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Department of Children and Families
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Policy Manual

Child Protective Investigations
Removal of a Child

34-10-9
KidPix

Policy The Department is obligated to maintain on file a current digital photographic record of all children under its care.  The mechanism in place to accomplish this task is entitled KidPix.
KidPix

KidPix is a web-based, LINK program that allows qualified users access to pictures of all the children under the Department’s care.  KidPix may be accessed via http://ctdcf-web/kidpix/

Retaining a digital image with KidPix ensures that pictures are available at any time.  This is especially important when attempting to locate children who are on runaway status, or who are kidnapped. 

KidPix pictures may be shared with law enforcement officials, but consultation with an attorney from the Department Legal Division shall take place prior to any additional dissemination of the picture. 
Standards and Practice

All children under DCF care shall have his/her picture taken within ninety (90) days of placement.    

Permission from the child’s parent to have the child photographed is not necessary for children who are committed as abused/neglected, dually committed, or for whom parental rights have been terminated. 

For children in the custody of the Department pursuant to a 96-hour hold, Order of Temporary Custody, Family With Service Needs or delinquency commitment, permission shall be obtained from the child’s parent or guardian before the picture is taken.  In the event the parent or guardian refuses, a consultation with an attorney from the Department’s Office of Legal Affairs shall take place to determine the Department’s options.

Updated pictures shall be taken at least once per year.  Pictures shall be taken more often depending on the child’s age and rate of development and/or amount of change in facial features.  Each Area Office has a supply of digital cameras available for this purpose. 

Cross-references:  KidPix, policies 31-8-15 and 36-55-1.6
Exceptions The permission of the child’s parent or guardian shall be obtained before taking the child’s picture for children who are voluntarily placed or receiving services under the Voluntary Program.
Instructions Pictures shall show the child as the only subject, and shall show the child’s face, head and shoulders.  Full body images, images of the child with other persons or blurry images are not acceptable.
Compliance

The number of children who have current pictures listed in KidPix is available through the LINK report entitled “Weekly Placement Report”, which can be accessed electronically. 

Management can track which children do not have a current picture through this report. 

Connecticut Department of Children and Families        Effective Date:  December 15, 2005 (New)