Description

During this virtual interactive session, we will discuss what we have learned from 2023 child fatality/near fatality cases that can provide insight to help us with our current practice. We will discuss the age group that we see the highest rate of fatalities. We will review key points such as assessment focused interviews, follow up interviews, thorough and ongoing-safety assessments, etc. that need to be address in all investigations. We will also discuss best practices that should be used in CPS investigations. Lastly, we will discuss activities for case closures.





Objectives:

Critical key points to address in all investigations:

? Assessment focus during interviews (not Incident focus)

? Sufficient information gathering

? Interviews with all parties involved (all household members, absent parents, witnesses, etc.)

? Thorough and on-going safety assessments and assessments of caretaker protective capacities

? Safety Planning with the family, if needed

? Follow-up interview(s) with the reporter and appropriate collaterals

? Review all prior agency history and any new reports

? Complete an accurate risk assessment (SDM)

? Obtain and review written records as needed (medical records, school records, law enforcement records, etc.)

? Supervisory guidance throughout the investigation

? Timely referrals to services, if needed



TARGETED PARTICIPANTS: All professional DCFS Child Welfare staff