1.1 Child Abuse/Neglect (CA/N) Reports
1.1.1 Investigations
An Investigation is a classification of response by the Children’s Division to a report of abuse or neglect, based upon structured decision making protocols, and based upon the reported risk and injury to the child, where the acts of the alleged perpetrator, if confirmed, are criminal violations and/or where the action/inaction of the alleged perpetrator may not be criminal, but which if continued, would lead to the removal of the child or the alleged perpetrator from the home.
If a Child Abuse/Neglect report is classified as an investigation, it will be assigned to a Children’s Service Worker, who will conduct a thorough investigation.
1.1.1.1 Reports Involving Death or Serious Injury
Specific procedures are outlined in Section 2, Chapter 4, for notifying the Division Director of reports involving a fatality, near-fatality abuse/neglect or Other Critical Event, or of a complaint of medical neglect of a handicapped infant in a hospital or health care facility.
Note: All reports of CA/N fatalities, near-fatality, serious injury, or other critical event or any Non-CA/N fatality in which present or past CD involvement with the family has occurred, or any reports having (or with potential for) media attention, will be reported to the Director.
Obtain sufficient information to file a report with CANHU for investigation, if a report is warranted.
Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 58-452, requires the County Coroner to notify CANHU of all fatalities. Any staff aware of a fatal CA/N incident shall assure that a report has been filed with CANHU, and if it has not, staff shall report, or cause a report to be made, with CANHU, pursuant to RSMo 210.115. Staff is encouraged to collaborate with the County Coroner for local reporting protocols when necessary.
Fatality reports will be accepted by CANHU as either a CA/N report for Investigation, or as a Non-CA/N referral when there is no allegation of CA/N.
A CA/N report will be assigned to the appropriate County (or OHI) for Investigation.
1.1.2 Family Assessments
A Family Assessment is a classification of response by the Children’s Division to a child abuse or neglect report, based upon structured decision making protocols, and based upon the reported risk and injury to the child, for allegations of mild, moderate, or first-time non-criminal allegations of abuse or neglect. These will include reports where a law enforcement co-investigation does not appear necessary to ensure the safety of the child.
If a Child Abuse/Neglect report is classified as a family assessment, it will be assigned to a Children’s Service Worker, who will conduct a thorough family assessment.
Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)
CD04-01, CD04-97, CD05-35, CD05-40, CD05-50, CD05-68, CD05-72, CD06-34