram
 ----------
From: owner-CHILD-MALTREATMENT-RESEARCH-L
To: Child Maltreatment Researchers
Subject: Re: Untreatable Families
Date: Friday, March 13, 1998 4:37PM



I do not have any information to provide for measuring "treatability", but
rather am responding, with concern, to the notion of thinking about
families as "untreatable."

<SNIP>

Sincerely,

Carolyn Copps Hartley, Ph.D.            (319) 335-1267
University of Iowa                      email:  carolyn-hartley@uiowa.edu
School of Social Work
308 North Hall
Iowa City, IA  52242