4.1.10 Delayed Conclusions
Workers shall complete all investigation/family assessments within 30 days unless:
- good cause for the failure to complete the investigation or assessment is documented in the information system; or
- The Division may not close a pending child abuse or neglect investigation if a child involved in the investigation dies during the course of the investigation.
Delayed conclusions should only be used for 15 days past the 30-day conclusion deadline. Therefore, all investigations/family assessments shall be complete within 45 days.
The following are examples of situations in which a delayed conclusion may be appropriate:
- Due to change in response track, from family assessment to investigation and law enforcement is assisting in co-investigation. In this situation, there may be a few days lost in coordinating schedules with law enforcement to interview all subjects named in the report (i.e., the alleged perpetrator) along with collateral contacts.
- Delay in receiving critical medical, psychological, or educational report (verbal report from the doctor may be documented in the report and concluded prior to receipt of written report).
- Co-investigation with law enforcement in which alleged perpetrator has not been interviewed.
- Family refused to cooperate, law enforcement contacted and awaiting outcome of referral to juvenile court.
- Courtesy request to another county or state, subject of CA/N report not interviewed.
- When a child dies who is involved in a pending CA/N investigation, the investigation shall remain open until the Division's investigation surrounding the death or a Fatality Review is completed.
If there is a delay in receiving information from law enforcement, the juvenile office, or other professionals, staff must attempt to obtain the information, documenting all attempts in the case record. In situations where the information will not be received within 30 days of the report, the supervisor and worker are to take appropriate steps to secure information necessary to complete the CD process and make a determination. Additionally, CD must maintain weekly follow-up contacts with law enforcement, the juvenile office, other professionals and/or courtesy county/state agencies to obtain respective written reports.
If delays are detected on an ongoing basis due to involvement with law enforcement, the juvenile office or other professionals, local CD staff must meet with interdisciplinary investigation team members within their communities, to develop protocol to meet conclusion timeframes.
Notify alleged perpetrator, parents, non-custodial parents, in writing, when status determination will be delayed beyond ninety (90) days from receipt of CA/N report.
4.1.10.1 Minimum Contact Standards for Delayed Conclusions
Minimum contact standards must be met after a delayed conclusion date has been entered as described above.
Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)
CS03-46, CS03-51, CD04-69, CD04-79, CD04-89, CD05-35, CD05-40, CD05-50, CD05-51, CD05-68,CD05-72, CD06-09, CD06-15, CD06-34, CD06-67, CD06-78