Family Assessment – Many reports screened in for neglect will be assigned this track.   This approach is used to try and engage families in the process from the beginning.  Social Workers make diligent efforts to contact families prior to their visiting the home.   It is the hope that with this collaborative approach families are able to work with their Social Worker related to any issues found, put in place services to ensure safety of the child, and families can move forward with no more intervention.  These reports must be initiated (all children seen and assessed) within 72 hours of when the report is received.  Diligent efforts to make contact with the family will be made from the time the report is received until the initiation is complete.  Social Workers will make multiple visits with the family during this assessment.

Family assessments are targeted to be completed within 45 days of receiving the report.  However, the need for other information from outside resources could result in the case going beyond the 45 day period.  

Investigative Assessment – All reports accepted for abuse and reports deemed serious neglect will be assigned this track.  Due to the sensitivity and nature of the information related to these two areas Social Workers will begin this process without notifying the parents.  Social Workers will interview the child, parents and any other party independently of one another.  All abuse reports must be initiated (all children seen and assessed) within 24 hours of when the report is received.  All neglect reports must be initiated within 72 hours of when the report is received.  Diligent efforts to make contact with the family will be made from the time the report is received until the initiation is complete.   Social Workers will make multiple visits with the family during this assessment.

Investigative assessments are targeted to be completed within 30 days of receiving the report.  However, the need for other information from outside resources could result in the case going beyond the 30 day period.