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Policy
Manual
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
HOTLINE
Child Abuse and Neglect Calls
33-6-16
Determining Response Time
| Response Time for an Investigation |
The Hotline worker shall use the response
time matrix in LINK (DCF-2073b) to establish the risk level to the child and determine the
time within which the investigation must commence.
The table below presents the times used to prioritize investigations.
Important Note: Response times are calculated from the
time when the report is accepted at the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
The designated times assist in prioritizing investigations. In all
cases, investigations shall commence as soon as possible. |
If the
report of child abuse or neglect, or in danger of abuse, is... |
Then, the
response time for commencing an investigation is... |
A situation in
which failure to respond immediately could result in the death of, or serious injury to, a
child |
2 hours |
| A report of abuse from a school |
Same Day (see below for exception) |
A non-life
threatening situation which is severe enough to warrant a same or next day response to
secure the safety of the child and to access the appropriate and available witnesses |
24 hours |
A non-life
threatening situation which, because of the age or condition of the child, indicates that
a timely response is required |
72 hours |
Definition:
Commencement of Investigation |
The commencement
of an investigation occurs when the investigator attempts to make face-to-face
contact with the parent or person responsible for the child’s care, and with the
child(ren).
Cross-Reference: 34-4,
"Response Time for Commencement and Completion of an Investigation". |
| Reports of Abuse Received from Schools |
Except as noted
below, when a school makes a report that a child has been abused or is fearful of
returning home, the report shall be prioritized for a same day response. The Hotline
worker shall request that the child be detained at the school until the DCF investigator
arrives to interview the child. Exception:
An exception to the above may be made taking into account the child's safety in
conjunction with the reporting school system.
Such an exception must be approved by a DCF Program Director and fully documented in
the LINK record.
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Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Effective Date: July 15, 1999 (Revised)
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