2000. CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

2100. INTRODUCTION

2110. Program Authority

The Division of Children and Family Services' (DCFS) Child Protective Services (CPS) program is authorized under federal and state laws and regulations. The federal authorities are Public Law 93-247 and 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1340 and 1357.20. The authorizing state laws and regulations are Chapter 74.13 RCW, Chapter 26.44 RCW, WAC 388-15-130 through 388-15-134, and WAC 388-70-095.

2120. GOAL

The goal of CPS is to protect children from child abuse and/or neglect while preserving the family's integrity and cultural and ethnic identity to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the safety and permanency needs of the children.
CPS is a program available in all geographic areas of the state of Washington on a 24-hour basis.

2130. Service Description

The purposes of CPS are to:

Receive and assess referrals from the community alleging child abuse and neglect (CA/N).
Assess risk of future abuse or neglect to children.
Investigate referrals alleging CA/N or the risk of CA/N.
1. Determine the existence of CA/N.
2. Assess risk of abuse and neglect to children by performing a comprehensive assessment, using the risk assessment model.
Provide early intervention information and referral services to advise parents about services to strengthen families and prevent serious or continuing CA/N:
Develop culturally responsive case plans which:
1. Prevent or remedy CA/N in the shortest reasonable time.
2. Prevent or reduce the need for out-of-home placement.
3. Provide a safe and permanent home for a child.

2131. Compliance With Court Orders And Liability Protection

See chapter 4000, Child Welfare Services, section 43073, for staff expectations for compliance with court orders and legal representation for employees.

2200. INTAKE

2210. Eligibility

The primary purpose of the CPS program is to assess risk of child maltreatment rather than to substantiate specific allegations of CA/N. Any referral received from a commissioned law enforcement officer stating a parent has been arrested for Criminal Mistreatment in the fourth degree under RCW 9A.42 will be screened in and assigned for investigation.

CPS must accept referrals from any source and in any form, including those received from an anonymous source. See the CA Case Services Policy Manual, chapter 2000, section 2131, for limitations on referrals from anonymous sources.
1. CA Intake staff shall make reasonable efforts to learn the name, address, and telephone number of each person making a report of abuse or neglect under RCW 26.44.030. Intake staff will inform the referrer that, if he/she remains anonymous and the allegation appears to carry a lower risk, then the referral will be screened out and will not be investigated.
2. Intake staff shall provide assurance to the referrer that the department will make all legal and reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality of the identification of persons reporting under this section.
3. If the CA Intake staff is unable to learn the information required in paragraph 1, DCFS staff shall only investigate cases, involving children not in out-of-home care, that fall within criteria outlined in the CA Case Services Policy Manual, chapter 2000, section 2131.
4. For purposes of this section and CA intake screens, “serious threat of substantial harm to a child,” as stated in RCW 26.44.030(15), means any allegation on the current referral that is risk tagged 4 or 5 at Intake.
5. Anonymous reports of CA/N in licensed or certified child care facilities will be accepted for investigation by DLR facility investigators without regard to risk tag or their anonymity when the referral meets all other criteria for acceptance for investigation.
The intake worker must forward all referrals alleging CA/N by Children's Administration (CA) employees, volunteers, members of the household of any employee, or persons identified as relatives of an employee to a supervisor for review and disposition per Operations Manual, chapter 15000, section 15303.
CA may not name a person under the age of 18 as a subject of a CPS referral unless the minor is the parent of the alleged child victim. However, a minor may be an alleged perpetrator of CA/N. In such cases, department staff will make the appropriate referral to law enforcement.
CA must provide CPS only to a child alleged to have been abused or neglected by:
1. The child's parent or a person acting in loco parentis. Such persons include (does not include school personnel who are performing their official duties in the schools), but are not limited to:
  1. Parents (custodial and non-custodial).
  2. Step-parents.
  3. Guardians.
  4. Legal custodians.
2. The child's sibling, when the child's parent has failed to protect the child.
3. Any person residing with and/or having care-taking responsibilities for the child.
4. A person subject to licensure/certification under Chapter 74.15 RCW and RCW 74.08.044 and described in WAC 388-73-014 and 388-73-020, including persons employed by licensed or certified agencies. Such persons include, but are not limited to:
  1. Child day care providers.
  2. Foster/group care providers.
  3. Employees of licensed/certified child care agencies.
  4. Volunteers of licensed/certified child care agencies.
5. A person alleged to have committed CA/N in an institutional setting. CA staff must not treat allegations of CA/N in licensed or certified facilities as third party abuse or neglect. CA will accept all allegations of CA/N in institutional settings that meet the sufficiency screen for investigation. See chapter 5000, section 5140 of this manual, the CA Operations Manual, chapter 5000, section 5300, and the Division of Licensed Resources' (DLR) Child Abuse and Neglect Section Practice Guide - Investigating Abuse and Neglect in State-Regulated Care for requirements for investigation of facility complaints.
  1. Abuse of one resident by another resident may constitute neglect by the caretaker.
  2. Such institutions include, but are not limited to:
    1. Licensed foster family homes and child care providers.
    2. Residential care and treatment facilities for children.
    3. DLR-certified juvenile detention facilities.
6. A person providing in-home childcare services and paid by the department.
7. A CA employee. See paragraph B, above.
CPS must accept for investigation referrals regarding sexually aggressive youth (SAY) when:
1. Referred by law enforcement regarding a child under the age of eight who has been determined by law enforcement to have committed a sexually aggressive act.
2. Referred by a prosecutor's office regarding a child under the age of 12 who has been determined by the prosecutor to have committed a sexually aggressive act but will not be prosecuted.
CA Intake must assess referrals screened in under paragraph E, above, for the following factors:
1. Whether or not the youth has been abused or neglected.
2. The youth's potential for re-offending.
3. Risk to other children residing with the sexually aggressive youth.
4. The parents' willingness to protect, seek and utilize services, and cooperate with case planning.
As mandated in RCW 26.44.030(8), any case referred to DCFS by a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW on the basis of expert medical opinion that child abuse, neglect, or sexual assault has occurred and that the child's safety will be seriously endangered if the child is returned home, CPS must file a dependency petition unless a second licensed physician of the parents' choice believes that such expert medical opinion is incorrect.
1. If the parents fail to designate a second physician, DCFS may make a selection.
2. If a physician finds that a child has suffered abuse or neglect but that such abuse or neglect does not constitute imminent danger to the child's health or safety, and DCFS agrees with the physician's assessment, the child may be left in the parents' home while DCFS proceeds with reasonable efforts to remedy parenting deficiencies.
DCFS does not generally accept for investigation referrals of:
1. Abuse of dependent adults or persons 18 years of age or older. Such services are provided by the Adult Protective Services (APS) section.
2. Third-party abuse committed by persons other than those responsible for the child's welfare, except as discussed in section 2210.C.
3. CA/N that is reported after the victim has reached age 18, except that alleged to have occurred in a licensed facility.
4. Child custody determinations in conflictual family proceedings or marital dissolution, where there are no allegations of CA/N.
5. Cases in which no abuse or neglect as defined in Appendix A is alleged to have occurred.
6. Allegations of violations of the school system's:
  1. Statutory Code.
  2. Administrative Code.
  3. Statements regarding discipline policies.
CPS is provided without regard to income.
DCFS Intake must assess, to the extent possible, and document in the referral the family's Limited English Proficiency (LEP) needs, including auxiliary aids for the sensory impaired.
Intake must also assess and document ethnicity of the child/family, including tribal affiliation. The social worker must determine ethnic status of family members, complete the Indian Identity Request Form, DSHS 09-761, and determine whether any family members are of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or are persons of sensory impairment. The department will provide interpreter services as needed by the family. All services subsequent to intake will also utilize interpreter services as needed.

2220. Guidelines

The DCFS intake social worker must utilize the CAMIS intake program to record a comprehensive intake interview with any referrer wishing to report CA/N. The worker must attempt to obtain and then include the following when recording information about the incident:
1. The intake social worker must conduct a CAMIS person search for all persons, victims, perpetrators, parents, and family members listed in the referral information.
2. The intake social worker must provide the following information to the referrer:
  1. Tell individuals making referrals that, if requested, CA will not reveal a referrer's name during the investigation.
  2. Inform the referrer that DCFS may disclose the name of any referrer for:
    1. Court testimony.
    2. Fair hearing proceedings.
    3. Criminal investigations by law enforcement including malicious reporting.
    4. When the court orders disclosure. WAC 388-15-134
3. The social worker may request, but must not require, mandated reporters or relatives to tell parents of the report. The worker may encourage reporters to allow disclosure of their names in order to permit honest discussion with the family of alleged CA/N and to facilitate problem solving. See the CA Case Services Policy Manual, chapter 2000, section 2131, for limitations on referrals from anonymous sources.
4. Referrers reporting or testifying in good faith have immunity under RCW 26.44.060.
5. Specific allegations of CA/N. See the definition of “Negligent Treatment or Maltreatment” in the Case Services Policy Manual, Appendix A.
6. Risk factors
  1. Child Characteristics: the emotional, mental and physical characteristics of the child.
  2. Severity of CA/N: the degree of injury or physical or emotional harm to a child.
  3. Frequency of CA/N: any past history of CA/N or out-of-home placement of child.
  4. Caretaker Characteristics
    1. Factors related to the physical, mental or emotional functioning of caretakers.
    2. Information regarding parents/caretakers or family of origin.
    3. Information regarding substance abuse, domestic violence, and/or ability to protect the child.
    4. Previous convictions for crimes against children.
  5. Parent/Child Relationship: information regarding the attachment between the child and caretakers; information regarding parental response to the child's misconduct; and information regarding the child's role in the family.
  6. Environmental Factors: information regarding the family's social relationships and/or economic status; information regarding stressors on the family.
  7. Perpetrator Access: information regarding the capacity of the person(s) alleged to have committed CA/N to contact, supervise, or communicate with the child directly.
7. Referrer and other collateral statements.
8. Basis for intake risk assessment.
Sufficiency Screen-The intake social worker must complete the sufficiency screen and determine if:
1. The worker has sufficient information to locate the child. The intake social worker must utilize all available resources to locate the child. Local offices may develop guidelines for best practice in locating children; and
2. The alleged perpetrator is a parent/caretaker of the child or someone acting in loco parentis, or the parent is negligent in protecting the child from further CA/N by a third party, or the perpetrator is a person specified in section 2210(C). The intake worker does not include school personnel who are performing their official duties in the schools as persons acting in loco parentis; and
3. There is a specific allegation of CA/N meeting the legal and/or WAC definition (In some cases, a collection of behaviors imply an allegation of CA/N and may be considered an allegation for purposes of the sufficiency screen); or
4. Risk factors exist which place the child in danger of imminent harm. Imminent harm is defined as the significant possibility or likelihood that a child will suffer serious physical or emotional harm in the near future. In assessing risk of imminent harm, the overriding concern is a child's immediate safety.
CA Intake must accept for CPS investigation any report meeting the sufficiency criteria specified on the CAMIS intake screen. Any referral accepted for CPS investigation must identify a subject and a victim, even if not identified by name. If the name of the subject and/or the victim is not known at intake, the intake social worker must provide a sufficient description of the person(s) for the investigating social worker to be able to locate and subsequently identify the person(s).
1. CA Intake staff will generate a new referral on an open case when a report is received alleging a new instance of abuse or neglect has occurred.
2. If CA Intake receives a second report about an instance of abuse or neglect already documented on a referral; no new referral will be generated. Such reports will be documented as an addendum to the prior referral if the referral is not yet locked in CAMIS. If an addendum is not possible, the report will be documented in an SER. The SER should be associated with the appropriate case (if there is one established) and referral ID to assure a CAMIS notifier goes to the assigned worker.
The intake social worker may accept CPS referrals that contain information regarding indicators of CA/N, but lack specific information regarding incidents, events, or conditions defined in DCFS policy as CA/N. Intake screens in referrals when the intake worker has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused or neglected or the risk factors place the child at risk of imminent harm.
Child behaviors may be caused by factors other than CA/N. Intake staff must exercise judgment based on their knowledge of child abuse and neglect to decide if behavioral indicators of CA/N are comprehensive and cogent enough to pass the sufficiency screen.
1. CA/N is not inherent in risk factors, and cases shall not be opened solely on the basis of a single behavioral indicator. The more complete the list of indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, and/or sexual abuse, the more likely it is that a child is being abused or neglected. One or two behavioral indicators of abuse and neglect will rarely be sufficient to warrant CPS investigation.
2. The intake social worker shall complete the allegation section of the intake. The question in the sufficiency screen, "Is there a specific allegation of child abuse and neglect which meets the legal and/or WAC definition of child abuse and neglect?" shall be answered "YES" if reasonable cause exists to believe the child was abused or neglected or the child is at imminent risk of harm.
3. Prior to making the screening decision, the intake supervisor shall review CPS referrals containing information regarding behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect but lack description of allegations of CA/N.
Screened in Referrals

The intake social worker shall assign a risk tag to referrals that are accepted for investigation. The six point scale for risk assessment is:
- 0 - No risk;
- 1 - low risk;
- 2 - moderately low risk;
- 3 - moderate risk;
- 4 - moderately high risk; and
- 5 - high risk.
The intake social worker shall:

Classify the severity of the allegation(s) of CA/N from low risk to high risk utilizing section II, Severity, of the Risk Factor Matrix Guide. Establish a baseline risk level; e.g., an initial classification of the allegations of CA/N based on the most serious allegation.
Evaluate risk factor information noted on the referral form regarding:
1. Child characteristics.
2. History of prior agency contact.
3. Parental functioning.
4. Environmental factors.
5. Perpetrator access.
Adjust the baseline risk level based upon the extent and degree of factors exacerbating or ameliorating the risk of CA/N. Use these ratings to accommodate borderline situations at intake.
1. The baseline may be adjusted upward when the referral contains information about factors which are likely to increase the risk of CA/N.
2. The baseline may be reduced when the referral contains information about factors which reduce the risk of CA/N.
Complete the "Basis for Intake Risk Assessment" section, which provides the rationale for the risk tag decision.
Complete the intake process with referral information recorded in CAMIS within:

4 hours from the date and time CA receives the following referrals:

Emergent CPS or DLR/CPS
Family Reconciliation Services (FRS)

4 business hours (business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) from the date and time CA receives Non-Emergent CPS or DLR/CPS referrals.
2 business days from the date and time CA receives the following referrals:

Information Only
CPS - Alternate Intervention
Third Party
Child Welfare Services (CWS)
Licensing Complaint
Home Study

Contact collateral information sources and record such contacts in the Service Episode Record (SER) when:
1. Sufficient information is not available from the referrer to determine if the referral should be accepted for investigation.
2. It is necessary to verify or clarify an allegation of CA/N.
3. Collateral sources have information which would be useful in arriving at the Intake risk tag.
4. For allegations of CA/N in state-regulated care, the Intake social worker follows steps outlined in the Division of Licensed Resources (DLR) Child Abuse and Neglect Section Practice Guide - Investigating Abuse and Neglect in State-Regulated Care. The Intake worker needs to contact the licenser for the facility, do CAMIS history checks on facility complaints, and ask questions of the referrer as outlined in the guide.
For the low standard of investigation, contact collateral sources when appropriate.
Make collateral contacts as soon as possible prior to making intake decisions unless:
1. An immediate response is required.
2. Sufficient information has been collected from the original referrer.
3. Assess frequency of CA/N at intake. Referrals rated moderate risk or greater for frequency of CA/N shall receive a baseline risk tag that is equal to, or greater than, the frequency level.

The intake supervisor reviews all referrals and may change risk tag and screening decisions when:
1. Additional information supports the change.
2. The supervisor determines that the screening decision and/or risk tag is incorrect based on program guidelines.
The supervisor responsible for assigning the referral to a CPS worker may also change risk tag and screening decisions when additional information supports the change.
The intake or assigning supervisor changing the referral must document the reasons for change in the "Basis for Decision/Risk Tag" section located on the CAMIS referral "Decision" tab.

Intake Decision
1. The intake social worker reviews the referral information and records the intake decision in CAMIS:
  1. Information Only. Referral does not meet sufficiency criteria and referral is screened out.
  2. Accepted for Investigation. Referral meets sufficiency criteria and referral is screened in to CPS with a risk tag of 3, 4 or 5 or to DLR/CPS with a risk tag of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
  3. Accepted for Alternate Intervention. Referral meets sufficiency criteria and referral is screened in to CPS with a risk tag of 1 or 2.
  4. Third Party Report - when the perpetrator is not a person specified in section 2210[C]). Referral does not meet sufficiency criteria and referral is screened out. A referral is made to law enforcement and the date recorded on the intake form.
2. The intake decision for allegations regarding state-regulated facilities and DLR/CPS can have only one of three outcomes:
  1. Screened in for DLR/CPS investigation with a program code of "C" and referral decision of "A"
  2. Screened out for CPS - referred to licensing with a program code of "N" and referral decision of "S" or
  3. Screened out for CPS but is not a licensed facility [e. g., Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) or Mental Health Division (MHD)-operated] - with a program code of "C" and a referral decision of "I" for information only.
Screened Out Referrals
1. Referrals which do not meet the sufficiency screen criteria shall be screened out.
2. The intake supervisor shall retain in CAMIS, and make accessible to intake staff, referrals that are screened out. RCW 26.44.030(11)
Normally referrals will be entered directly into CAMIS. On those occasions where a referral has been recorded on another document, the referral information must be recorded into CAMIS within two working days.
The intake supervisor must ensure that all referrals indicating physical injury, sexual abuse, death or other crimes against a child are referred to law enforcement.

2221. JURISDICTION

Initial jurisdiction in a CPS investigation resides with the office receiving a referral.
Primary jurisdiction is the office where the family of the child victim customarily resides. Screened-in referrals will be transferred to this office for case assignment and services, including court intervention, when necessary. Courtesy services may be requested from other offices.
Emergency jurisdiction resides with the office where a child is found. Services to protect the child from imminent harm may be offered by the DCFS office in the area where the child is located. Case assignment and ongoing services will normally be the responsibility of the office with primary jurisdiction.
Temporary jurisdiction belongs to the office where a child is located. The child may be residing on a temporary basis with a friend or relative or without the benefit of a caretaker. Courtesy service such as interviewing the child or continued temporary placement may be offered through this office.
Protection of the child is a key concept. The DCFS office having primary jurisdiction must not refuse its role. However, for referrals from out of state, there may be other factors about child safety and laws concerning the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) to be considered. When considering these other factors, safety of the child is the most significant issue.
DCFS determines the office having jurisdiction in a case by the following formula:
1. Where does the family reside (parent or other person having legal custody)?
2. Where is the child physically located at this time?
3. Will the child be protected?

2222. Child Death Review

See Operations Manual - 5100 Administrative Incident Reporting (AIRS), 5200 Child Fatality Review and Appendix C - AIRS Companion Guide

2300. ASSESSMENT

2310. Response Time

Intake Responses:

The intake process, including supervisor review, on CPS referrals (this includes DLR/CPS referrals) must be completed within:

4 hours on Emergent referrals, or
4 business hours on Non-Emergent referrals

Intake Response to Emergent Referrals

Procedures during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm not including state holidays) are as follows:

The intake worker immediately notifies the intake supervisor of the emergent referral (no later than one hour after determining that it requires an emergent response). In cases where a response to a referral may be difficult to determine, the intake worker must consult with the supervisor to determine the appropriate level of response.
The intake supervisor (or designee) assigns a social worker to respond to the emergent referral, or notifies the appropriate CPS or DLR/CPS supervisor (or designee) of the emergent referral who then assigns a social worker to respond to the emergent referral.
The intake worker completes the referral, noting the date and time the referral was received by CA.
The intake supervisor (or designee) reviews and approves the referral.
The intake supervisor (or designee) forwards the referral to the assigning supervisor.

Procedures After Business Hours, Weekends and State Holidays:

The intake worker immediately notifies the CI supervisor of the emergent referral (no later than one hour after determining that it requires an emergent response). In cases where a response to a referral is difficult to determine, the intake worker must consult with the CI supervisor to determine the appropriate level of response.
The CI supervisor shall contact the on-call after-hours supervisor/AA to assign an after-hours social worker to respond to an emergent referral when:

A child is at risk of serious and immediate harm, or
A referral is received within a timeframe which does not allow it to be assigned to a social worker to complete the initial face to face contact with the alleged child victim(s) during business hours (e.g. referral is received a day before a holiday, on Friday after 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, or early Sunday).

The intake worker completes the referral, noting the date and time the referral was received by CA.
The CI supervisor reviews and approves the referral.
The CI supervisor forwards the referral to the assigning local office for assignment.

Intake Response to Non-Emergent Referrals

Procedures during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm not including state holidays) are as follows:

The intake worker completes the referral in CAMIS, noting the date and time the referral was received by CA. In cases where response times are difficult to determine, the intake worker must consult with the intake supervisor to determine the appropriate level of response.
The intake supervisor (or designee) reviews and approves the referral.
The intake supervisor (or designee) forwards the referral to the assigning supervisor.

Procedures After Business Hours, Weekends and State Holidays:

The CI intake worker completes the referral in CAMIS, noting the date and time the referral was received by CA.
The CI supervisor reviews and approves the referral.
The CI supervisor forwards the referral to the assigning local office for assignment.

Time Limited Extensions to Intake Responses

An intake supervisor may approve and document a time limited extension (not to exceed two hours) to intake timeframes to allow intake staff additional time to complete collateral contacts.

The intake supervisor shall document extensions to the intake timeframe including the rationale and timeframe for the extension, in an SER within 7 calendar days of determining that the extension applies.

CA Social Worker Response:

The supervisor and assigned social worker shall consider as "maximum limits" the timeframes defined in this section for CPS response. Cases may require a quicker response than the timelines defined in this section.
The response time begins at the time and date Children's Administration (CA) receives the referral.
An emergent response is required for children who are at risk of imminent harm (i.e. significant possibility or likelihood that child may be seriously physically or emotionally injured in the near future).

An emergent response requires CA social workers to have face to face contact with all alleged child abuse or neglect victims within 24 hours from the time and date CA receives the referral.

When an emergent referral is assigned to a CA social worker during the work week and the child cannot be located, CA after-hours staff will continue to make efforts to make initial face to face contact with the alleged child victim(s) over the weekend or holiday. CA social workers will continue diligent efforts to locate the child until initial face to face contact occurs, or it is determined that the child cannot be located.
A non-emergent response is required for children who are NOT at risk of imminent harm.

A non-emergent response requires CA social workers to have face to face contact with all alleged child abuse or neglect victims within 72 hours from the date and time CA receives the referral.

Face to face contact with the alleged child victim(s) includes, but is not limited to:

Observation of the child(ren);
Observation of the child(ren)'s circumstances;
Interview(s) with the child(ren) who have the capacity to communicate. The initial interview(s) should be sufficient to help the social worker complete the Safety Assessment See CA's Practice and Procedures Guide, 2330 Investigative Standards) and take any steps necessary for child safety; and
Completion of the Safety Assessment and Safety Plan (when indicated) (See CA's Practice and Procedures Guide, 2330 Investigative Standards).

CPS referrals with a risk tag of 3, 4 or 5 with either an emergent or non-emergent response require an investigation as outlined in CA's Practice and Procedures Guide, 2330 Investigative Standards.

DLR/CPS referrals with a risk tag of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 with either an emergent or non-emergent response require an investigation as outlined in the DLR Child Abuse and Neglect Practice Guide - Investigating Abuse and Neglect in State-Regulated Care.

When an after-hours worker responds to an emergent or non-emergent referral and has face to face contact with the alleged child victim(s) (see section "S" for after hours policy below) , the referral is assigned to an investigator (CPS or DLR/CPS social worker) to:

Continue the investigation on the next business day; and
Complete the investigative interview with the alleged child victim(s), if it was not conducted at the initial face to face contact.

Local offices shall develop protocols for the after-hours social worker or responding social worker (if the responding social worker is not the social worker assigned to investigate the referral) to provide updates on the status of the referral to the assigned social worker, or to the CPS or DLR/CPS supervisor.
If additional victims identified during the course of an investigation are determined:

To be at risk of imminent harm, a social worker will have face to face contact within 24 hours from the date and time they are identified.
NOT to be at risk of imminent harm, a social worker will have face to face contact within 72 hours of the date and time they are identified.

The social worker assigned to investigate the referral is responsible to see that additional victims (based on the original allegation) are added to the referral and the case. If additional victims are identified with new allegations of CA/N, a new referral must be generated.

When law enforcement or other professionals have face to face contact (e.g. welfare check) with the children prior to the CA social worker, the CA social worker is still required to conduct face to face contact within the required timeframes for response to assess risk.
The CA social worker (including the after-hours social worker or responding social worker) who conducts or attempts to conduct the initial face to face contact(s) must input the action into an SER within 7 calendar days of the contact or attempt to contact, noting the date and time of the interview(s).
For required response times for licensed or certified child care facilities and state-operated child care facilities, see the DLR Child Abuse and Neglect Practice Guide - Investigating Abuse and Neglect in State-Regulated Care.
Time Limited Extensions
There are situations when child safety concerns and/or ability to locate alleged child victims may require time limited extensions to the 24 or 72 hour face to face requirements. These include:

When protocols with law enforcement or other community resources (e.g. sexual assault clinics, etc.) exist that require CA to delay having face to face contact with the child in order to assign specialists or to coordinate the investigation, the assigned CA supervisor may approve a time limited extension for the initial face to face contact.
When a child is unable to be located within the 24 or 72 hour timeframe, the assigned CA supervisor may approve a time limited extension for the initial face to face contact. The CA social worker shall continue to make efforts to locate and initiate face to face contact with the alleged child victim as soon as possible.

The assigned CA supervisor shall review the social worker's efforts every:

3 business days on emergent referrals until the initial face to face contact occurs.
5 business days on non-emergent referrals until the initial face to face contact occurs.

In situations where a child's safety may be compromised by conducting the initial face to face contact within 24 or 72 hours, the Area Administrator may approve a time limited extension.
When a referral initially screens in for an alternate intervention and new information indicates that a CPS Investigation is required, the response time begins at the date and time that the referral is changed.
In cases where a referral relates to the alleged abuse or neglect of a child in a licensed facility that is not providing care for children during the weekend or holiday, face to face contact with the child shall occur by the end of the next business day
The assigning supervisor shall document all time limited extensions to the 24 and 72 hour face to face requirements, including the rationale and the timeframe for the extension, in an SER within 7 calendar days of determining that the extension applies.

Additional Time Limited Extensions for Emergent Responses

When a child is placed in protective custody and transported to licensed foster care (foster home, group care, CRC, etc.) by law enforcement, and the immediate safety issues for that child are addressed, a CA social worker shall have face to face contact with the child by the end of the next business day. After-hours field staff shall continue to assist law enforcement with placement and safety assessment when necessary.
When a child is placed on a hospital hold, or in protective custody that does not allow the child to leave the hospital, and the immediate safety issues for that child are addressed, a CA social worker shall have face to face contact with the child by the end of the next business day.
In cases where a referral relates to the alleged abuse or neglect of a child in an out-of-home placement, victims of emergent DLR/CPS referrals who are no longer in the facility shall have face to face contact with a DLR investigator within the non-emergent timeframe. Children who have not been identified as victims, who are still in the facility and may be at risk of imminent harm, shall have face to face contact with a CA social worker within 24 hours from the date and time the referral is received by CA.
In custody cases where a referral relates to the alleged abuse or neglect of a child by one parent (subject) and the child is residing with the other parent, face to face contact with the child shall occur by the end of the next business day. Children who have not been identified as victims, who are in the care of the alleged abuser and who may be at risk of imminent harm, shall have face to face contact with a CA social worker within 24 hours from the date and time of the referral is received by CA.
The assigning supervisor shall document all extensions to the 24 hour face to face requirements, including the rationale and the timeframe for the extension, in an SER when referrals are assigned to the CPS or DLR/CPS investigator for the initial face to face contact within 7 calendar days.
The CI supervisor shall immediately document all extensions to the 24 hour face to face requirements including the rationale for the extension, in an SER when referrals are received after business hours.
The CI supervisor and the after-hours supervisor/AA are encouraged to exercise shared decision making regarding the application of policy exceptions. However, when disagreements cannot be resolved regarding emergent referrals, the CI supervisor's decision prevails. The issue may be addressed again the next business day, following established protocols. (CA Practice and Procedures Guide 2220(f) (2-4) & Intake Methods and Procedures sections XX-XXI).

Exceptions

When a child cannot be located and diligent efforts have been made, or face to face contact cannot occur because the child is deceased or has moved out of state, the assigning supervisor may approve an exception to the face to face policy.

The assigning supervisor shall document the exception to the face to face policy in an SER, within 7 calendar days of determining that an exception applies, including the rationale for the decision, and (when applicable) detailed information about the steps taken to locate the child.

After Business Hours Responses

After Business Hours Response to Emergent Referrals
In addition to requirements and exceptions listed above response policies, after-hours staff must follow the requirements outlined below:

When it is necessary for an after-hours worker to respond to an emergent referral, the CI supervisor shall contact the on-call after-hours supervisor/Area Administrator (AA) to discuss the circumstances. The after-hours supervisor/AA shall contact the after-hours worker to provide direction regarding worker safety and to coordinate the field response.
In emergent DLR/CPS referrals, when it is necessary for an after-hours worker to respond to an emergent referral, the CI supervisor shall contact the on-call after-hours supervisor/AA to discuss the circumstances. When necessary, the on-call after-hours supervisor/AA shall contact the on-call DLR after-hours supervisor/AA for consultation. The after-hours supervisor/AA shall contact the after-hours worker to provide direction regarding worker safety and to coordinate the field response.
When there is conflict regarding the after-hours response to an emergent referral, the CI supervisor's assessment prevails.
After-hours social workers are required to complete a Safety Assessment/Safety Plan on NCR form immediately following the initial face to face contact on referrals with a risk tag of 3, 4 or 5 (See CA's Practice and Procedures Guide: Chapter 2330, section 2331 (5-10)).
The on-call supervisor or AA shall review and verbally approve the Safety Assessment/Safety Plan developed by the after-hours social worker. The on-call supervisor or AA shall document their approval of the Safety Assessment/Safety Plan in an SER within 7 calendar days.

After Business Hours Response to Non-Emergent Referrals
In most cases non-emergent referrals will be handled during regular business hours. However, local offices will develop protocols for responding to non-emergent referrals after-hours (e.g. referral is received during a long holiday weekend) for those instances when an after-hours social worker is assigned to respond. In addition to the local protocols after-hours staff must take the following actions:

After-hours social workers must complete a Safety Assessment/Safety Plan on NCR form immediately following the initial face to face contact on referrals with a risk tag of 3, 4 or 5 (See CA's Practice and Procedures Guide: Chapter 2330, section 2331 (5-10)).
The on-call supervisor or AA must review and verbally approve the Safety Assessment/Safety Plan developed by the after-hours social worker. The on-call supervisor or AA shall document their approval of the Safety Assessment/Safety Plan in an SER within 7 calendar days.

2320. Risk Levels

There are six levels of risk - defined in the Risk Factor Matrix Guide. At Intake, the social worker uses levels of risk to define the seriousness of the allegations, known as the risk tag.

2330. Accepted Referral Standards

2331. Investigative Standards

The CPS social worker shall investigate all referrals given moderate to high (3, 4 or 5) risk tags at intake.
The DLR/CPS social worker shall investigate all referrals given low to high (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) risk tag with a licensed facility or a facility subject to licensure.
The social worker gathers information for risk assessment, family evaluation, and case planning rather than gather evidence for criminal prosecution. The social worker is not a law enforcement agent but is expected to work cooperatively with law enforcement.
The assigned social worker must:
1. Contact the referrer if the intake information is insufficient or unclear and may provide information about the outcome of the case to mandated referrers.
2. Conduct a face-to-face investigative interview with child victims within 10 calendar days from date of referral.
3. Asses referrals accepted as sexually aggressive youth (SAY) for the following factors:
  1. Whether or not the youth has been abused or neglected.
  2. The youth's potential for re-offending.
  3. The parents' willingness to protect, seek and utilize services, and cooperate with case planning.
4. If needed, photograph any child on whom a CPS referral has been made for the purpose of providing documentary evidence of the physical condition of the child. RCW 26.44.050
5. On all CPS referrals risk tagged 3, 4 or 5, in which the child is not placed in out-of-home care, the assigned social worker will complete a Safety Assessment immediately following the initial face-to-face contact with the child. The Safety Assessment may be initially documented directly in CAMIS or on NCR paper forms. In either case, the Safety Assessment must be documented in CAMIS according to the following timelines:
  1. All referrals assessed as emergent and/or risk tagged 4 or 5 at intake, the Safety Assessment will be entered into CAMIS or completed on an NCR form within two working days of the initial face-to-face contact with the child. If the NCR form is used initially, the Safety Assessment form in CAMIS will be completed within 10 working days of the initial face-to-face with the child.
  2. On all referrals risk tagged 3/non-emergent at intake, the Safety Assessment will be entered into CAMIS or completed on an NCR form within 10 working days of the initial face-to-face contact with the child. If the NCR form is used, the Safety Assessment form in CAMIS will be completed within 10 working days of the completion of the NCR form.
  3. If the Safety Assessment is completed on an NCR form, a hard copy of the form must be included in the hard copy case file.
6. When any question on the Safety Assessment has a response marked "indicated," the assigned social worker will also complete a Safety Plan. Safety Plans may also be completed on other cases as determined to be appropriate by the social worker and/or supervisor. (for reunification see chapter 4000: Child Welfare Services – section 43051 Reasonable Efforts to Return Child Home)
  1. The Safety Plan may be completed by either direct entry into CAMIS or by completion of an NCR form.
  2. If the Safety Plan is completed on an NCR form, a hard copy of the form must be included in the hard copy case file.
  3. If the Safety Plan is completed on an NCR form, CAMIS documentation may consist of entry of the Safety Plan information into the CAMIS Safety Plan module or an SER entry reading: "Safety Plan completed on this date on NCR form."
  4. If the Safety Plan is completed by direct entry into CAMIS, a copy should be printed and sent to the parents for their signature and to document they have the information in the plan. A hard copy should be placed in the correspondence section of the file. Workers are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate signatures on the hard copy of the form, even if it is directly logged into CAMIS.
7. If Safety Plans are required, completion of the Safety Plan will be documented in CAMIS according to the following timelines:
  1. On all referrals assessed as emergent and/or risk tagged 4 or 5 at intake, the Safety Plan will be documented in CAMIS within 2 working days of the initial face-to-face contact with the child.
  2. On all referrals risk tagged 3/non-emergent at intake, the Safety Plan will be documented in CAMIS within 10 working days of the face-toface contact with the child.
8. The decision as to whether an item on the Safety Assessment is marked “indicated” reflects the best judgment of the social worker based on the information available at the time of the assessment.
9. If a Safety Plan is not put into place within prescribed timelines and the child is not removed from parental custody, the social worker will document the reasons why a Safety Plan is not possible in the space provided on the Safety Assessment. The social worker shall confer with his/her supervisor regarding the case circumstances in a timely manner
10. It is encouraged to obtain the signatures of the participants on the safety plan, especially that of the parents. This signature reflects their agreement to carry out their part of the plan. If the signatures of parents or other parties to the Safety Plan cannot be obtained, the assigned social worker may note in the signature block on the form the date on which verbal agreement as to the specific requirements of their involvement was reached.
11. The supervisor will review the Safety Assessment and Safety Plan according to the following guidelines:
  1. On all referrals assessed as emergent and/or risk tagged 4 or 5 at intake, the Safety Plan will be reviewed within 10 working days of its completion or sooner at the discretion of the worker and supervisor.
  2. On all referrals risk tagged 3/non-emergent at intake, the Safety Plan will be reviewed at the regular monthly conference.
  3. All Safety Assessments are to be reviewed at the regular monthly conference if not reviewed previously.
  4. Supervisory review of Safety Plans completed in CAMIS will be documented in CAMIS, by opening the individual Safety Plans online and utilizing the button provided to indicate approval.
  5. e. Supervisory review of Safety Plans completed on NCR forms will be documented by signing on the NCR form.
12. Under no circumstances will any case with an “indicated” response on the Safety Assessment be closed without supervisory review of both the Safety Assessment and Safety Plan.
13. With approval of the Regional Administrator, under a regional plan, hand written NCR hard-copy Safety Assessments and Safety Plans may be input into CAMIS by designated clerical staff according to the timelines set forth above. In all cases where Safety Assessments or Safety Plans have been completed on NCR forms, a copy of the original NCR documents will be retained in the paper file. The social worker will review the Safety Assessment and Safety Plan following clerical input to assure accuracy.
14. Unless credible collateral contacts clearly indicate that neglect is not occurring, make a home visit in cases of child neglect and in other cases when a home visit is necessary to complete a risk assessment of the family.
15. Notify the parents, guardian, or legal custodian of a child of any CA/N allegations made against them at the initial point of contact, in a manner consistent with the laws maintaining the confidentiality of the person making the allegations. CA/N investigations should be conducted in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety or protection of the child or the integrity of the investigation process. RCW 26.44.100
16. Notify the alleged perpetrator of the allegations of CA/N at the earliest point in the investigation that will not jeopardize the safety or protection of the child or the course of the investigation.
17. Conduct individual and face-to-face interviews with the child's caretaker(s) and all alleged perpetrators if reasonably available. The social worker may coordinate interviews with local law enforcement agencies in accordance with local community protocols that may authorize interview of the perpetrators by a person other than the social worker.
  1. CPS staff must use near verbatim recording any time an alleged perpetrator of child sexual abuse makes statements to the CPS staff regarding the alleged sexual abuse.
  2. CPS staff may summarize the nature of questions and the nature of the responses when other adults provide information related to allegations of child sexual abuse. See the Operations Manual, chapter 13000, section 13100, for documentation requirements. For the CA social worker to rely on near verbatim reporting prepared by a law enforcement officer or other community participant, the department’s local community protocol must provide that the law enforcement or other participant will provide the near verbatim report within 90 days of the interview.
18. Document in the record when the alleged perpetrator is unavailable or unwilling to be interviewed.
19. Notify law enforcement in accordance with local protocol. The social worker must ensure that notification has been made to law enforcement following instructions in section 2220 of this chapter. When in the course of an investigation there is reasonable cause to believe a crime against a child has been committed, the social worker or supervisor must notify the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
  RCW 26.44.030 and 74.13.031
20. Request the assistance of law enforcement to:
  1. Assure the safety of the child(ren) or staff.
  2. Observe and/or preserve evidence.
  3. Take a child(ren) into protective custody.
  4. Enforce a court order.
  5. Assist with the investigation.
21. See chapter 4000, section 43022, for notification to parents of their rights when a child is taken into temporary custody.
22. Secure medical evaluation and/or treatment. The social worker considers utilizing a medical evaluation in cases when the reported, observable condition or the nature and severity of injury cannot be reasonably attributed to the claimed cause and a diagnostic finding would clarify assessment of risk. Social workers may also utilize a medical evaluation to determine the need for medical treatment.
23. Make every effort to help the parent or legal guardian understand the need for, and obtain, necessary medical treatment for the child. The social worker must arrange for legal authority to secure necessary available treatment when the parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling.
  The social worker must ask the parent to arrange for prompt medical evaluation of a child who does not require medical treatment, if indicators of serious child abuse or neglect exist. The social worker may seek legal authority for the medical examination if the parent does not comply with the request.
24. Contact the statewide Medical Consultation Network at 1-800-326-5300 whenever identification or management of CA/N would be facilitated by expert medical consultation. For consultation with a pharmacist on prescribed or non-prescribed medications, contact the Washington Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (TTY 1-800-222-1222), identify self as a CA social worker, and ask to speak to the pharmacist on duty.
25. The assigned CPS social worker must refer a child ages birth to 3, identified with a developmental delay to a Family Resources Coordinator with the Infant-Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP).
  1. a. Referrals are made by calling the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies hotline at (1-800-322-2588) or through the ITEIP web site http://www.dshs.wa.gov/iteip/. The referral must also be discussed with the child’s parents/caregivers. The parents/caregivers should also be informed that services from ITEIP are free and do not commit the family to participate in the program.
  2. b. The referral must be made no more than two working days after a concern(s) has been identified. The family may request that the referral timeline be extended beyond two days. This request must be documented. The assigned CPS social worker must document this referral in an SER.
26. Seek professional and expert consultation and evaluation of significant issues. Examples include having the housing inspector or other local authority assess building safety or having the county sanitarian assess sewage and septic treatment issues.
27. Interview, in-person or by telephone, professionals and other persons (physician, nurse, school personnel, child day care, relatives, etc.) who are reported to have or, the social worker believes, may have first-hand knowledge of the incident, the injury, or the family's circumstances.
28. When requested, contact the referrers regarding the status of the case. More specific case information may be shared with mandated reporters; e.g., the disposition of the referral information and the department activity to protect the child. Take care to maintain confidentiality and the integrity of the family.
29. Notify all persons named in the referral as alleged perpetrators of the abuse or neglect of the outcome of the investigation and the alleged perpetrators’ rights of review and appeal, using the Client Notification Letter.
  RCW 26.44.100
30. Send a letter by certified mail to any person determined to have made a false report of child abuse or neglect informing the person that this determination has been made and that a second or subsequent false report will be referred to the proper law enforcement agency for investigation.
Response to Serious Physical Abuse and Sexual Abuse
1. The requirements in this subsection apply to all CA staff conducting investigations of serious physical abuse or sexual abuse. CPS staff must follow these procedures in addition to all other required investigative requirements in chapter 2000 of this guide:

2332. Alternate Intervention

An alternate intervention may be used when intake staff and/or the supervisor assess a referral as low or moderately low risk (1 or 2) of CA/N. Parameters for an alternate intervention include:

Response within 10 calendar days from the date of referral;
Referral to an Alternative Response System (ARS) or other community agencies which are willing to accept the referrals for services and/or monitoring.
The social worker may send a letter to the family, make a phone call to the caretaker(s), or make a brief home visit to provide the following:
1. Notification that CPS has accepted a referral for alternate intervention.
2. Information included in the referral regarding allegations of CA/N.
3. Information on the local DCFS telephone number/contact.
4. Information on community resources which may be available to address the needs of the family; i.e., information and referral
5. Notification that no further action will take place in response to this referral.
Referrals that are tagged at intake as low risk and receive an alternate intervention shall have a case folder created when a referral is made to an ARS and the case is open in DCFS. All other referrals that are tagged at intake as low risk and receive an alternate intervention shall be opened and closed on CAMIS. Collateral information in the form of additional documentation or correspondence shall be filed and maintained by each office.
If additional referrals are made on a family, and the risk is moderately low or higher, the low risk referral(s) shall be printed and included in the case file.

2335. DLR/CPS Use Of Safety Assessment And Safety Planning Tools

On all DLR/CPS referrals alleging the biological or adoptive child of a licensee is the victim of CA/N in which the child is not placed in out-of-home care, the assigned DLR/CPS Investigator will complete a Safety Assessment immediately following the initial face-to-face contact with the child. The Safety Assessment may be documented directly in CAMIS or on NCR paper forms. Documentation will be done according to the following timelines:
1. On all referrals assessed as emergent and/or risk tagged 4 or 5 at intake, the Safety Assessment will be entered into CAMIS or completed on an NCR form within two working days of the initial face-to-face contact with the child. If the NCR form is used, the Safety Assessment form in CAMIS will be completed within 10 working days of the initial face-to-face with the child.
2. On all referrals risk tagged 3 or less/non-emergent at intake, the Safety Assessment will be entered into CAMIS or completed on an NCR form within 10 working days of the initial face-to-face contact with the child. If the NCR form is used, the Safety Assessment form in CAMIS will be completed within 10 working days of the completion of the NCR form.
3. If the Safety Assessment is completed on an NCR form, a hard copy of the form must be included in the hard copy case file.
When any question on the Safety Assessment has a response marked indicated,” the assigned DLR/CPS investigator will also complete an initial Safety Plan.
1. The Safety Plan may be completed by either direct entry into CAMIS or by completion of an NCR form.
2. If the Safety Plan is completed on an NCR form, a hard copy of the form must be included in the hard copy case file.
3. If the Safety Plan is completed on an NCR form, CAMIS documentation may consist of entry of the Safety Plan information into the CAMIS Safety Plan module or an SER entry reading: “Safety Plan completed on this date on NCR form.”
4. If the Safety Plan is completed by direct entry into CAMIS, a hard copy should be printed out and sent to the licensed providers and they should be asked to return a signed copy to indicate their agreement with the Safety Plan.
The initial Safety Plan will be documented in CAMIS according to the following timelines:
1. On all referrals assessed as emergent and/or risk tagged 4 or 5 at intake, the Safety Plan will be documented in CAMIS within 2 working days of the initial face-to-face contact with the child.
2. On all referrals risk tagged 3 or less/non-emergent at intake, the Safety Plan will be documented in CAMIS within 10 working days of the face-to-face contact with the child.
The decision as to whether an item on the Safety Assessment is marked “indicated” reflects the best judgment of the social worker based on the information available at the time of the assessment.
If an initial Safety Plan is not put into place, the DLR/CPS investigator will document the reasons why an initial safety plan is not possible in the space provided on the Safety Assessment and must confer with the supervisor regarding the case circumstances in a timely manner.
If the signatures of parents or other parties to the initial Safety Plan cannot be obtained, the assigned DLR/CPS investigator may note in the signature block on the form the date on which verbal agreement as to their specific responsibilities in the safety plan was reached.
Safety Plans may also be completed in situations where they are not required per the written policy at the discretion of either the assigned DLR/CPS investigator or DLR/CPS supervisor.
Once the assigned DLR/CPS investigator has completed a Safety Assessment and Safety Plan, and has determined that there is a need for monitoring of the Safety Plan and/or provision of services, the DLR/CPS Supervisor shall contact the appropriate DCFS Supervisor.
1. The Supervisor will ensure that the appropriate DCFS case assignment will occur to provide monitoring of the Safety Plan and/or provision of services.
2. In the event of disagreement between the DLR/CPS Supervisor and the DCFS Supervisor, the matter will be immediately referred up the chain of command for resolution.
3. As with any case transfer, appropriate staffings will occur to ensure the transition of services to the family.
When DCFS staff assume responsibility for the case, DCFS also assumes responsibility for making ongoing decisions about the safety of the child and/or provision of services. DCFS and DLR will utilize joint staffings and shared decision making whenever appropriate, especially if the license remains active.
The DLR/CPS supervisor will review the Safety Assessment and Safety Plan prior to transfer of a case to DCFS. In addition, the following timelines must be met:
1. On all referrals assessed as emergent and/or risk tagged 4 or 5 at intake, the Safety Plan will be reviewed within 10 working days of its completion, or sooner at the discretion of the worker and supervisor.
2. On all referrals risk tagged 3 or less/non-emergent at intake, the Safety Plan will be reviewed at the regular monthly conference.
3. All Safety Assessments are to be reviewed at the regular monthly conference if not reviewed previously.
Supervisory review of Safety Plans completed in CAMIS will be documented in CAMIS, by opening the individual Safety Plans online and utilizing the button provided to indicate approval. Supervisory review of Safety Plans completed on NCR forms will be documented by signing on the NCR form.
Under no circumstances will any case with an “indicated” response on the Safety Assessment be closed without supervisory review of both the Safety Assessment and Safety Plan.

2340. Ongoing Risk Assessment and CPS

Risk Assessment continues throughout the life of a case from the initial CPS referral until the case is closed. CPS is defined by the type and goal of provided services and not limited by the organizational structure of local DCFS offices.
CPS is a continuum of protection consisting of different but complementary functions. Intervention designed to protect children from CA/N must include permanency planning goals from the onset of the case and must be updated at 90-day intervals.

2400. CASE PLANNING

2410. Description

Case planning builds on the principles of risk assessment by linking the identified risk factors to their case plan.
The CPS worker must follow the requirements of WAC 388-15-131 and WAC 388-70-095 in determining if the reported child(ren) is Indian/Native American.
1. The social worker must document in the SER the steps taken and follow the requirements contained in the Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Manual.
2. Upon initial acceptance of a case for service, the social worker must seek to discover and document whether the involved child is of Indian ancestry. The social worker must do this in every case.
3. Each time the case is transferred from one worker or program to another, the social worker receiving the case must confirm that verification of Indian ancestry has previously been completed.
The CPS social worker must develop and implement culturally responsive case plans, consistent with the risk assessment model, designed to reduce the risk of CA/N to children.

2420. Process

The social worker develops service plans with available parents using empowerment strategies that identify and build on parental strengths. The worker provides available parents with regular feedback about progress.
The social worker develops a case plan with each available family when services are provided. The social worker completes a service plan on the summary assessment form and negotiates service agreements with the family and outlines the steps that are to be taken to achieve the case plans. See chapter 4000, section 45023, for procedures to access Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) and Family Preservation Services (FPS). The social worker makes reasonable efforts to ensure that service agreements are translated into the primary language of the child and the child's caretaker.

2430. Service Agreements

2431. Purpose

A Voluntary Service Agreement (VSA) is used to engage families who are willing to participate in services intended to reduce current and future abuse or neglect issues. Voluntary services are designed for families that do not require court intervention.

2432. Policy

Child Protective Services Social Worker Responsibilities

The Child Protection Service Social Worker (CPS) must staff cases with a CPS supervisor when there is an "Indicated" on the Safety Assessment, and/or a moderate high or high risk score on the SDM tool.
During the staffing, the CPS investigator and CPS supervisor will review the information gathered from the Safety Assessment, initial interviews, case history and SDM risk assessment to determine if a VSA is appropriate, based on the following factors:

The level of risk and safety concerns
The protective factors that exist within the family and their support system
The temporary nature of the family crisis
The family's ability and willingness to engage in services and achieve their goals within the time period specified
The service(s) being offered to the family are likely to help maintain or restore a safe, stable family environment
Safety and protection of the child does not appear to require court intervention
The Voluntary Service Agreement is in the child's best interest

Based on the above factors, the CPS social worker and a CPS supervisor will determine if a VSA is appropriate.

If a VSA is appropriate see section B "CPS Supervisors Responsibilities" below
If a VSA is not appropriate the CPS investigator will:

Initiate referrals, if appropriate, to service providers or community resources (see #3 below); or
File a dependency petition with the court.

The CPS social worker, regardless of whether a VSA is developed, may initiate referrals to service providers or community resources at any time during the investigation, when:

The investigative process requires additional information (i.e. urinalysis testing or drug and alcohol assessment);
There are immediate safety issues that need to be addressed;
The family may benefit from a referral to a community resource (e.g., bus pass, public health nurse, First Steps, WIC, domestic violence programs, or family planning).

If a case is co-assigned the CPS social worker is responsible for completion of the investigation within policy timelines. If the investigator needs subsequent contact with the family, it may be done jointly with the service worker when possible.
A new screened in CA/N referral received on an open service case will be investigated by the CPS social worker if the referral is a Risk Tag of 3, 4 or 5. Level 1 and 2 referrals, Imminent Risk (without a CA/N allegation)* and aggravated circumstance cases (without a CA/N allegation)* will be followed up by the assigned social worker.

* Note: Imminent Risk (without an allegation of CA/N) and aggravated circumstance cases do NOT require a new referral on an OPEN case.

Supervisor Responsibilities

When it is determined that a VSA is appropriate (based on the factors listed in A(1)(a-g)), the CPS supervisor will work with a Family Voluntary Services supervisor to immediately identify and assign a Family Voluntary Service worker, within three business days.
Services needed beyond the initial 90-days, must be reviewed and approved by the Family Voluntary Service Supervisor.
For cases involving extenuating circumstances a supervisor may request approval of the Area Administrator to allow the case assignment to remain with the CPS worker.

Family Voluntary Service Social Worker Responsibilitie

The Family Voluntary Service Social Worker (SW) will:

Assume primary responsibility for case during co-assignment with Investigative worker.
Make contact with the family within three business days of case assignment.
Work with the family, in coordination with the CPS social worker, to develop the voluntary service plan.
Develop the initial service plan for up to 90 days using the risk factors outlined below.

Family history
Child Characteristics

Vulnerability/self protection
Special needs/behavior problems

Caregiver Characteristics

Substance abuse
Mental health, emotional, intellectual or physical impairments
Parenting skills, expectations of child
Empathy, nurturance, bonding
History of violence between (caregivers, peers, children)
Protection of child by non-offending caregiver
Recognition of problem/motivation to change
History of maltreatment as a child
Level of cooperation with intervention

Familial, Social and Economic Factors

Stress on family
Economic resources for the family
Social support for the family
Domestic violence

Identify with the family the areas of greatest concern and develop a service plan with goals and activities/services clearly identified. (Best practice would suggest identifying the top 3 or 4 concerns for a family to work on at one time.)
Provide on-going monitoring of the VSA to:

Support the family in following through with services
Modify services as needed to address new issues or address ongoing issues more effectively

Develop a second VSA for an additional 90 days with supervisor approval. If services are extended beyond 180 days, AA approval is required.
An assessment of progress must be completed on voluntary service cases when:

The case is open for services and no ISSP is required.
Every 90 days
At case transfer or closure

If an assessment has been completed in the last 30 days and no significant changes have occurred a new assessment is not required.

Filing of a Dependency petition

If the case is co-assigned and filing a dependency petition is necessary the CPS worker will file the petition;
However, if the family is receiving services and there is a need to file a dependency petition then the Family Voluntary Services worker is responsible.
Exceptions to who is responsible for filing a dependency petition can be determined by the Supervisor or Area Administrator when necessary.

2433. Elements

The CPS social worker includes the following elements in service agreements:
1. Issues needing to be addressed.
2. Means of addressing the issues.
3. Behavioral objectives to be achieved.
4. Significant activities to be completed, and by whom.
5. Known or anticipated cost of services.
6. Who will be responsible for costs.
7. Significant dates and time frames for completion.
8. Goal/outcome expectations for successful completion.
9. Methods for verifying compliance and measuring outcomes.
Service agreements are not legally binding.
The social worker discusses factors relevant to the agreement with the parent to determine the level of compliance that can reasonably be expected. The social worker monitors progress toward achievement of activities in these agreements and may use telephone contacts and reports from providers.
The social worker incorporates service agreements into the service plan. For specific criteria to be addressed in service agreements, see the Risk Assessment Guide.
The social worker may authorize interim services prior to completing or updating the Individual Service and Safety Plan (ISSP) or Summary Assessment. The social worker may use the service agreement process to authorize interim services.

Continue to sections 2500 - 2700