Transcript Self Training Module for the Child Protection Intake Process
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!