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Policy Manual

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS

34-14
Case Planning Options Following an Investigation

Policy The investigator, in consultation with the supervisor, shall use uniform guidelines when deciding upon case planning following an investigation of an allegation of abuse, neglect, or in danger of abuse.
Options for Case Planning The following are transfer or referral options for case planning following an investigation.

Note: Referral to another state agency or community service provider does not necessarily eliminate the need to transfer a case to a DCF service unit.

Cross-Reference: For instructions on closing a case, refer to Chapter 36, "Closing Process."

 

If the Allegation is... Then the Options for Case Planning are...
Substantiated
  • transfer to a DCF service unit for provision of mandatory services. (See note below)

or

  • close the case, with or without referral for services to be provided by another state agency or community service provider.

Important Note:

Transfer to a DCF service unit is mandatory in all cases in which abuse is substantiated, unless deemed inappropriate by the Program Director.
Not Substantiated
  • close the case, with or without referral for services to be provided by another state agency or community service provider
   
Options When Substantiated Use the following guidelines when the investigation determination is substantiated.

 

Options for Case Planning When the Allegation is Substantiated Conditions for Action
Transfer to a DCF Service Unit
  • abuse is substantiated
  • assessment indicates that the provision of DCF services is necessary in order to sufficiently reduce the risk of abuse or neglect
  • filing of a court petition
    •
    • placement of a child(ren) by DCF
    • threat of placement has been identified
    • evidence indicates abuse or neglect of the child resulting in serious physical injury or serious risk to physical well being
    • the non-perpetrator caretaker has not demonstrated the ability to protect the child(ren) from further harm
    • failure of the caretaker to follow through with mandated services would result in the filing of neglect petitions
    • a caretaker with an identified substance abuse problem and child(ren) under age six reside in the home
    • referral involves high risk newborns
    • community services to address identified service needs are not available.
    Referral to Another State Agency or Community Service Provider
    • referral would address an identified service need
    • service for the identified cause of concern (reason for report) falls within the function of another state agency or community service provider, and
    • the parent/guardian is accepting of and is able to follow through with the referral, and
    • the identified state agency or community service provider is able to make the necessary services available, or
    • DCF is unable to mandate services, and
    • the parent/guardian is refusing DCF services, and
    • the family is accepting of a referral to another state agency or community service provider.
    Case Closing
    • the parent/guardian is not accepting of DCF services, and
    • grounds do not exist to mandate involuntary services or to file petitions of neglect, or
    • the parent/guardian whereabouts are unknown, or
    • the parent/guardian has moved to another state.

    Note: A referral must be made to the other state immediately.

     

    Options When Not Substantiated Use the following guidelines when the finding of the investigation states that the allegation is not substantiated:

     

    Options for Case Planning When the Allegation is Not Substantiated Conditions for Action
    Referral to Another State Agency or Community Service Provider
    • service needs unrelated to abuse or neglect have been identified, and
    • provision of these services falls within the function of another state agency or community service provider
    • the parent/guardian is accepting of, or requesting, services.
    Case Closing
    • the caretaker has been referred to another state agency or community service provider, or
    • the parent/guardian is not accepting of services, or
    • the parent/guardian is not in need of any services.
     
    Worker's Responsibility to Parent/Guardian When a case is referred to any source for services, the worker making the referral shall explain to the parent/guardian
    • the reason for the referral
    • the services the parent can expect to receive
    • the likely outcome of service provision
    • the consequences of not receiving the service.

    The worker shall document in the LINK case activity notes any offer to the parent/guardian of reasonable assistance with the initial referral; e.g., assisting in making an appointment, explaining eligibility requirements.

    Connecticut Department of Children and Families                     Effective Date: August 15, 1998 (Revised)