Self Study Module for the Child Protection Intake Process Part II: Analyzing a report Developed by North Dakota Department of Human Services, Children and Family Services Division 2000

2 Instructions for Navigating Through the Presentation

3 Analyzing a Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect Critical activity in the assessment process Completes the intake process Begins the CPS assessment process

4 The SFN 960 The SFN 960 is a tool This tool should be supplied to mandated reporters Report information should be transferred to the SFN 960 form Record the date the information was received

5 Decisions to Make When Intake Information is Analyzed Is the report appropriate for CPS? Does the report require an emergency response? What is the reporter’s motive?

6 Is the Report Appropriate? CPS reports must: Concern a child under 18 years old Include concerns that the suspected maltreatment was caused by someone in the role of a caregiver to the child Express some concern that a child has been abused or neglected

7 Does the Report Require an Emergency Response? Is there a child in immediate risk of harm? Can CPS provide the most effective response? Is the scene secure? Use the category system

8 What is the Reporter’s Motive? Good faith is presumed There are penalties for false reporting

9 Administrative Assessment One of these conditions is present: the concern clearly falls outside of state law reporter can give no credible or causal reason for suspecting the child has been abused or neglected insufficient information is given to identify or locate the child/family there is reason to believe the reporter is willfully making a false report The concerns in the report are being addressed in a current or prior assessment

10 More Conditions for Administrative Assessment The subject is receiving therapy at the human service center and the information is assessed by the social worker, therapist and Regional Supervisor The child and family are receiving case management services by the county due to prior reported concerns the assessment of safety and risk concerns is in progress and information found early on indicates the concerns fall outside the child abuse and neglect law (assessment terminated in progress)

11 Administrative Referral Referrals should be made when: –the child named in the report is not physically present in the county receiving the report –the subject of the report is not a caregiver –the reported concerns took place on an Indian Reservation

12 Notifying the Reporter Reporters should be notified of administrative assessment or referral Use professional judgement

13 The Category System Category A - immediate response - contact with law enforcement required Category B - respond within 24 hours - law enforcement may be contacted Category C - assessment must begin within 72 hours

14 Category A Death Brain damage Bone fracture Subdural hematoma Internal injuries Torture STDs Sexual fondling, intercourse, or exploitation Third degree burns Stabbing Gunshot wounds

15 Category B Burns/scalding Poisoning/noxious substance Wounds Excessive corporal punishment Cuts/bruises/welts Human bites Sprains/dislocations Malnutrition Serious medical neglect Abandonment Tying/close confinement Failure to thrive Twisting/shaking Any injury requiring hospitalization Alcohol and/or drugs present in a newborn

16 Category C Psychological maltreatment Inadequate shelter Inadequate clothing Educational neglect Inadequate supervision ** Inadequate nourishment Inadequate health care –** Earlier intervention is warranted if the child is under 8 years old

17 Check Existing Records –Agency files –Child Abuse and Neglect Information Index –Police reports

18 Re-evaluate the Initial Category Based on the check of existing records May determine timeliness of response

19 Resources for Analysis of a Report Consult manual chapter 640 Staff the report with your social work supervisor or Regional CPS Supervisor Consult other agency staff who have had previous contact with the family

20 Conclusion Analyzing the intake information shapes assessment planning Refer to Manual Chapter Ask your supervisor

21 You are Appreciated!