4.1.1 The Investigation Process | 4.1.2 Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations | 4.1.3 Decision Trees | 4.1.4 Protocols
Child Protective Services (CPS) is a specialized component of the broader public welfare system of services to children and families. The purpose of this practice guide is to define the intervention process when a report or referral is received expressing concerns that a child is or may be maltreated and the response to those concerns. The premise is that all community concerns received will be evaluated to identify families in need of protective services and will be consistent with laws and policies pertaining to child maltreatment and the risk of maltreatment. The intervention process begins with a universal intake system that encompasses all intake and investigative activities whether the children have been abused, neglected, dependent, and/or at risk of maltreatment.
Illinois' intervention process starts with a report to the State Central Registry (SCR) for Child Abuse/Neglect (CA/N). SCR screens the reports to identify appropriate responses for families with children who have been maltreated or are at risk of maltreatment. Particular emphasis is placed on a more comprehensive screening and a thorough assessment to expedite the safety of children. Whether it takes place at SCR or at the local field office, a more thorough initial screening:
During the initial stage of the investigation and assessment, the responsibilities of the Child Protection Services Worker (CPSW) are fourfold. They involve:
Information gathered during the Initial Investigation will dictate whether the report should be unfounded or whether there is a need to proceed to the Formal investigation stage. In addition, the information will lead to the initiation of a safety plan when one is required. At each stage, the safety of the child is paramount.
The Formal Investigation is the full investigation and assessment process conducted once it has been determined that a good faith report exists. If the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) is marked "Unsafe" and/or there is sufficient information to suggest a child has been abused/neglected as defined in the reported allegation, the Formal Investigation commences immediately. Moving from the Initial Investigation to the Formal Investigation is a smooth and barely discernible process occurring within the first 14 days of involvement. Required investigative activities and contacts are delineated in each of the allegations. Additional activities are included in the Protocols and decision trees. Investigative activities completed during the initial phase of the investigation do not need to be repeated during the formal phase unless information is developed suggesting the need to re-interview for additional information/clarification.
The CPSW is also responsible for the completion of the initial child abuse/neglect service assessment and the provision of short-term services aimed at reducing a child's exposure to unsafe or high-risk environments. The assessment will enable the CPSW to develop and monitor an appropriate safety plan, and identify and implement services that ensure the safety of children who are determined to be unsafe or at substantial risk of harm. If at any point during the investigation the CPSW determines the family is in need of services, a referral and active linkage to an appropriate service provider must be made. If it is determined the family requires formal child welfare services, a service referral is made and a face-to-face handoff and transitional visit with the intact/permanency worker must occur.
On occasion the SCR will accept referrals for child welfare services when children are dependent, at risk of maltreatment or placement, the subject of a custody determination under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act 750 ILCS 5/, or involved with Interstate Compact. These situations must have an identified problem that may impede the family's function and/or create a risk to the overall functioning of the child. The CPSW is required to complete an assessment of these situations and provide service recommendations and/or referrals.
The Department's Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) is an allegation based system which can be segmented into four categories of abuse/neglect: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or a combination of the preceding three. Each allegation provides specific guidance during the course of the investigation. In addition to delineating activity requirements and guidelines for completing an investigation, each allegation contains the following format:
In addition to the guidance provided by the allegations, the following Decision Trees and Protocols provide specific investigatory and decision-making guidance for specific research-based family circumstances and risk issues.
The decision trees are critical pathways designed to assist the supervisor and CPSW in determining the level of required intervention given specific family circumstances, and the interaction of risk factors and underlying conditions. Each decision tree begins with the assumption that given certain information, particular family dynamics exist or are suspected to be present. If there is the existence of any of these underlying conditions, the CPSW (with supervisory guidance) will proceed along the appropriate path of questions to rule out or rule in specific actions to ensure safety. (see Appendix A)
The protocols delineate investigative actions for specific case situations these include:
This model embodies an aggressive information/referral system to community-based services. This universal intake system is based on family systems theory, the Department's front-end redesign models and best practice standards in the field.
4.1.1 The Investigation Process | 4.1.2 Child Abuse and Neglect Allegations | 4.1.3 Decision Trees | 4.1.4 Protocols