NORTHEASTERN PA — Parents in the Poconos (Wayne, Lackawanna, Pike, Monroe, and Luzerne) counties will now have access to a clearer, more user-friendly explanation of how the child welfare system works, modeled after a recently updated handbook used elsewhere in the state. The goal: reduce confusion, ease stress, and ensure families understand their rights when Children & Youth Services (CYS) becomes involved.

Officials across the region say the handbook-style information is meant to reassure families during what is often an overwhelming moment.

“When a caseworker knocks on the door, families are scared,” one county official noted. “This guide helps them understand what’s happening, why we’re involved, and what comes next.”

Why Parents Receive a Visit

Across all five counties, CYS becomes involved after a report is made to Pennsylvania’s statewide ChildLine hotline or directly to a county agency. A report does not mean wrongdoing has been confirmed; it simply triggers an assessment to ensure a child’s safety.

The handbook-style guide acknowledges the stress involved, noting that the system can feel complicated. It emphasizes that the agency’s job is not to punish parents but to keep children safe and to support families wherever possible.

Focus on Family—Not Separation

Wayne, Lackawanna, Pike, Monroe and Luzerne counties share similar missions: strengthen families, keep children safely at home when possible, and reunify families if temporary placement becomes necessary.

Each county provides services such as:

• In-home support
• Parenting and life-skills programs
• Counseling referrals
• Crisis intervention
• Foster and kinship care when needed

Officials stress that family preservation and reunification are priorities unless a child faces immediate danger.

Parents’ Rights

The new guidance also highlights the rights parents maintain throughout the process, including:

• The right to know why the agency is involved
• The right to be informed about how assessments work
• The right to participate in creating a family service plan
• The right to legal representation if a case reaches court
• The right to be treated respectfully and fairly

Children’s rights — including safety, supervision, and protection from abuse or neglect — are also clearly outlined.

What Happens After a Report

Once a referral is received, the county determines whether a case falls under Child Protective Services (CPS) or General Protective Services (GPS). CPS cases involve specific allegations of abuse or serious neglect; GPS cases address concerns about home conditions, supervision, or general well-being.

Caseworkers may visit homes, speak with children and caregivers, and gather information to evaluate immediate safety and long-term risk. Reviews continue regularly, and a formal plan may be developed with the family outlining steps for improvement.

A Push for Transparency Across Counties

Regional officials say the shared goal is to make the system easier to understand and less intimidating. The updated information helps standardize what parents can expect regardless of which northeastern Pennsylvania county handles their case.

Local offices involved include:

• Wayne County Children & Youth Services, Honesdale
• Lackawanna County Office of Youth & Family Services, Scranton
• Pike County Children & Youth Services, Milford
• Monroe County Children & Youth, Stroudsburg
• Luzerne County Children & Youth, Wilkes-Barre

Each office encourages parents to contact their caseworker with questions or concerns, emphasizing that cooperation and communication often lead to the best outcomes.

A Resource Aimed at Reducing Fear

By presenting the child-welfare process in clear, plain language, county agencies hope families will feel more supported and less anxious.

“Most parents just want to know what’s happening and how to fix things,” one caseworker said. “This guide gives them that roadmap.”