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Home / Reporting / DCF: What Happens When a Report Is Made?
The “Protective Intake Policy” framework was designed “to clearly articulate a primary and immediate focus on child safety in screening and responding to reports of child abuse and neglect.”*
The Protective Intake Policy is divided into two phases: (1) the screening of all reports; and (2) a response to any report that is screened in. As a result, all screened in reports are now investigated.
Specifics about the screening and investigative response include:
When DCF receives a report of abuse and/or neglect or a 51A report, from either a mandated reporter or another concerned citizen, the Department is required to evaluate the allegations and determine the safety of the child(ren). During DCF’s response process, all mandated reporters are required to answer the Department’s questions and provide information to assist in determining whether a child/youth is being abused and/or neglected, and in assessing the child’s/youth’s safety in the household.
Here are the steps in the DCF process:
Some families come to the attention of the Department outside the 51A process. These include: Children Requiring Assistance (CRA) cases referred by the Juvenile Court, cases referred by the Probate and Family Court, babies surrendered under the Safe Haven Act, and voluntary requests for services by a parent/family. These cases are generally referred directly for a Comprehensive Assessment.
If available information is not sufficient for DCF to determine that there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected, the report will be screened out. As such, it is important that the reporter provide the Department with all the information that might aid DCF in determining whether or not the alleged abuse or neglect occurred. It is wise to have as much information available as possible when calling the Department. However, if the reporter does not have all this information, do not let it impede the filing. File with what information is on hand and let the professionals make their determinations.
Having documentation of relevant facts, dates, quotes, etc., can help to ensure that information is accurately conveyed at the time the report is filed. Documentation can also facilitate the reporter’s recollection of what has gone on with the child/youth over time. However, the decision to file or not file a report should not be based on the fact that the reporter thinks the documentation on hand is insufficient. Remember, mandated reporters are required to report if they have a reasonable cause to believe that a child or youth is suffering abuse or neglect. The suspected abuse or neglect must be immediately reported to the Department by oral communication and by making a written report within 48 hours after the oral communication.
If a report is screened out, it may also be because the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect has been identified, and the individual was not in a caregiver role during the time when the abuse or neglect took place. With the exception of human trafficking allegations, incidents where the alleged perpetrator was not in a caregiver role are beyond DCF’s authority to address. In these situations, DCF may contact and refer the case to the District Attorney and local law enforcement.
Also, if a report is screened out, it does not mean that the reporter cannot file another report at a later date. In the interim, documenting can help in establishing the reporter’s own record of what is going on with the child or youth, and this information can be useful if you decide to file a report in the future. Again, the case that has received several reports, whether screened in or out, can be a source of critical information. In the meantime, help the child or youth by remaining available, acknowledging concerns, helping to enhance self-esteem, and giving the child/youth a positive experience. Staff and volunteers can be an invaluable source of support, and one should not underestimate the influence that they have on children and youth.
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