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Lesson Seven: (Continued)
No two reports are handled in exactly the same way. Decisions by all the
people involved are based on each child’s situation. Even reports on
two children in the same family may be handled differently; the agency
receiving the report will determine how to proceed, based on the
information available.
What the response will be and how quickly it will be made depends on
the seriousness of the events reported and the situation the child
faces. Where it appears that the child is in danger, the response will
be immediate. Where there is less risk involved, it may be three to ten
days before action is taken. Not all reports are serious enough to
require the assistance of the law enforcement agency. In these events,
only the local social service department may contact the family. An
in-person response may not be made when the county social services
department, based upon an assessment, determines that one is
not appropriate.
The investigations by the child welfare services agency and law
enforcement are conducted separately. The child welfare agency will
concern itself with the welfare of the child and family. Law
enforcement efforts will focus on obtaining evidence to determine
whether a crime has been committed and by whom.
Those required to report should be aware that reporting does not always
mean that a civil or criminal proceeding will be initiated against the
suspected abuser. If an investigation does not reveal evidence of child
abuse but suggests other family problems or a potential abuse situation,
the child welfare agency may intervene and offer appropriate services
to prevent abuse before it happens.
Q: What are the criteria for a timely response to a report of
suspected child abuse or neglect?
A: Child protection agencies utilize the following criteria in
determining their response to a suspected case of child abuse
or neglect.
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Unfounded Referrals. Referrals were evaluated by the Child Abuse
Hot Line (CAHL) and determined not to require an in-person
response
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Unfounded or Unsubstantiated Response Referrals. Referrals that
required in-person investigations, and were determined to be
unfounded or inconclusive and closed.
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Substantiated. Emergency Response Cases were opened — referrals were
determined to be substantiated. Emergency Response Services were provided,
and cases were closed.
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Substantiated. Cases were transferred to receive ongoing Family Maintenance
Services. Reunification or Permanent Placement Services.
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Substantiated. Cases were transferred to Other Counties/Jurisdictions
for continuing Child Welfare Services.
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Q: Does a report mean the child will be taken away?
A: Most reports of child abuse do not result in children being removed
from their families. The first goal is to enable the child to remain
safely in his or her own home. If this is not possible, the social worker
must protect the child’s safety by placing him or her in foster care.
If it is necessary in order to protect the child, the agency is also
authorized to arrange for emergency temporary foster care.
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