The Model of Assessment in Chart 3 describes the process of assessment from the point a report in called into SCR through case closure. When a report is received at the State Central Register (SCR), the call floor worker will note any safety information consistent with the 15 CERAP factors provided by the reporter when taking the report. The report is then referred to the field office or team with jurisdiction and assigned to a child protective services worker. The CPSW then conducts an initial investigation to determine whether the report is a good faith report. At this juncture, the CPSW may "no case" the report or convert it to a child welfare services (CWS) report. If the investigation moves to a formal investigation and is indicated, the CPSW makes an initial assessment as to case disposition. Options include "no case", converting to a CWS, referring for community services, opening the case with no legal involvement, opening the case with legal involvement and taking protective custody. When the CPSW decides to open the case, he/she must also determine whether to refer the perpetrator to the State's Attorney's office for the filing of criminal charges.
After the CPSW opens the case, the permanency worker then conducts a initial (also known as the initial) assessment and develops a service plan with the family within 30 days of case opening. (The worker also conducts a comprehensive assessment within 45 days of case opening.) Since assessment is an ongoing process, the permanency worker continually reassesses the family-at each family contact, at every family meeting, during supervisory conferences, quarterly reviews and administrative case reviews, and at other milestones in the case-in order to determine whether the family is making reasonable progress toward the permanency goal. When the permanency goal is achieved and it is determined that the child is safe, case closure will occur.