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Question 1

mandated reports

Answer 1

required to report suspected maltreatment when, in their professional capacity, they are presented w/ reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment; includes: physician, dentist, resident, intern, nurse, social worker, therapist, psychologist, teacher, principal, school counselor, daycare provider, police officer

Question 2

anyone can make a report

Answer 2

• protected under “good faith” law

- altering professionals to possible concern: do not need proof, can remain anonymous

Question 3

when one would report

Answer 3

• victim under 18yrs old; if over 18 can make a report but not required
• “reasonable suspicion” of abuse or neglect–vague definition

Question 4

reporting process

Answer 4

• immediate verbal report (call to CPS- 24hr hotline)
• worker will guide through a series of questions: describe suspicion, available info, info about family& adults in home, contact info
• follow up with a written report, documentation within 24hrs or so

Question 5

should caregivers be involved?

Answer 5

• conflicting views about whether to involve caregiver in reporting process
• how would one involve the caregiver–preparation for call, collaborative process
• discussion of confidentiality at start of treatment–goal: keep them both safe should anything about inflicting harm to oneself or child arise

Question 6

CPS role

Answer 6

• receive reports
• conduct assessments & investigations (sometimes in collaboration with law enforcement)
• evaluate safety & risk of child
• assess family strengths, needs, resources
• develop case plan
• coordinate services

Question 7

investigation

Answer 7

• CPS worker determines how to proceed based on info (only 33% of reports are investigated)
• variability in timing of investigation–prioritized based on potential risk
• primary involves CPS sometimes, law enforcement

Question 8

initial assessment/investigation

Answer 8

conducted by: CPS worker alone, CPS+law enforcement, CPS+community provider
-what is done? interviews w/ child& sibs, parents, fam; medical info/records;safety assessment to examine: factors that suggest potential of serious harm to child, indicate fam has protective capacities, indicate child vulnerability

Question 9

unsubstantiated

Answer 9

aka unfounded, not indicated; not able to document evidence of maltreatment, child may deny/refuse, lack of evidence of injury, determination that adequate care is provided; case closed, may still receive voluntary services
-out of 33% followed up, ~27% are found to be unsubstantiated

Question 10

substantiated

Answer 10

aka founded, indicated; services related to family preservation, services related to protection, out of home placement
-goal: parent-child reunification