Identify and Apply the Investigation Case Flow Process As It Relates to Pre-Commencement

Module 4: Hotline Assignment (Screen-In) to Investigations
Time: 6 hours
Slide 4.0.1 / Slide 4.0.2
/ Slide 4.0.3

Module Purpose:The purpose of this module is to identify and apply the pre-commencement activities and procedures when a hotline intake is assigned for investigation.
Learning Objectives:

Identify and apply the Investigation Case Flow Process as it relates to pre-commencement.
Define Six Domains Information Collection Protocol and Information Collection Protocol for Pre-Commencement.
List and define the purpose and outcomes associated with pre-commencement.
Describe the investigative activities conducted during pre-commencement.
Given scenarios, determine the "who, what where, when and why" of information gathering in each scenario, and determine what additional information is required to make a safety determination.
Given a scenario, assess the PI's plan of action made during pre-commencement.
Engage in a pre-commencement investigator-supervisor role-playing interview.
List other possible types of information to acquire and review during pre-commencement and explain the rationale for the need for each.
Evaluate the information in a hotline intake and determine what additional information will be required from the family to make a safety determination.
List and explain each type of required background check for child protection investigations.
List and explain the different circumstances requiring notification to the reporter, the state attorney and law enforcement.
List and explain the reasons and circumstances under which the reporter and collaterals are contacted.
Identify the obligations of the Department, as well as the rights and need to keep confidential the identity of the reporter, including a listing of who can have access to reporter information.
Given a hotline intake, reconcile information collected at hotline with information to be collected during the Investigation and identify strategies for information collection.
Identify and describe the exceptions to completing pre-commencement activities.
Describe the procedural steps an investigator must take if a report is not going to result in an investigation.
Identify and describe the types of special circumstance reports.
Describe the procedural steps an investigator must take if a report has a special circumstance.

Notes:

Unit 4.1: From Hotline Assignment (Screen-In) to Investigations Pre-Commencement

Time: 4 hours
Unit Overview:The purpose of Unit 1 is to explain the investigative processes and procedures as they relate to the roles and functions of Child Protective Investigators (CPI).
Learning Objectives:

Identify and apply the Investigation Case Flow Process as it relates to pre-commencement.
Define Six Domains Information Collection Protocol and Information Collection Protocol for Pre-Commencement.
List and define the purpose and outcomes associated with pre-commencement.
Describe the investigative activities conducted during pre-commencement.
Given scenarios, determine the "who, what where, when and why" of information gathering in each scenario, and determine what additional information is required to make a safety determination.
Given a scenario, assess the PI's plan of action made during pre-commencement.
Engage in a pre-commencement investigator-supervisor role-playing interview.
List other possible types of information to acquire and review during pre-commencement and explain the rationale for the need for each.
Evaluate the information in a hotline intake and determine what additional information will be required from the family to make a safety determination.
List and explain each type of required background check for child protection investigations.
List and explain the different circumstances requiring notification to the reporter, the state attorney and law enforcement.
List and explain the reasons and circumstances under which the reporter and collaterals are contacted.
Identify the obligations of the Department, as well as the rights and need to keep confidential the identity of the reporter, including a listing of who can have access to reporter information.
Given a hotline intake, reconcile information collected at hotline with information to be collected during the Investigation and identify strategies for information collection.

Slide 4.1.4 / Slide 4.1.5

Activity #1:Case Flow Recall
Directions

This is an exercise for you to gauge what you recall from Core and Modules 1-3 in terms of the case flow process in the practice model.
As a table group, use the Andersen case to write down the case flow process and the relevant information from the case that you remember at each step in the process.

Activity Notes:
Slide 4.1.6 / Notes:
Key Points:

The Child Welfare Practice Model case flow chart represents essential safety decisions that must occur during the CPI process.
The Child Welfare Practice Model case flow chart guides decision making and focuses on key decision points including points in the case flow process where supervisory consultation is necessary.
The role of CPI interviews during pre-commencement is planning for what type of case it is: Sex Abuse, Physical Abuse, Neglect, or Medical Neglect and determining if Law Enforcement will be needed.

Slide 4.1.7 / Notes:
Key Points:

The Six Domains of Information (extent of maltreatment, surrounding circumstances that accompany the alleged maltreatment, child functioning, adult functioning, general parent practices, and disciplinary approaches/behavior management strategies) Collection Protocol is the guide to keeping focused on collecting relevant and sufficient information to inform safety decision making.
The Information Collection Protocol guides collection of information in a uniform, consistent, and systematic approach.
The pre-commencement information protocol should reinforce Family Centered Practice by facilitating family engagement.
During the pre-commencement information collection process it is vital for the CPI to monitor and control their emotions and focus in order to gather all available information.
Refer to 65C-28-30 F.A.C. during the information collection process.

Activity #2 Interactive Discussion: Know The Family
Directions:

Turn to your practice manual and locate the “Know the Family” diagram.
How would you access information for each of the six domains?

Activity Notes:

What are the specific details around the maltreatment?

What was happening at the time, either before, or after the maltreatment occurred?

Who is the child and how do they function?

Who is the adult and how does s/he function (are there any other primary caregiver(s) and how do they function?)

What is the overall parenting style in the home?

How do the parents discipline and/or manage their child’s problematic behavior?

Slide 4.1.8 / Notes:
Key Points:

The most reliable predictor of violent behavior is a hisotry of violent behavior. Carefully assess criminal history and prior departmental involvement to develop an awareness of potential safey issues for child and child welfare professional.
Collect, review, and assess pertinent information during pre-commencement to determine if information is missing and create a strategy for collecting missing pertinent information.
Pre-commencement activities begin the process for direct involvement with the family. Facilitate information collection by implementing a systematic and structured approach with the family.

Activity #3 Large Group Discussion: Key Areas of Focus for Pre-Commencement
Directions:

Recall the six domains of information gathering without using reference material.
Identify the key ares of focus for pre-commencment.
Identify what your role is during precommencement.

Activity Notes:
Slide 4.1.9 / Notes:
Key Points:

Florida's Child Welfare Practice Model puts a premium on planned, purposeful interventions and emphasizes sufficient inforation as the key to safety decision making.
Children are not kept safe when investigations are conducted hastily; children are kept safe when investigations are thorough.
The Six Domains of Information Collection Protocol will assist in creating an atmosphere where family members are given the opportunity to talk and share their perspective and expertise on the child and family. The protocol is a QA that provides a uniform, systematic, and structured approach to information gathering with the family.
Consultation with a supervisor is critical during the pre-commencement phase to ensure an accurate assessment of the situation and develop a strategy.

Investigative Response Checklist

Statute, Rule, and Procedure for Initial Investigation: FS 39.301, F.S. 39.402(9)-(15), F.S. 39.504, s.741.30, F.A.C. 65C-29.003; PI Case Review Checklist; PI QPS Tool
Conduct pre-commencement activities.
□Analyze the intake and use the Child Maltreatment Matrix.
□Contact the reporter unless caller ID was used and/or caller was anonymous. Provide contact information to mandatory reporter within 24 hours of report receipt. F.S. 39.301(6)
□Review all Prior Intakes/Investigations and Service Referrals.
□Review criminal history background checks provided by CI unit.
□Notify orally law enforcement and state attorney according to F.S. 39.301(17).
□Review all previous or current case files and records of services received.
□Speak with current or prior Investigators, Case Managers, Supervisors, providers, schools.
□Plan interviews with family members; determine the location of the interviews.
Make unannounced face-to-face contact with the family and gather information from interviews and observations.
□Introduce yourself (name, agency); show identification.
□Explain the goal and process of the intervention; inform the family of their rights by providing and reviewing the Rights and Responsibilities Pamphlet.
□Provide parents with the Management and Protection of Personal Health Information Policy at initial contact and obtain signed receipt. CFOP 60-17
□Assess for child safety.
□Tour the home, viewing all rooms and conditions.
□Observe and assess for indicators. (After interviews, notify CPT if necessary)
□Interview face-to-face the child, siblings, parents, and other adults in the home.
□Inquire and document a dialogue with an adult family member re: if the child is of American Indian/Native Alaskan decent.
□Complete ICWA Eligibility form.
□Gather information from parent/caregivers for Request for TANF Funds and enter in FSFN.
□Note: If the child is determined to be a “missing child,” follow requirements of 65C-30.019 and 65C-29.013(4)(d). (Reasonable Efforts to Locate)
□If human trafficking is suspected, notify local and federal law enforcement. CFOP175-14
Analyze information to make safety/well-being decisions.
□Make safety decision based on current and past information.
□Implement a safety plan when necessary.
□Follow 65C-30.009, Tiered Services Protocol.
□If a removal is necessary, refer to the PG in Removal and Placement, "Tasks for Removal and Emergency Placement."
□Assure completion of “Emergency Intake Form”per 65C-29.003(6)(a)1.d. to document the child’s medical information and needs.
Gather more information and complete documentation and reports.
□Prepare for the shelter hearing (for removals):
□reasonable efforts/probable cause documentation for shelter petition
□a recommended visitation schedule between child/parents, to begin within 72 hours, F.S. 39.402(9); follow guidelines in s.39.0139 for children who have been removed due to allegations of sexual abuse or exploitation
□service referral information for the family 39.402(15)
□forward received written requests from relatives to CLS for notification of hearings
□39.301(14)(b)
□Document in the investigative file reasons why the dependency petition was not filed or the child was not removed.
□Continue or begin diligent search process.
□Obtain photographs, birth verification & fingerprints for children in out-of-home placement re: F.A.C.65C-30.004.
□Send written summary to LE and SA, if appropriate, within 3 working days and to mandatory reporter within 10 days, if requested.
□Provide family assessment information to CM for early service intervention.
□Conduct face-to-face interviews/calls with other collaterals, including reporter.
□Complete assessment of immediate child safety for each child.
□ Follow up on supervisory recommendations on the SA. (supervisory review 72 hours from submission of the SA)
□Update FSFN.
□Complete FSFN Safety Plan, Out-of-Home Plan, Visitation Plan when appropriate.
□Visitation Plan may be completed by the Case Manager if case transfer is timely.
Staff case as needed.
□Conduct Multidisciplinary Staffing if second intake and different CPI, human trafficking is suspected, or if risk and safety assessments determine need.
□ESI, if applicable to the case.
□Staff with CLS when appropriate.
Complete investigation within 60 days of receiving initial intake.
□Follow procedures for investigation case closure.
□Complete all case closure documentation on FSFN.
Slide 4.1.10 / Notes:
Key Points:

FSFN should be utilized during pre-commencement to access child welfare records.
Record review should dtermine if collateral sources are needed to provide additional information.

Slide 4.1.11 / Notes:
Key Points:

Follow statutory requirements for immediate consultation from specific professional disciplines to facilitate the family assessment.
A systems approach should be used to collect information from the five major systems: family, educational, medical, legal, and community.

Activity #4 What’s Missing?
Directions:

Review the Hotline reports for the Hall and Croft case and identify the additional information you would need, who you would get it from and why you need the information.
Think about this activity with a systems approach in mind (family, legal, medical, education and community).

Activity Notes:
System / What info is needed? / Why? / Who/Where will you get the info?
Family
Legal
Medical
Education
Community
A person who knowingly or willfully makes public or discloses to any unauthorized person any confidential information contained in the central abuse hotline is subject to the penalty provisions of s. 39.205.
CROFT INTAKE REPORT WITH REPORTER NARRATIVE
Intake Name: / Intake Number: / County:
Croft, Amy / 2012-11122233 / Lake
Date/Time Intake Received / Program Type / Investigative Sub-Type / Provider Name
1/6/xx at 3:30pm / Child Intake-Initial / In-Home / NA
Worker Safety Concerns / Prior Involvement / Law Enforcement Notified
Yes No / Yes No / Yes No
Response Time / Name-Worker / Name Supervisor
24 Hours / Mason, April / Clawson, Clayton

Family Information

Name-Family: / Telephone Number
Croft, Amy
Address-Street / Unit Designator / City / State / Zip
215 NW South Street / Orlando / FL / 32801
Primary Language: / Interpreter Needed: Yes No
Directions to House / 215 NW South Street
Participants
Name / ID Number / Role / Gender / DOB
Croft, Amy / 789822985 / AP-PC / Female / 3/8/xx
Est. Age / Ethnicity / Race / Disability
27 / Other / White / Yes No
Name / ID Number / Role / Gender / DOB
Thomas, Blake / 394225006 / AP-PC / Male / 2/9/xx
Est. Age / Ethnicity / Race / Disability
42 / Other / White / Yes No
Name / ID Number / Role / Gender / DOB
Thomas, Micah / 865850767 / V / Male / 4/30/xx
Est. Age / Ethnicity / Race / Disability
2 ½ yrs / Other / White / Yes No
Name / ID Number / Role / Gender / DOB
Thomas, Makenzie / 866765477 / V / F / 7/11/xx
Est. Age / Ethnicity / Race / Disability
9 / Other / White / Yes No
AP=Alleged Perpetrator PC=Parent/Caregiver CH=Child in Home RN=Report Name
HM=Household Member SO=Significant Other NM=Non-Household Member V=Victim
Address and Phone Information
Name / Type / Address / Telephone Number
Croft, Amy / Primary / 215 NW South Street Orlando, FL / (407) 555-0101
Thomas, Blake / Primary / 215 NW South Street Orlando, FL / (407) 555-0101
Thomas, Micah / Primary / 215 NW South Street Orlando, FL / (407) 555-0101
Thomas, Makenzie / Primary / 215 NW South Street
Orlando, FL / (407) 555-0101
Relationships
Subject / Relationship / Subject
Croft, Amy / Mother-Birth / Thomas, Micah
Thomas, Mackenzie
Thomas, Blake / Father-Birth / Thomas, Micah
Thomas, Mackenzie
Alleged Maltreatment
Alleged Victim / Maltreatment Code
Thomas, Micah
Thomas, Makenzie / Environmental Hazards
Thomas, Micah
Thomas, Makenzie / Substance Misuse
Thomas, Micah
Thomas, Makenzie / Family Violence Threatens Child
Thomas, Micah
Thomas, Makenzie / Inadequate Supervision
Location of Incident
Address-Street / Apt. / City / State / Zip Code
215 NW South Street / Orlando / FL / 32801
Telephone Number-Home / Telephone Number-Work / Telephone Number-Cell

Narratives

Allegation Narrative
Extent of Maltreatment
1/6/xx the mother of the children, along with a friend, were arrested for cooking crystal methamphetamine and trafficking drugs in the home. The children were not present at the time of the arrest, however both children have been frequenting the home in which the meth was being manufactured. The children were left in the care of Donna Hamilton, her address is 1512 North West Terrace Orlando FL.
Donna Hamilton is on probation for methamphetamine manufacturing and trafficking.
The father of the children, Blake Thomas is currently incarcerated due to family violence between Amy and Blake. No report was received by the department at that time, however it was noted in the police records that Micah and Makenzie were present when Blake assaulted Amy.
There is a long history of DCF involvement with the family. Currently one child is residing with the maternal grandparents and another child has been adopted through DCF due to Amy’s substance misuse.
Surrounding Circumstances
The mother was released from drug treatment approximately one year ago.
Child Functioning
The reporter did not have any information regarding the child functioning due to having no contact with children.
Adult Functioning
The reported did not have any information regarding the adult functioning due to having no contact with the parents.
Review of case history, includes concerns for substance misuse by both parents and domestic violence, with the father as the aggressor.
Parenting Practices – General
The reporter did not have any information regarding the parenting general practices for either parent.
Parenting Practices – Discipline
The reporter did not have any information regarding the parenting discipline practices for either parent.