The Department's Response: Collecting Additional Information

(1) In an emergency response, within 24 hours after receipt of the 51A report, the Department shall make an initial determination as to the child(ren)'s safety and whether to seek custody of the child(ren). In a non-emergency 51B response, the Department shall proceed with the 51B response, collect additional information, and as applicable shall: (a) Make any collateral contacts necessary to obtain reliable information related to the reported incident and the child(ren)'s condition. response workers may only disclose limited information about the child(ren) and the family as is reasonably necessary to obtain information regarding the allegations made in the 51A report. While collateral contacts are included as sources of information, the parent(s) or caregiver(s) of the subject child(ren), the subject child(ren) themselves, and the reporter, shall be considered the primary sources of information; (b) Visit all children and the home within three business days of receipt of the report; (c) Visit and interview the parent(s) and other individuals living in the home a minimum of one time, the initial visit to occur in the home within three business days after receipt of the 51A report; (d) Contact any parent or parent substitute living out of the home, who can be located, a minimum of one time. The nature of the contact is determined by the response worker and supervisor; (e) Complete any screening processes not completed during the screening process; (f) Interview the person alleged to be responsible for the incident(s) of abuse or neglect; (g) Consult with the District Attorney or law enforcement where the District Attorney or law enforcement is investigating the same allegations in the report; and (h) Complete any other activities required by the Department's Protective Intake Policy.