In all cases involving persons who are hearing impaired or limited/non-English speaking, emergency caretaker services shall be provided by caretakers who can communicate in the client's preferred mode of communication, or speak the client's primary language. If that is not possible, an interpreter or other auxiliary service shall be provided.
Emergency Caretaker Not Required. An emergency caretaker should be used only when children are reported to be, or discovered by DCFS to be, alone. When the child protection or child welfare worker finds that a child(ren) has been left in the care of a youth under age 18, the worker will use professional judgment in arriving at a decision of whether to place an emergency caretaker in the home. The following factors will generally rule out placement of an emergency caretaker:
o the youth left in charge appears both mature and responsible;
o the physical surroundings appear adequate and the child(ren) adequately cared for; and
o the whereabouts of the parent, guardian, custodian or responsible caretaker is known and they can be reached in an emergency.
When it is determined that an emergency caretaker is not required the worker shall leave his name, address and phone number with the children and shall document in writing, the rationale for not using an emergency caretaker.
Emergency Caretaker Required. When it is in the child's best interest not to be removed from the house and/or when a youth under age 18 cannot, in
light of the factors identified above, assume responsibility, an emergency caretaker should be placed in the home. The worker shall notify the local law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the home is located that an emergency caretaker will be in the home. Upon arrival of the caretaker the worker shall introduce the caretaker to the child(ren) and the surroundings and assure a smooth transition before leaving. The worker shall leave the caretaker with a phone number where he can be reached and instructions to contact him immediately should a parent, relative or caretaker arrive at the home.
Initiation of Court Proceedings. When an emergency caretaker has been placed in the home and when at the end of twelve (12) hours no responsible parent, relative, guardian or caretaker has been located, the worker shall initiate proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act to assure that the child(ren) is brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, for a shelter care hearing. Should continuation of emergency caretaker services rather than placement services be warranted until the shelter care hearing, this is permissible.