5.3.1   Preparing for the Family Assessment

Similar to the investigation process, when the Children’s Service Worker receives a report screened as a Family Assessment, he/she will develop a plan outlining the initial actions to be taken.  The worker will utilize the (CPS-1) Investigation/Family Assessment Summary and the (CPS-1A) Safety Assessment (Part B), to assess and address the child’s safety; the risk for future child maltreatment occurrences; identify the family’s strengths; and determine the family’s need for services.  During this process the worker will engage and empower the family to the fullest extent possible, provided the child’s safety is not jeopardized.  The Children’s Service Worker will consult their supervisor to assure that their action plan protects the family’s right to self-determination as much as possible.

The Family Assessment process will not only address the reported concern alleged in the hotline report, but will take into account the family’s situation as a whole.  The Children’s Service Worker will carefully review all information available at the time the report is first received before engaging the family in the family assessment process.

5.3.1.1  Review the initial CA/N report for:

• Reported allegations or other concerns contained in the report;
• Number of household members, if indicated;
• Age and relationship of household members, if indicated;
• Age and number of children involved in the report of maltreatment;
• Location of household;
• Prior reports/referrals to Children’s Division (CD);
• Income resources indicated;
• Indication of community involvement, i.e., reporter is from a school counselor, medical staff, etc.; and
• Indication of history or current conditions that might pose a danger to the worker. (report or history of weapons, dangerous dogs, drugs or meth production at the residence)

In reviewing the above categories, staff are to begin planning their first contact with the child(ren) and family and reviewing what strengths and stresses may be indicated for the family.

5.3.1.2  Reviewing Prior History

Examining this history provides the worker with a base of information for their contact with the family.  Additionally, the history tells the Children’s Service Worker what worked for the family if past services were provided, as well as what did not seem to work.

In reviewing prior history the worker should consider the following questions:

• Have there been prior reports or referrals to the agency?  (Investigations; family assessments; newborn crisis assessments…etc.)
• What was the nature and context of those reports?
• Is there a reoccurring or chronic pattern of abuse/neglect indicated in the history?
• Who was involved in prior reports?
• What were the outcomes or findings of those reports?
• What was the Division’s response? (Children were removed; the report found “probable cause” or “preponderance of evidence”; Family-Centered Services or Intensive In-Home Services were provided…etc.)
• What was the outcome of services provided? (Linked to community resources; family; short term services; rights were terminated…etc.)

If it becomes known during an Investigation/Family Assessment that there is a history or alleged incident of domestic violence, staff should contact Law Enforcement and/or any other professionals known to be familiar with the domestic violence in order to obtain complete information on the family.

The implications of a family’s history in CPS practice should be utilized in a manner consistent with the “rolling icebergs” theory by Tony Loman, of the Institute of Applied Research. Incident reports should be seen in the context of other problems that manifest themselves within a family in different ways at different points in time. One specific incident may only be the “tip of the iceberg”, while other (sometimes more serious) things might be hidden below the surface. Repeated reports on families, then, may best be understood as rolling icebergs, with different aspects revealing themselves and being observed across time. Understanding how to recognize and utilize prior history in this manner will provide a solid foundation for intervention by the Children’s Service Worker.

NOTE:  Supervisors must assure that staff has made every effort to search for prior CD involvement, and that the information is given appropriate consideration.

Accumulation of Harm

An accumulation of harm can have a long-term impact on a child’s overall physical, mental or emotional development. Research has shown that the quality of nutrition and nurturing during the first five years of a child's life is particularly important for normal growth and development later in the child's life. Needed care and attention that is missed in these early years is difficult to make up for in later years. An example of this is a family with a preschool child who is repeatedly not provided adequate stimulation and nutrition and who becomes developmentally delayed. Because the child is already at a disadvantage developmentally, the ability to do well in school and reach other developmental milestones becomes further and further out of the child's reach. This kind of pattern of neglect, resulting in accumulated harm, can result in long-term, negative consequences for the child.

The concept of accumulation of harm is important in identifying and developing treatment strategies with families who are experiencing chronic neglect, as well as any other pattern of abuse/neglect. When assessing the immediate safety and future risk of a child’s condition, Division staff must be aware of the heightened risk to children when caretakers show a repeated pattern of failing to meet the child’s physical, medical, educational and emotional needs.

5.3.1.3  Involving the Non-Custodial Parent 

It is not required to notify the non-custodial parent for family assessments, but an attempt must be made to engage the custodial parent in seeing the potential importance of the non-custodial parent in the family’s current and on-going situation.