4.1 Investigation Response
The role, responsibility and authority of the child abuse/neglect investigator continues to include the responsibility to ensure safety of children and that services are provided to a family when service needs are immediate during the investigation. As part of the investigation process, the investigator will question the child alone initially, then together with the non-perpetrator parent/caretaker.
The CD investigation and family assessment are non-punitive in approach and are directed towards assisting families in providing adequate care and nurturance for their children. The foc us of the Division is identification, assessment and service provision in an effort to protect children, preserve families whenever possible, and prevent further maltreatment.
CD investigators:
- Are mandated to report all reports alleging criminal activity as defined in RSMo 210.109.3(4) to law enforcement;
- Investigate CA/N reports and make determination of preponderance of evidence, unsubstantiated, and unsubstantiated-PSI, etc.;
- Offer services to families with identified needs, regardless of finding;
- Make referrals to other community agencies and services, as needed; and
- Obtain assessments and medical evaluations as part of the investigation.
The investigator’s role may also include:
- Assisting with prevention and advocacy efforts by community education;
- Development and support of prevention programs; and
- Service on prevention committees.
NOTE: Information herein which describes the rationale for co-investigations with law enforcement, and the roles of law enforcement and CD Children’s Service Workers is adapted, with permission, from “Joint Investigation, A Multidisciplinary Approach,” by Joann Grayson, PH.D., in the Virginia Child Protection Newsletter, Winter, 1994, Volume 44.