5.3.11 Safety Assessment
Safety is always a primary concern for the worker for any CA/N report as well as with families with on going FCS or FCOOHC cases.
The initial safety assessment is conducted with the family on initial contact. The first two pages of the CPS-1 and the CPS-1A must be completed, by the worker and reviewed and signed off on by the Chief Investigator within 72 hours of receipt of report.
Information used to reach the safety conclusion may include collateral contacts, system checks, reporter contacts, school or child care contact, or contact with any other person or agency that might have pertinent information about the family.
The safety assessment finding may be safe; conditionally safe or unsafe. If a safety assessment determination is “conditionally safe” the worker shall execute the safety plan prior to the family being assigned another worker for follow-up services. If the safety assessment determination is unsafe, staff will consider removal from the home.
The CSW should be continually assessing the safety and risk to the child(ren) throughout the Family Assessment process. A Safety Re-assessment is conducted in accordance to a prior safety plan implemented or whenever new information becomes available that may indicate a threat to the safety of the children. Additionally, any change in household composition may warrant immediate CA/N checks of new persons having access to the child.
5.3.11.1 Collateral Contacts
Interview collaterals as needed to verify findings or to gain information not accessible from the family.
Staff shall make collateral contact(s), for all investigations/family assessments. This contact shall be with someone other than the reporter and/or other household members. The purpose of this contact is to provide staff with information concerning, but not limited to, the following:
- To locate family if family is not home;
- Child’s safety, health and well-being;
- Parenting/disciplining techniques;
- Parent/child interaction;
- Household condition;
- Additional household members;
- Changes in child’s/parent’s behavior;
- Current/potential supports for the family; and
- Validity of allegations
- Possible collateral contacts may include, but not limited to:
- School professionals/School liaison (teacher, counselor, Principal, school nurse)
- Therapist/Counselor;
- Parent’s as Teachers Coordinator;
- Physician or other health care professional;
- Neighbor;
- Extended family member(s) not in the household.
NOTE: The Children’s Service Worker shall exercise professional judgment in the selection of information sources. To protect the family's right to privacy and the confidentiality of the report, the Children's Service Worker should not randomly interview the family's neighbors, friends, or other non-professional, non-related persons. When it is necessary to disclose the nature of the investigation, disclosure should only include information that is absolutely necessary to complete the investigation.
Collateral contact shall correlate with the area of concern. Staff should thoughtfully choose collateral contacts from among those people who have enough contact with the family and/or child to give pertinent information. This collateral contact should be able to address a particular concern. For example, if the CA/N report alleges an injury or medical condition, a professional health care provider, close family member or neighbor might be accessed. If there are educational concerns reported, a teacher or school official might be contacted to gather pertinent information regarding the child. If, during the investigation or family assessment, the parent indicates he/she is receiving help from a friend or family member, that person may provide additional information about family’s level of functioning and potential for continued support for the family. Numerous collaterals may be needed depending on the issues identified through the investigation or family assessment. The Genogram or Ecomap, in the CD-14, may reveal appropriate people to use as collateral contacts.
NOTE: Supervisors must assure that staff has contacted collaterals as required, and that the information provided by collateral sources has been given appropriate consideration.
Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)
CS03-51, CD05-35, CD05-72, CD06-34, CD07-66