What does the term "dual-involvement" mean in child welfare?

The term "dual-involvement" in child welfare refers to a situation where a family is simultaneously engaged with both child welfare services and the juvenile justice system. This dual engagement often arises due to overlapping issues such as abuse, neglect, or delinquency that may require intervention from both systems to address the family's challenges effectively.

This concept is significant because it highlights the complexity of cases where a child may be facing various risks, necessitating coordinated responses from multiple agencies. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between child welfare professionals and juvenile justice representatives to ensure comprehensive support and protection for the child and family involved. The recognition of dual-involvement cases also underscores the importance of holistic approaches to service provision to avoid gaps in care or conflicting interventions.