Self Study Module for the Child Protection Intake Process

Part I: Information Gathering

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Developed by North Dakota Department of Human Services, Children and Family Services Division 2000

2 Instructions for Navigating Through the Presentation

Introduction to the Child Protection Intake Process • What is intake? – Point where reports are received – A critical function for child welfare – Key point of contact with the

community

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Who May Conduct the Intake Process? • CPS social worker is recommended • Agency may assign: – agency director – support staff – student interns • Specific skills are necessary,

regardless of their position

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5 The Report • Who must report? • Who may report? • How are reports made? • What about anonymous reports?

The Reporter • Brings the concerns of child

abuse and neglect to the attention of the CPS agency

• Responsible for providing

information

• Should be available for

questions

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Skills Necessary for Effective Intake • Communication skills • Select/screen information • Solicit information & probe

for detail

• Deal with anxieties • Use a supportive tone 7

More Necessary Skills • Effective listening techniques • Decision making • Remain calm • Organize information 8

What Is Involved in the Intake Process?

• Gathering sufficient information • Providing support &

encouragement

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More Is Involved • Handling a crisis situation 10

Working With The Reporter • Deal with ambivalence and anxiety • Offer reassurance • Be in control of the process • Begin gathering information 11

12 Asking the Questions • Support and respect • Reassurance • Repeat • Vary your questions

The Questions to Ask • Ask clear, concise, precise, and

explicit questions

• Elicit enough information to identify

& locate the child/family

• Elicit a thorough & accurate

description of the concern

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Information to Obtain • Name, age, sex, ethnic background & permanent

address of all children in the home

• Present location of the child(ren) and location where

incidents occurred (if different from home address)

• Name of person responsible for the child’s welfare • Name & address of person suspected of abusing or

neglecting the child

• Family composition (who is in the household?) • Nature & extent of suspected abuse/neglect • Action taken by the reporter 14

More Information to Obtain • Reporter’s name, address, & telephone number • Reporter’s relationship to the child • Reporter’s willingness to share his/her role in

reporting with the family and willingness to participate in the assessment process

• Motives of the reporter • Possible witnesses • Date and time the report is received 15

16 Responding to Fears and Concerns • Anticipate questions • Respond honestly • Offer to explain

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Other Issues

• Dealing with frustration • Offering encouragement

18 Confidentiality • Reporter’s name cannot be given • There are exceptions • Reporters can be subpoenaed • Unauthorized disclosure is a class B

misdemeanor

• Encourage honesty

19 Handling a Crisis Situation • Remain calm & in control • Call law enforcement for situations

where there is immediate danger

• Respond to the caller’s emotions,

but do not become part of the caller’s urgency

• Use the category system

The Category System 20 • Category A - immediate response

required - route immediately

• Category B - response required

within 24 hours - route immediately

• Category C - assessment must begin

within 72 hours - route quickly

21 Non- CPS Child Welfare Intake • Callers may want assistance with

issues that are not within the authority of child welfare

• Callers may wish to make a referral for

services

• Callers may only have questions about

the CPS system

Information Gathering for Non-CPS Intake • Determine emergency status – is anyone at immediate risk of harm? • Gather pertinent information – name of caller, family needs, length of

time in need, remedies tried, past services, desired action

• Arrange for follow-up contact – best time to return a call 22

Closure 23 • Assure the reporter that it was right

to make the report

• Inform mandated reporters that

they can call back to receive assessment information

• Give permission to call again

24 Checklist for Intake Skills • Practice and evaluate your skills • Use the checklist for a refresher

Conclusion

• Continue to use the materials • Practice your skills • Ask your supervisor 25 •You are appreciated!