Investigation

4.3 The Initial Investigation

4.3.1 Purpose

During the initial stage of the investigation, the Child Protective Service Worker with supervisory consultation determines: 1) whether there is an immediate risk of harm to the child; 2) what interventions are needed to ensure the safety of the child; 3) if the information constitutes a good faith report of abuse or neglect; and 4) engages the family in a strengths-based assessment and intervention process. The safety of the child is paramount throughout the investigation.

The following information is required to ensure good faith report:

The alleged victim(s) must be less than 18 years of age; and
The alleged victim(s) must either have been harmed or must be at substantial risk of harm; and

· There must be an abusive or neglectful incident or set of circumstances that caused the alleged harm or substantial risk of harm to the child.

· For abuse, the alleged perpetrator must be the child's parent, foster parent, guardian, immediate family member, any individual who resides in the same house as the child, the paramour of the child's parent or any person responsible for the child's welfare at the time of the alleged abuse (e.g., school teacher, day care worker, baby sitter, etc).

· For neglect, the alleged perpetrator must be the child's parent, guardian, foster parent or any person responsible for the child's welfare at the time of the alleged neglect.

The Investigation and all supporting documentation must be completed within 14 days.

An important function the CPSW performs is gathering information in order to make an accurate assessment of risk and safety. The CPSW gathers information in five ways:

Interviews with all subjects and collaterals as defined by the allegations.
Observations of the environment, the behavior, and affect of the subjects.
Reviewing records, e.g., medical reports, prior indicated reports and service case records, that are pending and closed, if available.
Interviews and consultation with professionals involved with the family.
Interviews with family members and others who may have first-hand knowledge about the incident and or the family's circumstances.

NOTE: Investigative contacts and activities (attempted and completed) shall be documented on the proper forms (e.g. Child Abuse/Neglect Interview Notes) no later than the next business day following the contact, interview or activity.

In conducting the initial investigation, the following tasks should be completed in the order presented whenever possible.

4.3.2 Reviewing the Report

At assignment of a report, the supervisor and CPSW will meet or consult to review and discuss the CANTS 1, develop the initial investigatory plan and to review any applicable decision trees (See Appendix A) and/or Protocols (See Appendices B through H). The supervisory meeting will be documented on a Child Abuse/Neglect Interview Notes (CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A)). In conducting this review, the supervisor and CPSW pay particular attention to the following points:

Requirements of all applicable allegations. Certain allegations require a medical examination if there is an injury to the alleged victims regardless if the case is to be initially unfounded.
Determine whether the report requires an emergency response. Consider whether:

The alleged child victim is believed to be in immediate danger of physical harm; or
It is likely that the family of the alleged child victim will flee with the child.
Other situations identified by SCR that require an immediate intervention.
If an emergency response is needed, initiate the investigation without delay at any hour of the day or night, respond immediately to the known location of the alleged child victim(s). If no emergency response is needed, continue gathering as much information prior to making in-person contact within 24 hours.

Age of involved child(ren)

Younger children are at highest risk for serious abuse while those between the ages of 6-10 years are at greater risk for re-injury. Risk of harm to the adolescent should be considered carefully and not minimized.
Any age child who has physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to behave age appropriately increases the level of risk.

Location of subjects

Identify the best location to make an in-person contact that is the least intrusive and safe for the child while at the same time does not threaten the family unit.

Allegation and narrative

Thoroughly understand what is being alleged and the evidence necessary to support an indicated finding for the particular allegation. Specific requirements are found in the allegations.
Plan the interview strategy (the most appropriate questions and from whom to elicit the best possible information during the initial contact with the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator).

Determine whether the type of report may require a specialized response.

Child care facility, school, other out of home situations. These types of reports should follow the guidelines outlined in the Out-of-Home Investigation Protocol (see Appendix B).
Death of a child. See Death Protocol (see Appendix C).

Paramour involved family. See Paramour Involved Families Protocol (see Appendix D).
Determine whether law enforcement or the State's Attorney should be notified per the guidelines in the allegation under investigation. Refer to the specific allegation and Procedures 300.70, "Referrals to Law Enforcement and State's Attorney". Notification to the appropriate law enforcement agency and State's Attorney shall occur at the commencement of the initial investigation.
The CPSW must locate and interview extended family members who might have relevant information as it relates to care, harm, risk of harm, family dynamics, etc.
Determine any special instructions contained in the report such as language (e.g., Spanish, Polish, etc) and communication needs (e.g., sign language, TTDY, etc). Every effort should be made and documented to arrange for all interpreter needs prior to making in-person contact. Assessing safety and risk within 24 hours of the report shall not be delayed due to the unavailability of an interpreter.
Examine the Decision Trees to plan appropriate actions. The decision trees are decision-making tools used to guide the CPSW in terms of what protective actions to take. The decision trees must be used early in the process of investigation to determine what steps need to be taken given the particular underlying condition identified at different points in the investigative process and as different information becomes available. The CPSW and supervisor both review the decision tree and develop a plan as to how to proceed.
initial contact with the family and continuing throughout the life of investigative services, the CPSW is expected to demonstrate:
The ability to quickly and appropriately engage families;
The ability to assess the needs of the children and their families
Constant awareness of potential threats to the safety of the children;
Development and implement of appropriate safety plans; and
Knowledge of community resources and provide appropriate service linkages; and
The ability to objectively document, attend to, and analyze information that supports the allegations(s) as well information which refutes it.

4.3.3 Conducting the Records Check

Prior to beginning the investigation (except in an emergency), the CPSW should ensure that all agency records checks have been completed and documented. If there is a prior history, a record review should be completed prior to unfounding an initial investigation, proceeding with protective custody or proceeding to a formal investigation. The record check should be conducted on all household members and other subjects regularly frequenting or living in the home.

4.3.3.1 Data Check

Review of CANTS to determine past history of reports of maltreatment.
Review Department and/or POS follow-up records to determine the nature of the family's previous and/or current involvement.
Prior Investigative File - Thoroughly read and review prior investigative files.
LEADS - Check of law enforcement record to determine past criminal history.

NOTE: If names are unknown at the time of the report, contact should be made with the subjects of the report. Names and other identifying information should be verified (via the review of driver's license or other state I.D.) and then agency checks must be completed with the known names. The records check should include all similar-sounding or similarly spelled names, known aliases, and maiden names. The possibility that a name has been misspelled or the first name/last name inverted also should be considered. Information from the data check is recorded on the CANTS 19 Data Sheet.

4.3.4 Communication Requirements

It is imperative that the CPSW be aware of any special communication needs such as language barriers or audio/visual impairments. If necessary, the CPSW must take steps to procure special services to facilitate communication with a family. It is important that safety and placement decisions are NOT made for the sole reason that the worker cannot communicate with the family.

During the intake process, the call floor worker gathers as much information as possible from the reporter concerning the family, including information about the family's need for special communication services. In some instances, the CPSW will have information regarding the special communication needs of the family as documented on the CANTS 1 received from the SCR. Every effort should be made to arrange to have an interpreter present at the first contact with the family.

If this information is not known in advance, and the CPSW upon initial contact with the family learns that there are special communication needs, the CPSW will:

Determine the primary language of the family.
Determine the preferred mode of communication.
Take steps to secure an interpreter or other auxiliary aids as appropriate.
Issue all notices in the families' primary language if available.

If an interpreter is used, he/she must agree to respect the confidential nature of the investigation. Under no circumstances should a child, family member or friend be used as an interpreter in an investigation. A child, family member or friend may only be used to assist the CPSW with the identification of the family's primary language or method of communication.

During all stages of the investigation when conducting interviews with limited/non-English speaking persons or individuals with audio/visual impairments, the Department shall facilitate effective communication between the CPSW and subjects of the report by:

1) assigning an investigator who has demonstrated the ability to communicate in the language (foreign or sign) of the subjects, or

2) procuring the services of an interpreter who has agreed to respect the confidential nature of the investigation prior to any investigative activity when a limited/non-English speaking or hearing impaired person will be interviewed.

Note: Under no circumstances may family members, subject of the report, or friends be used as interpreters. Children may never be used as interpreters to conduct investigative activities, but may assist in determining the parents' language of preference.

If a child is at imminent risk of harm and there is absolutely no means of communicating effectively with the child and family (i.e., no bilingual CPSW or interpreter is unavailable and there is no telephone to call for interpreter assistance or to call the AT &T Language Line), the child may be taken into protective custody. The investigator shall return to the home with an interpreter as soon as possible. In these instances the imminent risk of harm must exist independently of the CPSW's inability to communicate with the family. Essentially, protective custody shall not be taken for the sole reason that the worker cannot communicate with the family.

Additional information on response to communication needs of families during the initial investigation can be found in Procedures 300.100; 302, Appendix L; and 302, Services Delivered by the Department, Section 302.30.

4.3.5 Spanish-Speaking Families

The Burgos consent decree requires that DCFS provide services in Spanish to Hispanic clients whose preferred language is Spanish. Hispanic is defined as any persons of Puerto Rican, Mexican, Central, South American or other Hispanic origin. Therefore, the following procedures are to be followed whenever child abuse or neglect reports and investigations involve persons of Hispanic origin:

Reports to SCR: When an initial report of child abuse or neglect is received at SCR, the call floor worker will attempt to determine whether the parents/children who are the subjects of the report are of Hispanic origin and/or Spanish speaking. This will be indicated on the CANTS 1 in Items B5 and D5.
Local investigative unit: If either parent is of Hispanic descent and they or the alleged victims are identified as primarily Spanish speaking by SCR, the supervisor of the receiving investigative unit shall assign the report to a bilingual CPSW. The bilingual CPSW must complete the Hispanic Client Language Determination form( CFS 1000-1), and have it signed by the parents during the first contact with the parents. The investigation will be conducted in the language determined on the CFS 1000-1. If a bilingual CPSW is not available, a non-Spanish speaking CPSW may be assigned to initiate the investigation with the help of an interpreter. Interpreters that may be used include police officers, medical or school personnel, therapists and service workers. The interpreter shall be informed that all information is confidential and is not to be disclosed.

If the parent(s) and the alleged victim who are of Hispanic descent are identified as primarily English speaking by SCR, the supervisor of the receiving investigative unit shall assign a bilingual CPSW, who will have the CFS 1000-1 completed and signed by the parents. If a bilingual CPSW is not available, the receiving investigative unit will proceed to investigate the report as required by ANCRA to ensure the safety of the child. In this case a bilingual CPSW will complete the CFS 1000-1 within 48 hours of receipt of the report. The CFS 1000-1 shall be placed in the case file.

4.3.6 Contacting the Reporter, Source and Other Persons with Information

If the reporter's name and phone number are known, the initiating CPSW always attempts to re-contact the reporter prior to beginning the investigation to confirm reported information and to obtain additional information. If unsuccessful, the assigned CPSW must continue attempts to contact the reporter until successful. If safety factors have been noted by the CFW, the CPSW must fully explore them with the reporter and incorporate them in the initial CERAP assessment.

Remember to ask all reporters whether there is anyone else who knows about the family's situation. If the reporter is a MANDATED REPORTER, he or she will need to complete the CANTS 4/5. Explain to them that the CPSW will be back in touch with them at the conclusion of the investigation to review the recommended final finding. The commencement of the investigation should not be delayed if the reporter cannot be reached.

The CPSW must contact all people listed as "Source" and "Other Persons with Information" (OPWIs). The contact and documentation must focus on the quality of the information, the credentials of the collaterals, knowledge of the family and the situation being investigated.

If the family or the subjects identify two or more possible collateral contacts, at least two must be interviewed either by phone or in person. This includes witnesses who may be able to provide information about the family's circumstances and/or corroborate the parent's account of the incident. The interviews shall be documented on the Child Abuse/Neglect Interview Notes (CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A)).

Whenever the CPSW learns that collaterals have information suggesting that a child is at risk of serious or increased harm, the CPSW must contact those collaterals immediately but no later than 48 hours (two business days) of case assignment or when the information becomes available. The supervisor must approve any delays in contacting collaterals and document the approval on a Child Abuse/Neglect Interview Notes (CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A)).

4.3.7 Contacting Assigned Worker(s)

For the purposes of this chapter, the DCFS intact, permanency or POS worker assigned to the family shall be referred to as the permanency worker. When a subsequent oral report is received on an open case, the CPSW consults with the permanency worker and/or supervisor immediately following assignment of the investigation. If this is not immediately possible, the contact must occur on the next business day. Information should be sought about the provision of current services, family functioning and any other family dynamics that may impact the safety and risk to the child. Every effort should be made for the CPSW and the permanency worker to make the initial contact with the family together. That decision should be based on:

· whether a joint visit will compromise the integrity of the evidence

· the request of law enforcement,

· whether it is likely to increase the receptivity of the family to cooperate with the investigative and assessment processes.

When the CPSW and permanency worker work together, the family will be engaged more readily in the interventions needed to keep the child safe. In addition, joint contact ensures continuity of response and accurate communication. The CPSW must attempt to contact the permanency worker before initiating the report but the initiation should not be delayed if the worker is unavailable.

Telephone or in-person contacts to the assigned permanency worker/supervisor to discuss the case will occur at the following intervals:

To notify of IOR/SOR and secure information regading the assigned assistant guardian ad litem, if applicable
To discuss and transfer monitoring of the safety plan
Final finding at Initial Investigation or decision to go formal
Prior to decisions to take protective custody
Prior to completion of the investigation
Anytime circumstances suggest a child's safety is in jeopardy or case information obtained by the CPSW is in conflict with information reported by the permanency worker

Telephone and/or in-person contacts will be documented on the Child Abuse/Neglect Interview Notes (CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A)).

The CPSW and permanency worker will review case information to determine the presence of additional issues and discuss the recommended finding. There may be a difference in professional opinion between the permanency worker and CPSW as to the best method(s) to insure safety. In circumstances such as these, if differences cannot be resolved at the supervisory level, the issues need to be referred to the Child Protection Manager who is the final arbiter. As always, insuring safety is paramount.

When a report is under investigation and it is learned that a simultaneous investigation is being conducted, the CPSWs shall confer with regard to the status of the pending reports, any safety plan implementation, current services being provided, family functioning and other family dynamics. This shall also be the practice if the assigned CPSW is different than the initiating CPSW and if a sequence has recently been completed.

4.3.8 Contacting the Guardian ad litem

If any child subject of the report is a ward of the State of Illinois, the CPSW shall contact the child's guardian ad litem (Policy Transmittal 2000.06) to notify them of the new report and elicit any information that may pertain to the report. The interview shall be documented on a CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A). The assigned guardian ad litem shall be informed of the finding and any requests for the file shall be respected according to policy.

4.3.9 Initiating In-person Contact with Children

In-person contact for the purpose of assessing risk and/or safety with all alleged child victims must be made within 24-hours of the date and time the report was taken at SCR. In emergency situations all alleged child victims must be seen immediately. This contact may be made either in the child's home environment or at another location. In situations where a child is alleged to be harmed or at risk of harm and the primary caregiver is NOT the person causing the harm or risk, then the primary caregiver should be contacted and arrangement made to interview the child. In some situations (see Rule and Procedure 300.80), the police may initiate the investigation. Delegating the initiation of the investigation does not absolve the CPSW of the responsibility for assuring the safety of the alleged child victim, interviewing the alleged child victim during the course of the investigation and meeting all investigative and documentation requirements.

Determining the location in which to contact the alleged child victims will depend upon the following:

Current location of the child and immediacy of response.
The assessment of the child's current safety and the nature of the allegation.
The assessment of the family's willingness to cooperate.
The role of the alleged perpetrator in the family.

When a child is seen outside their home environment, without their parent/guardian, the CPSW must make every effort to immediately notify the parent/guardian of the contact, arrange for the completion of the CERAP and document their effort on a CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A) is required.

4.3.10 Interviewing and Observing Children

While conducting the interview, be aware of clues the child may be giving and adapt each interview to the particular characteristic of the child. In order to conduct a good, thorough first interview, it is crucial that the CPSW gather as much information as possible from the child while being sensitive to the child's feelings and level of comfort. Collecting detailed, comprehensive information at the first interview may minimize the need for further interviews with the child. When necessary and appropriate, the CPSW should use Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) for assistance.

4.3.10.1 Interviewing the Child

Greet the child: It is important to say the child's name in greeting. Take the time to find out from someone who knows the child (e.g., the reporter) what name the child uses.
Introduce yourself and others with you (e.g., CPSW and the officer in a joint investigation): The CPSW should always tell the child his or her name. If the child is under five years of age, he or she should use only his or her first name.

When speaking with children, attempt to accommodate the size differential (for example, sit, drop to one knee, or squat to be at eye level).

Explain why you're there: The CPSW should tell the child that his or her job is to help and protect children who might not be safe, to find out if they are safe, and if they are not, to find ways to protect them. The choice of words should meet the developmental level of the child.

If the child indicates that he or she knows the reason for the visit, acknowledge the accuracy of the response. If the child does not know or chooses not to acknowledge the reason, it is important for the CPSW to explain in general terms the purpose for the interview. An appropriate response might be, "Remember how I said earlier my job is to find out if kids need some protection (or "help" for younger children)? Someone asked me to talk to you because they were concerned (or, for younger children, "was worried") that you might not be safe."

Address any feelings expressed by the child: It is helpful to acknowledge children's feelings and assure them that all children have different feelings about talking with strangers. The CPSW's non-verbal behavior is critical to helping children achieve enough comfort to talk.
Gather information and make a behavioral observation: During this portion of the interview, the CPSW continues to build rapport and also begins to gather specific information about the child, family and environment. Specific identifying information includes date of birth, household composition (names and relationships of household members, addresses and phone numbers (if known)), information about school, friends, favorite activities and other information. In addition to gathering identifying information, the CPSW documents the observed behavior of the interviewee, ( i.e., whether the child's behavior is consistent with what is expected for his or her age. Any inconsistencies in behavioral expectations for the child's age and development shall be discussed with supervisor and others who may be able to explain the observation (e.g., school personnel, service providers, physicians, therapists, etc).
Determine whether the child can differentiate between the truth and a lie: It is essential that the CPSW establish whether the child knows the difference between the truth and a lie and documentation must describe the child's ability to discern.
Allow the child to name the alleged perpetrator: Do not disclose the name of the alleged perpetrator until after the child says the name. It is important that the child disclose the name of the perpetrator without prompting.
Determine how the incident happened: When possible begin the interview with a statement or directive, rather than a question. A statement such as, "I need to find out how you got the bruises on your back" or a directive such as, "Tell me about the bruises on your back" gives the child greater latitude to respond.
Summarize: It is important to summarize what was said during the interview in the child's own words to verify that the CPSW has understood the child and to clear up any misunderstanding. Summarizing can also provide the CPSW the opportunity to identify additional areas that have not been discussed.
Assure/affirm the child: Assure the child that he or she has done the right thing by telling the truth. It is important for this to be said to the child in simple, unconditional terms to counteract what may have been told to the child or what the child may think. Most children are understandably concerned about "telling on" an adult caretaker.
Provide the child an opportunity for questions: Provide the child the opportunity to ask any questions or explore any issues not previously discussed in the interview.

When interviewing children, the following types of questions should be used:

"Who" questions: These questions are important in identifying the parties involved and who is aware of what has happened. "Who" questions include:

Who did this?
Who was there?
Who knows about this besides you?

"When" questions: These questions are used to determine the most recent occurrence as well as the duration of the abuse or neglect. In physical abuse cases, "When" questions are used, for instance, to determine if the degree of healing of the injury is consistent with the time frame the child is describing. For example,

When mommy left, what was on TV?
When mommy came home, what was on TV?

"Where" questions: These questions are used to determine the location of the abuse/neglect as well as the whereabouts of other family members at the time of the occurrence. For example,

Where were you hit?
Where were mommy and daddy at the time you were hit?

"How" questions: These questions help children expand their responses. For instance, when a child says, "He hit me," the CPSW says "How did he hit you?" or "Tell me about that."
"What" questions: These questions ask for descriptive statements or observations. The "what" of the interview is a detailed description of the alleged abusive/neglectful incident. The CPSW may need to ascertain whether the child was threatened, tricked, bribed or otherwise coerced to cooperate with a perpetrator (e.g., in a sexual abuse incident) or to maintain secrecy after any incident of abuse or neglect. Here again, "what" questions are useful. For instance, a child who has divulged that the perpetrator "told me not to tell" should be asked, "What did he say?"

4.3.10.2 Verifying Injuries

The CPSW will attempt to verify injuries on all alleged child victims in accordance with Procedures 300.100, C) Observation of the Child, I) External Marks/ Injuries.

SPECIAL NOTE: A basic guideline to remember is that there shall always be a parent/guardian or other professional person, preferably of the same sex as the child, present when an investigative worker observes a child, regardless of the child's age.

4.3.10.3 Verifying External Injuries

The child must be observed in order to determine if the alleged external marks or injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises, welts, burns, scratches, and sores) that may have been caused by abuse or neglect are in fact present. The CPSW must have reasonable cause to believe that an observation will reveal marks/injuries and/or the alleged perpetrator is identified as the parent's paramour.

When a stranger observes a child's body, it can be frightening to the child. While observing the child, it is important to be clear with the child, speaking calmly and confidently about the process. As the CPSW observes the child's body, he or she should tell her what is happening and what is seen. Always ask the child to explain how the injury might have occurred. The CPSW should be sensitive to the child's needs to engage in conversation with him or her, to be quiet, to be reassured, etc. Despite the worker's best efforts, some children's discomfort level may preclude observation by the worker. This should be documented and consideration given to a medical practitioner observing the child.

Parents may be reticent about having their child observed. Their fear and reluctance may be picked up by the child and exacerbate an already anxious situation. Parents need to know what is happening, why it is happening and how they can help their children. The CPSW should enlist the parents' aide in the removal of the child's clothing. Explain the observation in a rational and descriptive manner. Every interaction with the child and the parents has an impact on the degree to which the family will become engaged in the assessment and intervention processes, and ultimately in ensuring the child's safety. It is important for the CPSW to ensure that all interactions draw the family into those processes.

Procedures 300.100 guide efforts to observe these marks and injuries on children. If, during the course of observing a child, the CPSW is led to believe that there are other marks or injuries on another part of the child's body, the CPSW may observe that part of the body if the observation is in compliance with Procedures 300.100. All CPSW's observations of these injuries must be documented on CANTS 2a or 2b. In addition, photos should be taken. All photos must be labeled according to DCFS Procedure 300.110, p. 12 (see below). In addition, detailed description (e.g., color, shape, size, open sore, raised, etc.) of any noted injuries must be documented on the CANTS 2a and 2b (Body Chart).

If a child is age six or above, only CPSWs who are of the same sex as the child may observe that part of the body that would normally be covered by a bikini bathing suit. Under no circumstances shall the CPSW view the genitalia and anus. The CPSW may view the child's buttocks for injury.

CPSWs must document efforts to obtain parental or guardian consent to observe the child for marks or injuries when a piece of clothing must be removed or adjusted. These efforts shall include but are not limited to:

If the parent/guardian is present, the investigative worker shall ask the parent/guardian to assist with moving or removing any of the child's clothing;
If the child is to be observed in any setting when the parent/guardian is not present, the investigative worker shall attempt to notify the child's parent/guardian that the investigative worker must observe the child for external marks/injuries. The CPSW should call emergency numbers the parent/guardian has left or, if unable to reach them at these numbers, check the local telephone book and directory assistance. If all the above efforts fail, the CPSW shall proceed to observe the child in accordance with the general instructions.

If the child's parent refuses to cooperate or allow the investigative worker to observe the child for external marks/injuries, the investigative worker shall inform the parent that pursuant to 325 ILCS 5/7.5, the worker has the responsibility to observe the child. The worker shall then offer the parent/guardian the following options:

The parent/guardian may take the child to a physician or hospital emergency room for a physical examination, within a reasonable time. The investigative worker will secure a signed consent from the parent to obtain the written report from the examining physician; or
The parent/guardian may give consent to allow the investigative worker and another professional (e.g., a school nurse, school teacher, police office, etc.) to observe the child.

If the parent/guardian refuses to cooperate and the investigative worker determines that the child is in imminent risk of harm if left in the custody of the parent/guardian, the investigative worker will contact the designated MSW supervisor for protective custody consultation. With approval, the worker may take the child into temporary protective custody and proceed to have the child examined by a physician.

If the child is not at imminent risk and the parents refuse to cooperate, the investigative worker may not take temporary protective custody and may not observe the child's body. Document a subsequent supervisory conference regarding efforts to obtain cooperation, parent's refusal and the resulting actions to be taken by the CPSW on a CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A)

4.3.10.4 Verifying Internal Injuries

The CPSW shall not attempt to diagnose internal injuries. If internal injuries are suspected, the CPSW shall strongly recommend to the parents that they obtain immediate medical diagnosis and treatment for the child. If the parents refuse to obtain medical attention for the child, the CPSW shall consult with his/her supervisor regarding taking temporary protective custody in order to obtain the necessary medical diagnosis and treatment. If a child has been examined by a physician who subsequently verifies internal injuries, the CPSW shall obtain parental consent to obtain the necessary documentation. Every attempt must be made to arrange for the parent's consent through the means mentioned above and to have the parents present during the examination. However, attempts to locate the parent must not delay medical treatment.

4.3.10.5 Verifying Sexual Abuse

The CPSW shall never attempt to verify by personal observation or attempt to independently diagnose sexual abuse.

4.3.10.6 Using Photographs, X-rays, Videotapes and Audiotapes

When a child is the alleged victim of a CA/N report, the CPSW should take or obtain photographs of injuries or of a child's environment, particularly when these will provide good physical evidence of the maltreatment and will substantiate an investigative finding. Parental consent must be obtained before making a videotape or audiotape of a child. The form to obtain consent is the CFS 600-3 Authorization for Release of Information. If the CPSW does not have access to a camera, assistance may be requested from the local law enforcement agency or hospital staff.

All photographs, videotapes and/or audiotapes should be fully labeled with the following information:

Name of the child
The CANTS case name and the SCR number
The date and the time the photograph, videotape or audiotape was taken
The place where the photograph, videotape, or audiotape was taken
The name(s) of all persons present when the photograph, videotape or audiotape was taken
The name, address and phone number of any foreign language or sign language interpreter used in videotapes or audiotapes.

The photographer (including DCFS staff) signs the label. The CPSW may use photographs in addition to the CANTS 2A/B Suspected Abuse/Injury Note sheet but not in place of this form.

X-rays can only be authorized by a physician as part of the physical examination or treatment of a child who has been alleged to have been abused or neglected.

CPSWs must notify parents that the Department has the right to obtain photographs and X-rays. Whenever possible, the parents' consent to and involvement in obtaining photographs and X-rays should be obtained.

Additional information on photographs and X-rays may be found in Procedures 300.110, The Formal Investigative Process.

4.3.11 Good Faith Attempt to Initiate an Investigation

CPSWs have the requirement of initiating a CA/N investigation within 24 hours of the receipt of the report by establishing direct, in-person contact with all alleged child victims or by a good faith attempt to establish contact. The following circumstances constitute a "Good Faith Attempt" to initiate an investigation:

Upon proceeding to the given location for the alleged child victim, the CPSW learns that the child has disappeared, the family has fled, the address does not exist, no one is at the location, or not all of the alleged child victims are at the location: or
Upon proceeding to the given location for the alleged child victim(s), the adult caretaker refuses to allow the CPSW to see or speak with the alleged child victim(s)and and is denied access to child subjects, the CPSW shall explain that Illinois law specifically 325 ILCS 5/7.5 of the Illinois statues gives the CPSW authority to see the children. If the CPSW is still denied access the the children, the worker shall immediately contact the local law enforcement agency and request immediate assistance in assessing the children's safety.
If the CPSW after proceeding to the address given as the child's current location, a subsequent address is given, the CPSW shall proceed to the new address to assess safety.
the CANTS 1 does not contain information which the CPSW can use to immediately locate and assess the alleged child victim(s), the CPSW shall take whatever steps necessary to locate and establish in-person contact with the alleged child victim(s). Procedures 300.100 provides a list that includes but is not limited to the delineated required actions the CPSW shall take and document in efforts to locate and assess alleged child victim(s).

4.3.12 Parental Notification

Every attempt should be made to contact and interview the child's parents as soon as possible (on the same day, not to exceed 24 hours) after the conclusion of the interview with the alleged child victim, unless at the request of law enforcement. The parent should be advised of any further action the CPSW anticipates taking on behalf of the child. During the initial interview with the parent, the CPSW should ask the parents about any collateral contacts that may need to be interviewed.

In the event the child supplies information that supports the allegation(s) under investigation but the child is not considered to be unsafe, the CPSW interviews the parent, informs them that the investigation will be ongoing and completes the CERAP (see next section). During the meeting with the parent, the CPSW must identify and describe the safety factors in question and discuss mitigating factors and family strengths that decrease risk of harm to the child. If in spite of these circumstances the CPSW determines that the child continues to be unsafe, the CPSW must develop a safety protection plan. If it is necessary to take protective custody, every effort must be made to contact the parents immediately and advise them of the protective action and impending court action.

4.3.13 Contacting the Alleged Perpetrators/Maltreators

For an Initial Investigation only, within seven days, the CPSW must establish contact with the parent(s)/caretaker(s) of the alleged child victim(s) and the alleged perpetrator(s), if different from the parent/caretaker either in person or by telephone. If the alleged perpetrator/maltreator and the parent(s)/caretaker(s) are the same, they must be interviewed in person as soon as possible or within 24 hours. If contact cannot be made, the CPSW must show a good faith attempt and document on the 17A. When the investigation is being coordinated with law enforcement, the contact may be delayed at law enforcement's request so as not to compromise the investigation. However, child safety is paramount and remains the responsibility of the CPSW. Safety shall not be jeopardized by the delay. Any requests by law enforcement are to be documented on a CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A).