5.3.8 When the Family is Uncooperative

If a family chooses not to cooperate with the family assessment approach, it may be necessary to contact law enforcement to gain access to the child to assess the child’s safety.  Division staff may contact the Juvenile Court (verbally and in writing) if the family is uncooperative and assistance is needed to ensure the child’s safety.  Division staff may contact law enforcement during the family assessment as in investigations.  This information is provided to the family in the Description of the Family Assessment (CS-24a), which is given to the family at the beginning of the family assessment.

If the family chooses not to cooperate with the family assessment and CD determines that there is no, or minimal, risk to the child, the family assessment will be concluded with conclusion L - Family Assessment-Non-cooperation/Child Safe, and no further action will be taken (no FCS case opened).

Related Subject: Section 2, Chapter 9.2, Assessment of Safety and Section 2, Chapter 9.1   Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment