Screening Process: Information Gathered by the Department

(1) During the screening process, the Department shall gather information related to the 51A report from a variety of sources as follows: (a) Gather relevant information from the reporter; (b) Review Department files and Central Registry for any Department involvement with any family member, caregiver, and any other person who lives in the household where the child(ren) resides, or who is otherwise connected to the allegations in the report; (c) Consult with the Department social worker assigned to the family, if the family is currently involved with the Department; (d) Obtain Criminal Offender Registry Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and the national crime history database check for the child(ren)'s parent(s), persons 15 years of age and older who reside in the household of the child(ren) or are otherwise connected to the allegation(s), and anyone alleged to be responsible for the abuse or neglect; (e) Request records from other state child welfare agencies, if the Department learns of prior or current family involvement with other state child welfare agencies; (f) Request information from local law enforcement to review law enforcement activity at the home or concerning a family member, caregiver, and any other person who lives in the household where the child(ren) resides, or who is otherwise connected to the allegations in the report; (g) Contact other persons who may have information about the allegations; (h) Utilize search tools as needed to gather information to identify caregivers and inform the screening decision; and (i) Complete other activities as required by the Department's Protective Intake Policy. Identification of Family Members. During the screening process the Department shall identify and document the identities of all reported family or household members. For the purpose of screening and response, family or households members includes all family members and other individuals residing in the home, children in Department placements, children residing out of the home, and any parent or parent substitute living out of the home.