Parents should get written notification on why their children are being removed from their custody by San Diego County Child Welfare Services, the county grand jury recommended Friday.

According to the grand jury report, parents now receive little information from CWS regarding allegations against them, who they can contact for help or where their child is being taken.

"The grand jury recognizes that the first priority of CWS must be the protection of children, but takes the position that the process could be improved if parents were given more information, especially in the initial phase of child removal," the report says.

The grand jury urged CWS to:

-- develop a written check-off list to be given to parents at the time the child is being removed from the home, indicating the allegations that are being investigated and contact information;

-- expand the existing booklet that is given to parents which describes CWS' processes, reunification plans, how the removal decision can be appealed and parental rights;

-- continue and expand internship programs to give social science students experience in the field; and

-- give alcohol and drug abuse training to all CWS workers, since a majority of cases involve substance abuse.