PAGE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION An investigator will talk to and visually examines the child reported to have been abused or neglected. The interview may be conducted at any reasonable time and place, including at school. Without your permission. An investigator makes a reasonable effort to notify you of any interviews and the nature of the allegations within ten days of the report being field in non emergency screened in reports. An investigator discusses the report with you to gain an explanation about the harm or risk of abuse or neglect to the child. You can ask to see the caseworker’s for an identification card. The caseworker will tell you how he or she can be contacted during the investigation. It is illegal for the caseworker to tell you who made the report. An investigator obtains criminal history information about people alleged to have abused or neglected your child. As necessary, the caseworker may also: An investigator will attempt to interview and visually examine all children in the home; interview any other person alleged to have abused or neglected your child; interview anyone with information about the situation, including those who can verify explanations of the harm to your child; ask for access to medical or mental health records on your child, yourself, or people alleged to have abused or neglected your child; (you do not have to consent to release of any medical records) ask for a medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of your child if it is necessary to establish whether abuse or neglect has occurred or if risk of abuse or neglect exists; and visit the child’s home. NOT SUPPORTED OR SUPPORTED Not supported simply mean that after what DSS calls a 51B which is the investigation of a 51A, child abuse report, DSS determines no indications of child abuse or neglect. They close the case. Your name is not placed on the "family Net" computers system which DSS operates to track cases. Supported is the DSS word for when they determine sufficient evidence has been documented that there is reasonable cause to believe neglect or abuse has occurred. This "Supported" finding will result in DSS conducting a 45 working day (9 weeks) "family assessment" to be conducted by an assessment DSS case worker who will present to her supervisor her opinion on determination to close the case or file a service plan. Supervisor makes finial decision based on case record, parents not allowed to review material or have input into this decision. email at: indpadvocate@comcast.net |
