| Investigation Process |
An investigation of a report of child abuse or
neglect continues the process of gathering facts and information already begun during the
report-taking phase. The investigator must acquire and analyze information to determine
whether a child has been abused or neglected and is in need of protective services or
other services offered by the Department or the community. |
| Purpose |
An investigation of child abuse, neglect or in
danger of abuse is a fact finding process to
- substantiate or not substantiate reported allegations of abuse, neglect, or in danger of
abuse
- assure the safety and well-being of children who have been abused or neglected
- begin the Department’s relationship with a family by providing information about
the Department’s mandate and the investigation process
- gather evidence in a responsible and professional manner within the law
- provide adequate information on substantiated reports in order to facilitate a complete
assessment by child protective service staff.
|
| Who Conducts Investigations? |
Investigations of child abuse, neglect or in
danger of abuse are conducted by the following DCF staff:
- child protective investigators
located in the Department’s regional offices
throughout the state who respond to reports of abuse and neglect when the regional offices
are open
or
- child protective Hotline investigators
who are on-call to respond to reports of
abuse and neglect when the regional offices are not open.
|
| Coordination with Law Enforcement |
The DCF investigator may request the assistance
of police, as needed,
- when there is a concern for the safety of the investigator
- to gain access to the child; e.g., to enter the home, for a 96-hour hold, or an Order of
Temporary Custody (OTC).
DCF shall always notify the police in cases of
- sexual abuse
- severe physical abuse
- severe neglect
- death of a child.
In these situations, efforts shall be made to conduct a joint investigation with the
police.
Cross-References:
- 33-6-18, "Notification to State or Local
Police..."
- 34-6, "Entrance to Client’s Home"
|
| Investigation Tool |
The investigator shall utilize the
Department’s computer system (LINK), including the Investigation Protocol (DCF-2074)
to guide and document the investigation activity. |
| Investigation Determination |
To complete an investigation, the investigator
must make a determination that the allegation is either substantiated or not substantiated
as child abuse or neglect. Note: An allegation of "in danger of
abuse" must be substantiated or not substantiated as "abuse" or
"neglect".
| Investigation Determination |
Condition |
| Substantiated |
Reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred. |
| Not Substantiated |
Lack of reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has
occurred. |
|
|
|
