Best Practices :: Intake / Investigation

Intake and Investigations

4.1 Overview of Intake and Investigation

4.1.1 The Investigation Process | 4.1.2 Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations | 4.1.3 Decision Trees | 4.1.4 Protocols

4.1.1 The Investigation Process

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a specialized component of the broader public welfare system of services to children and families. The purpose of this practice guide is to define the intervention process when a report or referral is received expressing concerns that a child is or may be maltreated and the response to those concerns. The premise is that all community concerns received will be evaluated to identify families in need of protective services and will be consistent with laws and policies pertaining to child maltreatment and the risk of maltreatment. The intervention process begins with a universal intake system that encompasses all intake and investigative activities whether the children have been abused, neglected, dependent, and/or at risk of maltreatment.

Illinois' intervention process starts with a report to the State Central Registry (SCR) for Child Abuse/Neglect (CA/N). SCR screens the reports to identify appropriate responses for families with children who have been maltreated or are at risk of maltreatment. Particular emphasis is placed on a more comprehensive screening and a thorough assessment to expedite the safety of children. Whether it takes place at SCR or at the local field office, a more thorough initial screening:

· Increases the expediency of determining child safety;

· Reduces unnecessary intrusion into a family's life;

· Expedites appropriate community/ Local Area Network (LAN) intervention;

· Facilitates the gathering of information to avoid duplication at the local level;

· Increases cost effectiveness via the appropriate deployment of staff.

During the initial stage of the investigation and assessment, the responsibilities of the Child Protection Services Worker (CPSW) are fourfold. They involve:

· Determining whether a report is a good faith indication of abuse or neglect,

· Determining whether there is an immediate threat of harm to the child,

· Identifying interventions needed to ensure the safety of the child, and

· Engaging the family in the assessment and intervention processes.

Information gathered during the Initial Investigation will dictate whether the report should be unfounded or whether there is a need to proceed to the Formal investigation stage. In addition, the information will lead to the initiation of a safety plan when one is required. At each stage, the safety of the child is paramount.

The Formal Investigation is the full investigation and assessment process conducted once it has been determined that a good faith report exists. If the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) is marked "Unsafe" and/or there is sufficient information to suggest a child has been abused/neglected as defined in the reported allegation, the Formal Investigation commences immediately. Moving from the Initial Investigation to the Formal Investigation is a smooth and barely discernible process occurring within the first 14 days of involvement. Required investigative activities and contacts are delineated in each of the allegations. Additional activities are included in the Protocols and decision trees. Investigative activities completed during the initial phase of the investigation do not need to be repeated during the formal phase unless information is developed suggesting the need to re-interview for additional information/clarification.

The CPSW is also responsible for the completion of the initial child abuse/neglect service assessment and the provision of short-term services aimed at reducing a child's exposure to unsafe or high-risk environments. The assessment will enable the CPSW to develop and monitor an appropriate safety plan, and identify and implement services that ensure the safety of children who are determined to be unsafe or at substantial risk of harm. If at any point during the investigation the CPSW determines the family is in need of services, a referral and active linkage to an appropriate service provider must be made. If it is determined the family requires formal child welfare services, a service referral is made and a face-to-face handoff and transitional visit with the intact/permanency worker must occur.

4.1.1 The Investigation Process | 4.1.2 Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations | 4.1.3 Decision Trees | 4.1.4 Protocols