Client perceptions of Child Protective Services

Inductive research methods are used to explore client perceptions of Child Protective Services in Clark County, NV. Interviews with fifteen persons who had experiences with CPS are discussed. The small sample limits the generalizability of the results, but there are indications the type of help offered or received is not always what a particular client perceives is needed, they are dissatisfied with the way they are treated, and they are not aware of any mechanisms available to register disagreements. Many of the clients express feelings of alienation and anomie. Suggestions for improving this relationship include changes in reporting procedures, showing more concern for the entire family and not just the child, not allowing officials to speak with a child before notifying the parents, and less secrecy. The use of an outside person, or ombudsman, to informally mediate disagreements is also suggested for improving communications between clients and CPS workers.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

2004

Author dc:creator

• Rohleder, Jerry L

Contributors dc:contributor

• Frederick W. Preston

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/1636

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-2635