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Policy Manual

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS
Risk Assessment

34-13-3
Completion of the Risk Assessment

When to Complete the Risk Assessment The Social Worker and supervisors shall use the Risk Assessment tool whenever an important decision needs to be made in the life of a case.

The completion of the total risk assessment worksheet (DCF-2090) is required at the following decision points:

  • upon completion of an investigation and/or case transfer
  • upon completion of the comprehensive protective service assessment
  • prior to the decision to maintain or remove a child in his/her home
  • prior to the return of the child to the family
  • prior to the closing of a case.
Filing of a Risk Assessment Once the risk assessment worksheet is completed and approved by the supervisor, the worksheet must be filed in the uniform case record.
Completing the Risk Assessment Worksheet The worksheet is completed as part of a case related supervisory conference or clinical conference, as follows:
  • The risk assessment process involves an analysis of a number of factors that relate to the five areas of consideration outlined on the worksheet.
  • The factors on the worksheet identify a number of conditions which can represent strengths and weaknesses in a case.
  • The factors in each category are rated, and the applicable code is entered in the box to the right of the line.

    • N = No Risk

    L = Low Risk

    M = Moderate Risk

    H = High Risk

    U = Unknown

    If not applicable, enter N (No Risk)

  • The worksheet is completed for the child reported to be the most vulnerable in the family. If the determination of which child is the most vulnerable is not clear, the worksheet is completed for the youngest child.
Determination of Baseline Risk The baseline risk rating is the foundation for determining the overall risk.

The baseline risk is determined as follows:

  • Each factor under Category I, "Severity of Abuse/Neglect" is reviewed and the rating is entered in the box on the right.
  • The baseline risk rating is derived from using the highest rating in Category I.
Determination of Overall Risk After determining the baseline risk, the next four (4) categories are then reviewed as to their significance and interrelationship in order to determine if the baseline should be raised, lowered, or held constant to obtain the overall risk.

The last page of the worksheet documents the reasons for the overall risk rating.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families                                  Effective Date: October 1, 1996 (Revised)