Definitions
Mandated Reporters
An individual required to report suspected concerns of child abuse or neglect under MCL 722.623.
This is the type of interview that must be done with children.
A Forensic Interview
What are the two primary assessments in an investigation?
- Risk Assessment
- Safety Assessment
CAT V
No Evidence of abuse/neglect OR family cannot be found.
Person Responsible
A parent, legal guardian, individual 18 years of age or older who resides for any length of time in the same home in which the child resides, or nonparent adult; or an owner, operator, volunteer, or employee of either a licensed or registered child care organization, a licensed or unlicensed adult foster care family home or adult foster care small group home (defined in section 3 of adult foster care facility licensing act), or a court-operated facility.
This is the type of interview that must be completed with an adult during an investigation.
- Policy Interview(s)
- Vulnerable Child Assessment
What assessment is done if there is a weapon in the home?
Firearm Assessment
CAT II
Preponderance of evidence found to substantiate abuse and/or neglect.
High or Intensive Risk Level.
Case must be open with services.
Non-Parent Adult
A person who is 18 years of age or older and who, regardless of the person's domicile, meets all of the following criteria in relation to the child, MCL 722.622: has substantial and regular contact with the child(ren); has a close personal relationship with the child(ren)'s parent(s) or with a person(s) responsible for the child(ren)'s health or welfare; is not the child(ren)'s parent(s) or a person(s) otherwise related to the child by blood or affinity to the third degree.
These are a few of the questions you ask adults during policy interviews.
Are you a licensed foster parent/day care provider?
Do you have any CPS history?
Did you experience any abuse or neglect as a child?
Do you have any criminal history?
Do you have any history of, or current, substance use issues (legal or illegal)? Treatment in last year?
Safe Sleep
CAT I
Petition for removal required; provide required services to the family.
Preponderance v. No Preponderance
Preponderance: Evidence which is of greater weight or more convincing than evidence which is offered in opposition to it.
No Preponderance: No evidence
What forensic interviews must take place at a child advocacy center (CAC)?
- Cases of severe physical abuse
- Cases of sexual abuse
What should not be utilized in lieu of court intervention (petition)?
A Temporary Voluntary Agreement (TVA)
CAT IV
No preponderance of abuse/neglect found.
Assist the family in voluntary participation in community-based services.
Vulnerable Child
- Child is age 0 to 5 years.
- Significant diagnosed or suspected medical or mental health concern.
- Not readily visible in the community.
-Diminished developmental/cognitive capacity, and/or diminished physical capacity.
Parental consent to interview child
The child is an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect. AND/OR • The case manager has reason to believe the alleged abuse or neglect occurred.
What are some components needed in a safety plan?
CAT III
CAT III Open/Close
Low or moderate risk level with preponderance found.
Must assist the family in receiving community-based services/resources.