Child Protection Safety And Comprehensive Assessments

The department’s safety and comprehensive assessments will be conducted in a standardized format and utilize statewide assessment and multi-disciplinary team protocols. (7-1-25) 01. Assessment of a Child. The family services worker will complete an assessment of every child of concern. When the child is interviewed as part of a safety and comprehensive assessment, the interview of a child concerning a child protection report will be conducted: (7-1-25) a. In a manner that protects all children involved from undergoing any unnecessary traumatic experience; (7-1-25) b. By a professional with specialized training in using techniques that consider the natural communication modes and developmental stages of children; and (3-15-22) c. In a neutral, non-threatening environment, if available. (7-1-25) 02. Assessment of the Family. The family services worker conducting the interview will: (7-1-25) a. Immediately notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the purpose and nature of the assessment. (3-15-22) b. Provide at the initial contact the name and work phone numbers of the family services worker and their supervisor to ensure the family has a contact for questions and concerns that may arise following the visit; (3-15-22) c. Inquire if the family is Indian, or has Indian heritage, for the purposes of ICWA; (3-15-22) d. Interview siblings who are identified as being at risk; and (3-15-22) e. Not divulge the name of the person making the report of child abuse or neglect. (3-15-22) 03. Collateral Interviews. Any assessment of an abuse or neglect report will include at minimum one (1) collateral interview with a person who is familiar with the circumstances of the child(ren) involved. Collateral interviews will be conducted with discretion and preferably with the parent(s)’ or legal guardian(s)’ permission. (7-1-25) 04. Completion of a Comprehensive Assessment. A Safety Assessment will be completed on each referral assigned for assessment of abuse or neglect, or both. When safety threats are identified in the safety assessment and the case remains open for services. (7-1-25) 05. Notification of the Person Who Made the Referral. The department must notify the person who made the child protection referral when the safety assessment has been completed. (7-1-25)