Definitions
When immediate, significant and clearly observable family or child conditions or behaviors are present and are clearly endangering a child or the child could be in danger at any time and it requires immediate action to protect.
You see wires hanging out of the wall. A three year old child lives in the home. The electricity is on and the child could be electrocuted by grabbing the wire in front of them.
What is significant?
True/ False there is present danger:
You walk into a home. Both mother and father appear to be under the influence and are slurring their words, mother is unable to stand up and falls over when she tries. The two year old and six month old in the home are unable feed themselves and neither parent remembers the last time they cooked or gave the baby a bottle. The baby is crying in his room and the two year old is playing with the kitchen cleaner.
What is true
What is clearly observable
Mother and father got into a DV altercation two days ago. Father chocked mother, and threatened to kill her. The ten year old was in the room, and ran to him room crying. The child reports that mom and dad fight often and that was the third time the police have come out in two weeks for a physical altercation between the parents and the child was present. The child reported he stepped in to yell at his dad two days ago when he was punching mom, he did not get hit but almost did. Dad was arrested but is back in the home.
A danger threat that is active and operating or could occur at any moment. Serious harm will result without taking protective actions.
True/ false- the child in the following scenario is in present danger:
A four year old is seen walking down Central Ave unsupervised. He walks into oncoming traffic and cars have to swerve to avoid him. There is no signs of his parents. The child does not know his last name or the name of his parents.
What is true?
A condition or behavior that is exaggerated, out of control or extreme. The condition or behavior has a negative impact on the child.
What is significant?
True/ false- the child in the following situation is in present danger:
Mom is under the influence of cocaine when you show up and reported that she was at a party and did not realize that is what she used. Dad did not use at the party. The parents just got home and are now caring for the children. Mother is clearly under the influence but father has sent her to her room to recover.