All reports alleging suspected child abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, including those on an existing referral and/or case, are directed to the Child Protection Hotline (CPH) for initial assessment. Reports alleging specific acts or indicators of suspected child abuse, neglect and/or exploitation shall be entered as a referral in the Child Welfare Services/Case Management System (CWS/CMS) regardless whether they are ultimately evaluated out.
Although the CPH receives the majority of its reports and information from agencies and persons outside DCFS, any employee of DCFS who, within the scope of their employment, observes or receives a report of abuse, neglect, caregiver absence/incapacity or exploitation from a source other than the CPH, must contact the CPH to make a report.
The CPH operates twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week and can be reached at the following telephone numbers: 1 (800) 540-4000 within California, 1 (213) 639-4500 outside California, and 1 (800) 272-6699 TDD.
In addition to receiving reports of suspected abuse, neglect and/or exploitation, the CPH receives questions and provides consultation and referrals to the mandated reporters and the public on child safety concerns. The CPH also receives requests for after-hours emergency medical consent for dependent children, after-hours reports of DCFS dependent runaways, and re-entry (AB-12) requests for youth who wish to re-enter foster care.
CPH Screening
The CPH must identify the types of calls that constitute reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and determine the appropriate response and response priority pursuant to statute and with the support of the Structured Decision Making (SDM) Tools. The purpose of the SDM Hotline Tools is to assess whether a report meets the statutory threshold for an in-person investigatory response, and if so, how quickly (e.g., Immediate Response/Response Within 5-Days) a social worker needs to respond. If a report does not require an in-person response, the SDM Hotline Tools help screeners determine whether a community response is more appropriate.
CPH screeners should use the SDM Hotline tool definitions from the beginning of any call made to the CPH. This can help ensure that:
Sufficient information is gathered from the caller to determine whether the concerns meet the statutory definition of child abuse or neglect, and
The same thresholds and definitions are used in making this determination
For any new concern or incident on an open referral or case, immediate consultation and review of the new incident must occur between the assigned CSW and assigned SCSW to determine if it is a new allegation on an open referral/case, as opposed to a safety reassessment issue, prior to contacting the CPH. The CPH will generate a referral when a new allegation or conduct on an open referral/case refers specifically to a new incident of abuse or neglect that meets the standard in the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). All new allegations on open cases must be reported to the CPH by regional staff for tracking and cross-reporting purposes. New allegations on an existing (open) referral should be reported to the CPH via email if made within thirty (30) days of the referral date. New allegations reported after thirty (30) days of the referral date must be reported to CPH as a new ER referral.
Importance of Consultation During Decision Making
DCFS recognizes the importance of accurate and equitable response and response priority decisions to ensure safety and equity for all children and families and the impact of these decisions on families across child protective services intervention. Therefore, CPH CSWs and SCSWs make consistent use of staff engagement/consultation using the structure of the SDM hotline tools and the principles of the Integrated Core Practice Model to examine and protect against implicit bias and to improve the accuracy of these critical decisions.
Information and Referral (I & R) Calls
When a report is made that does not fall within the purview of child welfare (i.e., it is not an incident of alleged abuse or neglect), it is screened and referred to other agencies for potential services, as appropriate. These calls are not required to be evaluated for risk and are referred to by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as “Information and Referral” (“I & R”) calls.
Calls requesting information and referral to community services are specifically defined by CDSS’ Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) Division 31 sections 30-051 and ACL 17-91. To protect the privacy of these individuals, the personal information and nature of the inquiry of these callers is not maintained in CWS/CMS. These reports are documented, but are not entered into CWS/CMS as referrals.
Some examples of I & R calls include, but are not limited to:
Requests for general information or complaints about community services not involving the health and safety of a child (i.e., legal, substance abuse, homeless, or mental health services).
Requests for information or complaints about custody or child support issues where there are no indications that the children are victims, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.
Allegations of abuse, neglect or maltreatment on a person over the age of 18 who is not in foster care where there is no risk to a child.
Allegations of animal cruelty or maltreatment where there is no child in the household that may also be at risk of abuse, neglect or maltreatment.
In Los Angeles County, I & R calls are categorized as Information Calls, Information to CSW calls and Consultation Calls (or “consults”), or they may be referred to the Community Prevention Linkages (CPL) program.
Information Calls
The CPH also receives calls in which callers request information, but have no concerns regarding a child. These are known as “Information Calls,” and while they do not necessarily require documentation, they may be entered into the Automated Referral Entry System (ARES). ARES is a web-based application that allows the CPH to track calls it receives that are not entered as referrals or Information to CSW calls in CWS/CMS. It provides an online single data entry screen for quicker assessments of child safety. It also provides the CPH the ability to capture data on calls that do not result in referrals in CWS/CMS for reporting purposes, as well as for justifying allocation of resources.
Information to CSW Calls
Calls that relate to an existing open case or referral, but that do not allege new allegations of abuse or neglect, are documented on an “Information to CSW” form and sent to the assigned regional office. They are also attached to the open case and/or referral in CWS/CMS.
Consultation Calls
A consultation or “consult” is a call that involves a child; however, it is assessed as not meeting the legal definition of abuse and/or neglect pursuant to statute and with the support of the SDM Tools. These calls may be entered into ARES.
Evaluating Out Referrals
According to the CDSS MPP (MPP) section 31-101, counties shall respond to all calls that allege a child is endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation by conducting an in-person investigation or assessing the referral by completing an ER protocol. If upon completion of the ER protocol, the social worker determines an in-person investigation is not required, the county may evaluate out a referral with or without a referral to another community agency, as appropriate. If the family on an evaluated out referral requires supports, the CPH CSW may consider referring the family for Prevention and Aftercare’s (P&A) Path 1/Community Prevention Linkages (CPL) program.
An evaluated out referral can be a referral that alleges harm or risk of harm to a child, but does not meet the criteria for investigation by DCFS. Referrals that do not meet the criteria for an in-person response will be evaluated out at the CPH after being entered as a referral in CWS/CMS. Below is a list of allegations that do not constitute appropriate child abuse referrals and should be evaluated out. If the CPH CSW determines that an in-person investigation is not required but that the services of another community agency are appropriate, the CPH CSW should refer the reporter to that agency. In some instances they should be directed to other agencies, [e.g. law enforcement and Student Attendance Review Boards (SARBs)] for investigation.
Evaluated out referrals generally include:
Allegations where the described maltreatment or threat does not meet the definition of abuse, neglect, or exploitation contained in MPP sections 31-002(c)(9), 31-002(e)(13), or 31-002(n)(1). The CPH considers these reports as consults.
Allegations where another agency, such as law enforcement, has exclusive jurisdiction.
A duplicate allegation on an open referral or case.
Per ACL 03-61, duplicate allegations are defined as an allegation involving the same child, same allegation and same incident.
Companion referrals will be created by the CPH only when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect regarding the other children living in the home, who are not siblings to the victims. If there is no reasonable suspicion and a companion referral is not created, it will be documented in the Screener Narrative that there is more than one (1) family living in the home. If the ER CSW investigates a referral and has reasonable suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect on a separate family living in the home, the ER CSW is to call the CPH for initial assessment of the allegation(s).
Overflows/Call Backs
At times, the volume of calls received by the CPH exceeds the number of CSWs available to receive those calls. When this occurs, a CPH SCSW or designee monitors the Hotline queue screen for incoming calls and utilizes the Call Back Automated System (CBAS) to enter non-emergent call information. The call information in CBAS is then assessed by a CPH CSW for processing and the caller may be contacted by the CPH CSW if additional information is needed to address the concern. When a caller reports imminent danger, calls are transferred to CPH CSWs for immediate investigation. CBAS is also used as a backup system during CWS/CMS downtime.
Classifying Allegations
Allegations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation fall under specific criminal and/or civil codes. These codes define categories of parental and/or custodial behaviors that allow for the involvement of protective services agencies such as DCFS. For harm or injury to a child to be classified as abuse, neglect or exploitation pursuant to Penal Code sections 11165.1 through 11165.6, the parent, legal guardian, or out-of-home caregiver must have been alleged to have:
Personally seriously harmed the child or committed an act that places the child at risk of serious physical harm; or
Permitted, or should have known that, another committed an act that seriously harmed a child; or
Was unable or unwilling to protect the child from serious harm or injury.
Although many of the reports to the CPH contain specific allegations within the general categories, some reports do not present clear, current allegations. The SDM Hotline tool and definitions should be used to help determine if specific reported concerns meet the criteria for an in-person response, in addition to whether or not an override of the screening decision from evaluate out (no criteria marked) to in-person (local protocol) is appropriate.
Cross-Reporting
DCFS must cross report every known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement and the district attorney’s office immediately or as soon as practically possible after receiving the information by way of the Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR), and also shall send, fax, or electronically transmit a written report within thirty-six (36) hours of receiving the information concerning the incident to any agency to which it makes a telephone report. This includes all allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse, severe neglect, emotional abuse, and exploitation.
Allegations of general neglect and caretaker absence/incapacity do not require a cross-report.
DCFS is required to report allegations regarding children abused in licensed foster or day care to Community Care Licensing (CCL) within twenty-four (24) hours of the receipt of new allegations. Penal Code 11166.1 (b) also requires a report to the child’s attorney within thirty-six (36) hours whenever a child in protective custody [including the child of a minor dependent parent or a nonminor dependent (NMD) parent with an open case] is known or suspected to have been the victim of child abuse or neglect. Several other circumstances also require DCFS to notify a child’s attorney within specific time frames. Refer to Communication with Attorneys, County Counsel, and Non-DCFS Staff for more information.
E-SCARS (Electronic Suspected Child Abuse Reporting System) is used to electronically transmit SCARs (Suspected Child Abuse Reports) to law enforcement agencies and the district attorney’s office. E-SCARS is a web-based system that allows rapid and secure electronic transmission and receipt of SCARs between the agencies.
Drug Exposed Infants
A positive toxicology report at the time of delivery of an infant is not in and of itself a sufficient basis for reporting child abuse or neglect. When an infant is born with signs suggestive of prenatal drug or alcohol exposure, the mother has had a positive toxicology screen, or there is other credible information that there was prenatal substance abuse by the mother, medical staff must perform an assessment of needs before the infant is released from the hospital to identify needed services for the mother, child, or family, and the level of risk to the newborn upon release to the home. When the assessment leads to a reasonable suspicion of abuse and/or neglect or if other factors are present that indicate risk to a child, a report should also be made to the CPH.
Identify yourself to the caller by providing your full name.
Ask the caller to provide a callback number to be used in case the call gets disconnected.
Determine if the caller is a mandated reporter, and if so gather all relevant identifying information including job title and agency affiliation, if any.
Elicit the purpose of the telephone call from the caller by allowing the caller to explain why they contacted the CPH and ask pertinent follow-up questions guided by the structure and definitions of the SDM Hotline Tool screening criteria and local policy related to screening calls.
Continue gathering relevant information from the caller until you are able to assess whether the details provided by the caller constitute a report of alleged child abuse or neglect (see number 5 below), an Information call (or Information to CSW call), or a Consult (see number 6 below).
Refer to the SDM hotline preliminary screening criteria during the call, as needed
If at any time during a call, the CPH CSW determines immediate action must be taken, the caller will be advised that the CPH CSW will be contacting 911 and will call them back. The CPH CSW will suspend the report, contact 911 with all relevant information, and after contacting 911, will call the caller back and finish taking the report.
If you determine that a referral is warranted:
Elicit all information known to the caller that is necessary to complete the ID and reporter pages, as well as client, allegation and school notebooks of the referral in CWS/CMS.
Conduct an American Indian ancestry inquiry. Ask the caller:
“Do you know if the family has American Indian ancestry or if they are members of any Tribe?” If the answer is “Yes,” also ask the following:
1) “Do you know the name and/or location of their Tribe?”
2) “Does anyone in the child’s biological family have identification paperwork (an enrollment card or other documentation) from the Tribe or Alaska Native village?”
3) “What is the member/citizen’s full name and, if applicable, maiden name? What is their date and location of birth and/or death?”
4) “Is there anyone in the family or family’s social circle, including, but not limited to, extended family members and/or others who have an interest in the child(ren), who would have more information about the parent or child(ren)’s Tribal membership or eligibility for membership?” (Document names and contact information.)
5) “Does the child or any of the child’s relatives receive services or benefits from a Tribe or the federal government due to their Indian status?” [e.g., scholarships, grants, Tribal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Tribal TANF), and health services at an Indian health clinic]. (Document names, dates, and locations.)
If the answer to the initial American Indian ancestry question from item 5.b.i. above is “No,” proceed to item 5c below.
Document in CWS/CMS that the ICWA inquiry was conducted, along with the ICWA eligibility of the child(ren) for each referral (please refer to CWS/CMS Documentation of ICWA Eligibility for more information).
Elicit all pertinent information known to the caller that would enable you to accurately answer the questions contained in the SDM Hotline Tool screening criteria and arrive at a response decision.
When the indicated response decision is for an in-person response, ensure that you have asked the caller sufficient questions that allow you to accurately answer questions contained in the SDM Hotline Tool response priority decision trees and arrive at an appropriate response determination.
Complete the CWS/CMS Response Guidelines to confirm the response status.
If there is more than one family living in the home, determine if a companion referral will be created.
Create a companion referral for the other family in the home only if it is reasonable to suspect that abuse or neglect will extend to that family.
In cases where a referral is not warranted, elicit all information known to caller that is necessary to determine if the call constitutes an Information Call, an Information to CSW or a Consult, to fully complete the fields of the Information to CSW/Consultation form or ARES record. This includes cases where:
The telephone inquiry involves no allegations.
The CPH consults with, and/or provides information, resources or referrals to the public.
The CPH receives information on an open referral/case (e.g., child ran away, call from relatives concerning a DCFS-supervised child not involving abuse, neglect and/or exploitation).
The CPH receives an inquiry from a non-related legal guardian requesting financial assistance.
Consult with CPH SCSW as needed.
Overflows/Call Backs
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Upon reviewing the CBAS call information, create a referral, Information to CSW, or consultation. If appropriate per CPH procedures, contact the caller.
If the reporter is not available, leave a message instructing them to call the CPH and ask for you by name.
Repeat up to three (3) times during your shift; on the third message, instruct the reporter to call 1-800-540-4000 (the central CPH number) to complete their report. Document the date/time of each attempt and the outcome of each attempt in the CBAS record (e.g., phone busy, no answer, left voicemail, etc.).
If a referral is created, document the number of the referral created during the callback in the CBAS record.
If the call back is not completed before the end of your shift, search the CWS/CMS database to see if another CPH CSW generated the referral in the interim period; if a referral is found, document the referral number in the CBAS record.
CPH SCSW (or designee) Responsibilities
Determine if the overflow call concerns a child who is in imminent danger by asking the caller:
Are you reporting an incident of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child?
How old is the youngest child?
How is the child in danger at the time of this call?
Where is the child, his or her parents/caregivers and the alleged perpetrators at this time?
If a CSW becomes available to take a referral with an immediate response time during the call, transfer the call to the CSW.
If a CSW is not available and the child is assessed to be in imminent danger, generate a referral by hand or off-line, or ask a CPH CSW who is working on a consultation call, Information to CSW call, or referral with an evaluated-out or five-day response time to generate the referral.
If a CSW is not available and the child is not assessed to be in imminent danger, utilize the CBAS.
Do not utilize the CBAS when law enforcement is reporting having children in custody, for expedited responses, Extended Foster Care requests, critical/missing youth, or referrals requiring specialized processing (e.g., child fatality, near fatality, critical incident, Safe Surrender, CSEC, or sensitive referrals/cases). The call must be transferred to a CPH CSW for immediate processing.
During times of high call volume, and to ensure that child safety is not compromised due to long hold times, CPH SCSWs may ask a CPH CSW who is working on a consultation, Information to CSW, or referral with an evaluated out or five-day response time to take an additional call.
If the CPH CSW is unable to complete a CBAS the call back before the end of their shift, and additional information is needed to address the concern, call back attempts should be monitored until attempts have been made for three (3) consecutive days.
Any attempts to contact the caller should be documented in the CBAS record.
After efforts have been made for three consecutive days, the CBAS call back must be reviewed to determine if efforts to re-contact the caller should be discontinued, or if any other action should be taken.
Information Calls
In addition to receiving reports of suspected child abuse and/or neglect, the CPH and Emergency Response Command Post (ERCP) Call Center receives questions and requests for information and referrals to the community when there are no concerns regarding a child.
Some examples of information calls include, but are not limited to:
Requests for agency (including DCFS) addresses and phone numbers
Requests from mandated reporters for referral/Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) numbers
Inquiries about the DCFS mandated reporter website (CARES)
Requests from law enforcement and other CPS agencies for LA County DCFS history information
Requests for CSW/SCSW contact information (i.e., without requests for follow-up by a regional office)
Payment/funding-related inquiries (these calls are transferred directly to the Foster Care Hotline, 1-800-697-4444)
All DCFS case records are confidential, irrespective of whether a petition has been filed in Dependency Court. Confidential reporting party (RP) information is never shared with the court/judge. The CPH must maintain the confidentiality of case records. The CPH is not authorized to share confidential information and may only release the name and phone number of the assigned CSW on an open referral and/or case to a requesting party.
Medical or mental health service providers may contact CPH during non-business hours. A provider may have access to juvenile case information (psychological, medical, dental records) when a service provider is providing treatment to that child. A provider may not have access to any child abuse reports, attorney-client privileged information, or any information regarding unrelated children contained in any case record documentation. The Department of Mental Health is entitled to all case record information.
The identity of the reporting party always remains confidential under CANRA. The only exception is when cross-reporting information to another Child Protective Service Agency (e.g. law enforcement).
Information known to DCFS may be shared with law enforcement or other investigative bodies (e.g. Coroner’s Office) for the purpose of assisting with an investigation, only after the identity of the caller has been verified.
CPH CSW Responsibilities
If the caller is requesting information, and a response can be provided quickly, provide the requested information. If the caller is requesting the name and phone number of an assigned CSW or is requesting information on community resources during times of high call volume, the call should be transferred to the information line (ext. 6792).
If a request for information is received on a holiday or after regular business hours and can be answered quickly, provide the requested information.
If law enforcement calls to report information about a crime as a result of their investigation and requests a referral number, generate a referral per established policy and procedure.
If the caller is requesting a consult, provide consultation.
If the caller wants to provide information to an assigned CSW and is not reporting a reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect, collect the information provided; also provide the caller with the name and telephone number of the assigned CSW.
If a caller wishes to be considered as a possible placement resource for a child who is currently under DCFS supervision:
Ask the caller to provide the following information in order to conduct a search on CWS/CMS:
The name, date of birth of the child/ren; and/or
Names of the child/ren’s parents, and if known, the parents' dates of birth.
Search the CWS/CMS database to determine if the child/ren in question are in DCFS care. If the child is currently not under DCFS care, inform the caller of that fact. If the child is currently under the care of DCFS, determine from the client’s abstract, the identity and location of the assigned CSW.
Provide the caller only with the name and telephone number of the current CSW.
Ask the caller to provide the following information:
Their name;
Their address and telephone number; and,
Their relationship to the child.
Complete a CSW Information/Consultation Call form, document the information the caller provided, and forward via email to the assigned CSW and assigned SCSW.
Information to CSW Calls
The CPH also receives calls that relate to an existing open case or referral but do not allege new allegations of abuse or neglect. These calls may include:
Case/referral management or service delivery issues
Case/referral-related information (i.e.: child missing from placement, secondary referral notification, new referral notification)
Updates to, or additional information on, an existing referral
Out-of-Home Care (OHC) / Resource Family Home (RFH) complaints (where an assessment determines the legal definition of abuse/neglect has not been met)
Requests for contact by an assigned CSW/SCSW
Requests for replacement of an LA County DCFS dependent
Requests for medical authorization/consent
CPH CSW Responsibilities
If the caller is relaying information on an open case or referral that does not constitute a new allegation, document the information on an “Information to CSW” form.
Send the Information to CSW form to the assigned CSW and assigned SCSW.
Attach the Information to CSW form to the CWS/CMS referral and/or case.
CPH SCSW Responsibilities
Review the Information to CSW form for accuracy and completeness.
If no corrective action is required, approve the Information to CSW form by signing and dating the form.
Consultation Calls
The following examples may generally fall within the CDSS definition of I & R, but in LA County these are referred to as consultation calls or “consults.” They include, but are not limited to:
No child in the home under eighteen (18) years old age/alleged victim is eighteen (18) years old or older
Emancipated minors
Mutual fighting between children/siblings
School attendance problems (truancy/erratic attendance)
Head lice (with no identified need for community resources)
Reasonable and age appropriate discipline or corporal punishment where there is no evidence of serious physical injury
Parent’s disability (such as blindness or deafness) where the disability does not prevent the parents from exercising care and control
Religious objection to medical treatment unless necessary to protect the children from suffering serious physical harm or illness
Serious/severe injuries sustained by accidental means (CPH will assess for Near Fatality criteria)
Children living with caretakers who are not their parents
Latchkey children (CPH will assess for child’s maturity, developmental level, physical disability, and/or special needs)
Unaccompanied minors or homeless children
Child custody or visitation concerns (when there is no identified need that can be addressed through community resources or Family Law Court)
Pregnancy of a child over age thirteen (13) when there is no suspected abuse or neglect
Calls where there is no allegation reported, no reported child safety concern, and no reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
CPH CSW Responsibilities
If the caller is requesting a consult, provide consultation.
Review the consultation for accuracy and completeness.
If no corrective action is required, approve the consultation form by signing and dating the form.
If the consultation has been documented in ARES, approve the ARES record.
Creating a Referral
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Conduct an initial assessment of the reported concerns to determine whether or not the details provided by the report constitute an Information/Consult call or a report of alleged child abuse or neglect.
If the details require a report of alleged child abuse or neglect, conduct an initial assessment of the allegations according to existing procedures.
Conduct a search of CWS/CMS to determine if there is history associated with the household members. If history is found, determine the referral and/or case status of the child/ren.
Determine if the allegation(s) were previously reported. Create a new referral when:
The allegations were not previously reported
The report was previously received from a different reporter regarding the same incident
There are new allegations on an open referral and/or case
A companion referral is needed because additional children are impacted by the allegation
Determine whether the allegations in the report require an in-person response, using the structure and definitions of the SDM Hotline screening tool and existing procedures.
If an in-person response is indicated, use the structure and definitions of the SDM Hotline response priority tool to determine response time.
Determine to which regional office the referral or Information to CSW should be mapped, even if the referral will be evaluated out or assigned to ERCP to make the initial in-person response after hours.
If there is more than one family living in the home, create separate referrals for children with different mothers:
Create a companion referral if there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect regarding the other children in the home.
If a companion referral is not created, document in the Screener Alert that there is more than one family living in the home and a companion referral was not generated.
For CSEC referrals: If the alleged victim(s) have open DCFS cases, a separate referral is required for each youth.
Attach clients to referral or complete the Client Notebook for all:
Children in the family.
In the event the Client Abstract indicates a child with a Finalized Adoption:
Create a new Client Notebook for the post-adoptive child client if they do not already exist in CWS/CMS as a result of a previous post-adoptive referral
For any newly created post-adoptive client, indicate they were previously adopted in the Previously Adopted field on the Demographics Page of their new Client Notebook.
Parents and/or caregivers, including absent parents
Identified perpetrators
Complete the ID and Reporter pages.
Enter any Safety Alerts in the Screener Alert and the Screener Narrative.
Create the Allegation Notebook.
Enter Perpetrator Type, including Placement Facility Type, if necessary.
Cross-Report to that agency per existing procedures.
Create the Emergency Response Document.
Assign to the appropriate inbox caseload.
Review the referral documentation for accuracy.
Create separate referrals for children with different mothers.
Print out the referral (Emergency Response Document and Screener Narrative). Complete and attach the Live Call Sheet and any additional necessary attachments (e.g. placement home report, CalSAWS printout, Hospital Medical Summary, etc.) and forward to the SCSW for approval.
CPH SCSW Responsibilities
Review the referral and the SDM Hotline tool used by the CSW for thoroughness and accuracy.
Confirm that the CSW completed the referral correctly. If not, take action to correct the referral.
Approve the referral electronically and manually.
Assign the referral as appropriate.
Review the CSW Information/Consultation Call Form or ARES record for quality control.
If no allegations are involved, approve the form and place the form in the designated basket for filing or approve the ARES record.
If there is an open referral/case, approve the form and return to the CPH CSW to send an email to the assigned CSW/SCSW.
If the referral involves a companion referral, ensure that there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect regarding the other children in the home.
Consult with unit CSWs on a regular basis.
Classifying Allegations
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Determine the appropriate abuse allegation(s) and select all applicable allegations in the Allegation Notebook.
Complete one (1) SDM Hotline tool assessment for every referral by completing each appropriate SDM Hotline Response Priority decision tree for each type of allegation. Once one (1) decision tree indicates an immediate response time, it is not necessary to complete additional trees for the remaining allegations.
Document the selected allegation(s) in the Allegation Notebook and Screener Narrative.
Evaluating Out a Referral
Below is a list of allegations that do not constitute appropriate child abuse referrals and should be evaluated out.
No reasonable suspicion of abuse and/or neglect; however, there is an identified need that can be addressed through community resources.
Out-of-home abuse - abuse by persons who are not the parent/caregiver to the child/ren where parent/caregiver/guardian takes appropriate action, unless there are allegations of commercial sexual exploitation)
Family rejection due to a youth’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (SOGIE) (refer to Path 1)
Delinquent or criminal behaviors/incorrigible youth (refer to Path 1)
Chronically missing children (refer to Path 1 and assess for possible commercial sexual exploitation)
Unaccompanied minor (with allegations of abuse or neglect in their country of origin)
Poverty related issues/homelessness (refer to Path 1)
Reporters who are reporting specific incidents previously reported or investigated (secondary referrals)
A child exhibiting mental health problems
Any report of a pregnancy of a minor over thirteen (13) years of age [pregnancy of a minor under the age of thirteen (13) may be considered a crime even if there are no suspicions of abuse/neglect and should be cross-reported to law enforcement].
If there is an identified need for community services, the CPH may refer to Path 1 (the SDM system’s path decision for Evaluate Out) for Prevention & Aftercare (P&A) services through the CPL program
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Inform the reporting party that there will be no in-person response to the referral. Provide mandated reporters with the referral number.
Create a referral. Complete the Screener Narrative and Emergency Response Document. Clearly document the reason for evaluating out the referral.
If applicable, provide the caller with appropriate referrals to community agencies or advise the caller that a community agency will attempt to contact the family to offer resources and/or supportive services.
If applicable, cross-report to all required agencies per existing procedures.
If the referral is evaluated out and the child on the referral has an open DCFS case or referral, also generate an Info to CSW and attach to an email notifying the assigned CSW/SCSW of the Info to CSW.
If the referral is a secondary referral describing the same incident of abuse and allegation that is currently being (or has been) investigated, evaluate out the referral and generate an Info to CSW to the assigned CSW/SCSW, if applicable.
CPH SCSW Responsibilities
Review the referral. If correct, approve the referral as Evaluated Out. If not, take corrective action before approving the referral.
DCFS must cross-report every known or suspected incident of child abuse, exploitation and/or severe neglect to law enforcement and the district attorney’s office immediately or as soon as practically possible after receiving the information by way of the Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR). Do not report allegations of general neglect or caretaker absence. DCFS is also required to cross-report allegations regarding children abused in licensed foster or day care to Community Care Licensing (CCL) within twenty-four (24) hours of the receipt of new allegations.
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Generate a Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR-SS 8572) for each new referral except when the only allegations contained in the referral are caregiver absence/incapacity and/or general neglect. Indicate in the Cross-Report Notebook of CWS/CMS the date and time of the report. See SCAR Creation Walkthrough.
The SCAR should be sent to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the location of the incident.
Use a complete address, if known.
An intersection/cross streets or partial address may be used if the correct law enforcement agency is able to be determined.
If the location of incident is unknown, use the victim’s current residential address, last known residential address within the past twelve (12) months in CWS/CMS, or placement address (if there is an open case).
Do not use the address of the reporting party, DPSS office addresses, institutions (e.g. Juvenile Hall), or the CPH, unless the incident occurred at one of these locations.
If the referral is a secondary referral, the SCAR should be sent to the same law enforcement agency as the primary referral, unless otherwise specified by law enforcement.
To maintain continuity, related referral SCARs should be sent to the same law enforcement agency as the primary referral.
If two (2) or more incidents of abuse occurred at two (2) or more locations, generate one (1) SCAR using the address of the location of incident of the most recent incident.
Incidents being investigated by California Highway Patrol (CHP) should be cross-reported to the investigating CHP office.
To create a SCAR for law enforcement outside of Los Angeles County, but within the State of California, follow the steps to generate a SCAR. In the CWS/CMS cross report notebook, change the county from Los Angeles to the county where the law enforcement office that has jurisdiction is located. Once the correct county is selected, select the appropriate law enforcement office. Indicate in the Cross-Report Notebook of CWS/CMS the date and time of the report, title, name, fax number and telephone number of the law enforcement official contacted, and the name of the law enforcement agency.
Contact the law enforcement agency outside of Los Angeles County to obtain their fax number.
Include the name of the law enforcement agency outside of Los Angeles County, agency phone number, and agency fax number on the Live Call Sheet.
To create a SCAR for law enforcement outside of the State of California, contact the out-of-state law enforcement agency to obtain their address and fax number.
Follow the steps to generate a SCAR and when in the CWS/CMS Cross-Report Notebook, check off “cross-report not sent” box and the “Out of State Law Enforcement” box.
In the "Out of State Law Enforcement" box, type the following information of the out-of state law enforcement agency in a continuous manner (i.e., do not hit “enter” to create a new line): agency name, address, phone number, and fax number. This out-of-state information will populate in the SCAR.
Include the name of the out-of-state law enforcement agency, law enforcement agency phone number, and the law enforcement agency fax number on the Live Call Sheet.
CPH SCSW Responsibilities
Review the SCAR for accuracy. If necessary take corrective action, either by making the necessary corrections or by returning the referral to the CSW for SCAR correction.
If the allegations meet criteria for cross reporting to Community Care Licensing, Probation, or any other governmental agency, ensure that the appropriate boxes are marked on the Live Call Sheet and that the Screener Alert accurately reflects cross-reporting to all necessary agencies.
Taking a Domestic Violence Referral
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Inquire whether domestic violence has occurred recently and, if so, how recent and how severe. Use open ended questions to elicit behavioral details from the caller.
Enter any Safety Alerts in the Screener Alert and the Screener Narrative and document findings in the Screener Narrative.
Drug Exposed Infants
When a Newborn Risk Assessment determines child safety concerns due to prenatal exposure to drugs and/or alcohol, medical staff will make a report to the CPH. The medical staff should also complete a “Newborn Risk Assessment” form and a SS 8572 Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) as soon as reasonably possible, but prior to the infant’s discharge from the hospital, and send these documents to the CPH.
CPH CSW Responsibilities
Upon receiving a report of an infant prenatally exposed to drugs and/or alcohol, and an in-person response, Create a Referral.
Prenatal substance exposure may be demonstrated by a positive toxicology screen from the infant or mother at delivery, an infant showing signs of substance withdrawal, a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, or other credible information that there was prenatal substance abuse by the mother (e.g., self-admission, witnessed drug or alcohol abuse while pregnant).
An indication of substance exposure at birth includes exposure to either illegal and/or legal substances, such as prescription opioids or other drugs.
Ask the caller to identify the level of risk based on the Newborn Risk Assessment and document that information on the Screener Narrative. If the caller has not completed the Newborn Risk Assessment, instruct the caller to do so.
Give the caller the referral number and ask them to write that referral number across the top of the Newborn Risk Assessment form before faxing the form to the Child Protection Hotline.
Create an allegation of general neglect; name the mother as the perpetrator and the infant as the victim.
In the Screener Alert and at the top of the Screener Narrative, include the following heading: “PRENATALLY SUBSTANCE EXPOSED INFANT.” In the Screener Narrative, include any statements reported by the caller to have been made by the mother regarding any history of drug use.
Include information regarding the identities and location of any siblings to the infant.
Utilize the SDM Hotline Tool to assist with the appropriate response determination. The following factors are to be taken into consideration when determining the response time: discharge date of mother and baby, if mother has other children in the home and if mother is homeless. Consult with the SCSW if an override is necessary on the SDM Hotline Tool.
Select “Prenatal Drugs/Alcohol Exposure” in the Special Projects Page of the referral.
CPH SCSW Responsibilities
If the referral was created correctly, approve and assign the referral. If not, return the referral to the CSW for corrective action.
Assembly Bill (AB) 670 – Requires that a child welfare agency must notify the attorney who represents a minor dependent parent and/or nonminor dependent parent in the Dependency Court within thirty-six (36) hours of receiving a report alleging abuse/neglect of a child of a minor dependent parent or an NMD parent.
ACL 17-91 – Clarification on Documenting Calls To the Child Welfare Hotline That Do Not Require an In-Person Investigation.
ACL 17-92 – Describes the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act of 2016 Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, including plans of safe care for infants born and identified as being affected by substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms, or a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, including both illegal and legal drugs.
ACL 20-38 – Children And Family Services Division: Implementation Of Assembly Bill 3176 Regarding Indian Children (Chapter 833, Statutes Of 2018).
ACL 22-95 – Documentation Of Indian Child Welfare Act Information.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) – As amended, authorizes grants to States for the purpose of assisting child welfare agencies, social services agencies, substance use disorder treatment agencies, hospitals with labor and delivery units, medical staff, public health and mental health agencies, and maternal and child health agencies to facilitate collaboration in developing, updating, implementing, and monitoring plans of safe care.
Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA), Public Law 114-198 – Amended Section 103(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act [42 U.S.C. 5104(b)] relating to the development of plans of safe care for infants born and identified as being affected by substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms, or a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Health and Safety Code (HSC) Section 123605 – Requires each county to establish protocols between county health departments, county welfare departments, and all public and private hospitals regarding the application and use of a needs assessment for a substance exposed infant before the infant is released from the hospital.
Penal Code (PEN) Section 11165.13 – States, in part, that any indication of maternal substance abuse shall lead to an assessment of the child and mother.
PEN Section 11165.15 – States that the fact that a child is homeless or is an unaccompanied minor is not, in and of itself, a sufficient basis for reporting child abuse or neglect.
PEN Section 11166.1(b) – Requires that an employee of an agency specified in Section 11165.9 shall, within thirty-six (36) hours, notify the minor’s attorney whenever a child in protective custody is known or reasonably suspected to have been the victim of child abuse or neglect.
PEN Section 11166(j) – Sets forth reporting responsibilities for CPS to cross-report to law enforcement.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 16504(a) – States that any child reported to the county welfare department to be endangered by abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be eligible for initial intake and evaluation of risk services.
WIC Section 309 (b) – This statute is the basis for authorization of a “Hospital Hold“.
WIC Section 369 (a-g) – States, in part, when social workers can authorize medical treatment for a dependent child.
A non-specific file number generated by the Emergency Response Command Post (ERCP) identifying a placement case that is transferred from ERCP directly to a regional Family Maintenance and Reunification (FM&R) or generic (G) file.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health's (DMH) 24 hour, 7 (seven) day a week hotline: Emergency psychiatric services are coordinated through ACCESS. ACCESS offers information regarding all types of mental health services available in Los Angeles County. CSWs may request a joint response with FRO by contacting ACCESS at (800) 854-7771.
The term includes physical injury or death inflicted upon a child by another person by other than accidental means, sexual abuse as defined in Section 11165.1, neglect as defined in Section 11165.2, unlawful corporal punishment or injury as defined in Section 11165.4, or the willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the person or health of a child, as defined in Section 11165.3, where the person responsible for the child's welfare is a licensee, administrator, or employee of any facility licensed to care for children, or an administrator or employee of a public or private school or other institution or agency. 'Abuse or neglect in out-of-home care' does not include an injury caused by reasonable and necessary force used by a peace officer acting within the course and scope of his or her employment as a peace officer.
The team is made up of former RUM (Resource Utilization Management) staff who have experience in finding placement for high risk/needs children. APT Specialist CSWs can assist Regional CSWs expedite the process in finding placement/replacement after hours and/or when all other efforts have been unsuccessful.
Active investigation means the activities of an agency in response to a report of known or suspected child abuse. For purposes of reporting information to the Child Abuse Central Index, the activities shall include, at a minimum: assessing the nature and seriousness of the known or suspected abuse; conducting interviews of the victim(s) and any known suspect(s) and witness(es) when appropriate and/or available; gathering and preserving evidence; determining whether the incident is substantiated, inconclusive, or unfounded; and preparing a report that will be retained in the files of the investigating agency.
A mandatory statewide program that provides financial support to families in order to facilitate the adoption of children who would otherwise be in long-term foster care. The intent of this program is to remove limited financial resources as a barrier to adoption.
State licensed adoption practitioners who are authorized to help the adopting family in obtaining consents from birth parents in non-relative independent adoption.
An order/decision which is contrary to a DCFS recommendation and which DCFS believes, if carried out, will jeopardize the safety of a child; and an order/decision which adversely affects the administrative and/or operational functioning of DCFS. This includes, but is not limited to, orders, which are contrary to DCFS policy and/or state or federal regulations; and/or, penalizes DCFS for the actions or inaction of a CSW and/or DCFS.
CSW is requesting a ruling on the warrant on a weekend, holiday, or during non-court hours. (Same as expedited but the matter cannot wait until the next court day for a ruling.)
The adoption of a child in which DCFS is a party to or joins in the petition for adoption. DCFS has custody of the child and approved the applicant assessment (adoption home study).
Foster care financial assistance paid on behalf of children in out-of-home placement who meet the eligibility requirements specified in applicable state and federal regulations and laws. The program is administered by DCFS.
An identified or unidentified man who: could be or claims to be the father of the child; or is claimed by the birth mother to be the child’s father; or is identified on the child’s birth certificate prior to January 1, 1997 and does not meet the definition of a presumed father.
Benefits equal to the rate that a Regional Center vendorized home receives for a child that requires the same level of care. These rates are established by the California Department of Development Services and only available for the foster care and Adoption Assistance Benefits (AAP) set prior to the establishment of the dual agency rate.
A hearing in which the court has ordered all affiliated parties to appear to address a matter before the court.
Appellate review refers to the power of a higher court to examine the decision or order of a lower court for errors. Appellate procedure consists of the rules and practices by which appellate courts review trial court judgments. Appellate review performs several functions, including: the correction of errors committed by the trial court, development of the law and precedent to be followed and anticipated in future disputes, and the pursuit of justice.
This is the term used for an agency adoption to determine AAP eligibility.
An assessment usually conducted by a child welfare of adoption agency of the suitability of a prospective adopting family prior to an adoptive placement.
A motion for rehearing or reconsideration seeking to alter or amend a judgment or order.
A family participating in DPSS CalWORKs
When a report has been made about a child alleging abuse and/or neglect and the child's sibling(s) are also at risk of abuse and/or neglect.
A foster parent, relative or nonrelative extended family member (NREFM) who has applied to adopt the child residing in his or her care. S/he is considered to be "attached" to the child because of an existing relationship.
Disease-carrying microorganisms that may be present in human blood. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Depending on the disease, they may be transmitted by direct skin contact to blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Feces, urine, vomit, sputum, and nasal secretions may be infectious only if they also contain blood.
A redeemable certificate used as a substitute for currency. Transit companies other than the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) issue bus passes.
A permit or authorization to ride at will, without charge. Passes are valid for the current month. Transit companies other than the MTA issue bus passes.
A piece of metal used as a substitute for currency.
California's food stamp program
California Statewide Automated Welfare System. The California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) Project and Consortium is the automated welfare business process in California which will serve all 58 California counties by 2023. The implementation of CalSAWS will merge California’s most recent three (3) county-level consortia welfare systems and will support six (6) core programs: California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) known as CalFresh in California, Medi-Cal, Foster Care, Refugee Assistance, and County Medical Services. It encompasses the following functions: eligibility determination, benefit computation, benefit delivery, case management and information management. CalSAWS is replacing the LEADER Replacement System (LRS), which replaced LEADER (Los Angeles Eligibility, Automated Determination, Evaluation, and Reporting) and sixteen (16) other legacy systems in 2016.
A system to determine if the subject of an inquiry by DCFS, law enforcement, the District Attorney or any other appropriate inquiring agency possesses a criminal record. DCFS may only request a CLETS clearance when related to child protective services issues.
California Regional Centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.
The child's parent has been incarcerated, hospitalized or institutionalized and cannot arrange for the care of the child; parent's whereabouts are unknown or the custodian with whom the child has been left is unable or unwilling to provide care and support for the child.
Parent or guardian's mental illness, developmental disability or substance abuse. The child's parent or guardian is unable to provide adequate care for the child due to the.
The non-accidental commission of injuries against a person. In the case of a child, the term refers specifically to the non-accidental commission of injuries against the child by or allowed by a parent(s)/guardian(s) or other person(s). The term also includes emotional, physical, severe physical, and sexual abuse as defined in CDSS MPP Section 31-002(c)(9)(D).
The CACI is a system that allows Children's Social Workers to access in written form to any child abuse records of individuals through the Department of Justice (DOJ) listing names and other identifying information compiled from child abuse reports submitted to DOJ by mandated child abuse reporting agencies which maintain information regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect. This is primarily utilized to evaluate relative and nonrelative extended family members as prospective caregivers.
California’s version of the federal health care program called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). It provides comprehensive medical, mental health and dental diagnostic and treatment services for all Medi-Cal eligible persons aged newborn to 21 years who request them. States are required to inform the families of eligible children about CHDP; assist with referral and transportation to providers; and, follow-up to ensure that necessary diagnostic and treatment services are provided.
Includes the intentional touching of the genitals or intimate parts or the clothing covering them, of a child, or of the perpetrator by a child, for purposes of sexual arousal or gratification. This does not include acts which are reasonably construed to be normal caretaker responsibilities, demonstrations of affection for the child, or acts performed for a valid medical purpose.
A general term for a device that can be installed in a vehicle and is designed to restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 50 pounds or less.
A group of individuals, as identified by the family, and convened by DCFS, who are engaged through a variety of team-based processes to identify the strengths and needs of the child or youth and his or her family, and to help achieve positive outcomes for safety, permanency, and well-being.
CFT Meetings are structured, guided discussions with the family, their natural supports and other team members. The meetings are designed to specifically address the family's strengths, worries that the family, agency or team members have regarding the child's safety, permanence and well-being. The family and team members develop a plan that builds on strengths, meets needs and considers the long-term views.
The term "child’s attorney" refers to the Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles (CLC) attorneys as well as the Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers (LADL) attorney appointed to represent the child in dependency proceedings. In addition, the term also refers to a paralegal, social worker or any other person working for that attorney. This also includes a youth’s delinquency attorney.
A non-profit corporation whose attorneys represent children in dependency court matters.
Support staff responsible for providing required notification to the child’s attorney, as detailed in a blanket minute order issued by the Presiding Judge of the Dependency court.
Collateral contacts are individuals or agencies with information that can assist the CSW in understanding the nature and extent of the alleged child abuse/neglect and in assessing the risk to and safety of the children. Collateral Contacts include professionals working with the child or parent and have regular contact with the family. Examples include: teachers, parole officers, physicians, DPSS, DMH, therapists, hospitals, and probation.
Sexual activity involving a minor under the age of eighteen (18) in exchange for something of value (i.e., food, shelter, money). [See PEN sections 11165.1(d)(2) and PEN 236.1(c)]. Exploitation includes instances when a minor exchanges sexual acts with a “John/date” even when there is no known trafficker/pimp; Examples of CSEC: Internet-based exploitation, pornography, stripping, erotic/nude massage, escort services, private parties, interfamilial pimping, child being exploited on the streets. CSE is a form of child abuse that mandated reporters must call in to the Child Protection Hotline for each new incident/episode. This includes reporting new AND repeated incidents of CSE on open cases.
The division within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) responsible for licensing foster care facilities, i.e., foster family homes, foster family agencies, group homes and small family homes. Additional responsibilities include investigating any reported incident of child abuse, neglect or exploitation in such facilities and/or violations of licensing standards.
Offers counseling, nutrition classes, drug education and counseling, parenting classes, pre-natal care, continuing education, pre-employment training, family planning, group outings, and aerobic and weight training classes
Questions that may confuse a young child because they reference more than one response option. For example, 'Is it right or wrong to lie?'; 'Is your shirt green or yellow?'; 'Would your mom give you candy or punish you if you told a lie?'
Lowered resistance to infection.
Concurrent Planning aims to support timely permanence for children. Safe reunification is DCFS' first priority, but in the event that this is not possible, Concurrent Planning ensures that the identification of an alternative placement plan for children who cannot safely return home is in place from the beginning. Working with a labor/management group, the department implemented changes to Concurrent Planning which support the safety and permanence for children and families from the first day they enter out-of-home care. These system changes include focusing on identifying relatives and siblings and developing 'resource families' who are committed to working toward reunification and providing legal permanence if safe reunification is not successful. Concurrent Planning also engages families and draws on their strengths and uses ongoing assessments and case planning.
An assessment document as prescribed in Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 366.21(I), 366.22(b) and 361.5(g). The CPA is initiated by the case carrying Children's Social Worker and completed by the APRD CSW when adoption home study for attached children or matching/recruitment activities for unattached children are initiated.
Adoption petition was filed by the court and stamped with the filing and the action number.
Placement of a child six years and younger in a group home prior to the Disposition Hearing due to a special need for an in-depth evaluation that can only be completed in a "congregate care" facility. The placement cannot be more than 60 days unless and extension of the placement is included in the case plan and approved by the ARA. The child’s total time spent in the placement shall not exceed more than 120 calendar days.
When a party to a lawsuit needs to postpone a matter that has been calendared for a hearing or trial, the proper procedure is to apply to the court for a continuance (postponement to a later date).
CPM is a shared model of practice developed to better integrate services and supports for children, youth and families. The model emphasizes child-centered, family-based practice to identify strengths/needs, collaborative case planning and decision making that considers the long-term view for the family, and development of a support network (team) that will continue to be available to the family even after termination of formal services. The five key practice domains include Engaging, Teaming, Assessing, Planning & Intervening and Tracking.
An officer of the court who advocates the individual needs and best interests of a child, and provides the court with written recommendations. Persons serving as CASAs are generally community volunteers who participate in a training program, after which they are appointed as an officer of the court to advocate on behalf of a child(ren). CASAs are also referred to as Child Advocates or Guardians Ad Litem (GAL).
Refers to the parent with whom the child(ren) reside(s) (i.e., the parent with physical custody or primary physical custody).
Licensed clinician who provides assistance to CSW in identifying and assessing the needs of children with special needs by ensuring that the caregiver's home meets the child's needs and that all children having special needs have those needs met in accordance with the provisions of the Katie A. settlement agreement.
A deficiency is considered any failure to comply with any provision of the Community Care Facilities Act and/or regulations adopted by DCFS or the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division.
Developmental delay refers to infants and toddlers having a significant difference between the expected level of development for their age and their current level of functioning. (DCFS Glossary)
A disability that originates before an individual attains age 18 years, continues or can be expected to continue, indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual. The term includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. It also includes disabling conditions found to be either closely related to mental retardation or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation, but shall not include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature.
Services provided by the Regional Centers, which include diagnostic evaluation, coordination or resources such as education, health, welfare, rehabilitation and recreation for persons with developmental disabilities. Additional services include program planning, admission to and discharge from state hospitals, court-ordered evaluations and consultation to other agencies.
Involves a child who came to the United States for the purpose of adoption through the intercountry adoption process but entered foster care prior to finalization of the adoption regardless of the reason for the foster care placement. The disruption occurs after a child enters the United States under guardianship of the prospective adoptive parents or an adoption agency with a visa for the purposes of completing the adoption process domestically. The disruption must be reported even if the child's plan is reunification with the prospective adoptive parents and the stay in foster care is brief.
Family Code Section 297 defines domestic partners as two adults who have chosen to share one another’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring.
Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18291 (a) states that 'Domestic violence' means abuse committed against an adult or minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship. Penal Code Section 13700 (b) states that "Domestic violence" means abuse committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship. For purposes of this subdivision, "cohabitant" means two unrelated adult persons living together for a substantial period of time, resulting in some permanency of relationship. Factors that may determine whether persons are cohabiting include, but are not limited to, (1) sexual relations between the parties while sharing the same living quarters, (2) sharing of income or expenses, (3) joint use or ownership of property, (4) whether the parties hold themselves out as husband and wife, (5) the continuity of the relationship, and (6) the length of the relationship.
A child who is receiving AFDC- FC, Kin-GAP or AAP benefits and is concurrently a consumer of Regional Center services.
A web-based system used by the DHS Medical Hubs that tracks the health status of children in the child welfare system and facilitates provision of quality medical care. As part of a joint effort between DHS and DCFS, the E-mHub System accepts the electronic transmission of the DCFS Medical Hub Referral Form and returns appointment status alerts and completed examination forms, to DCFS via an e-mail notification. DCFS and DPH PHNs and PHN Supervisors have access rights to EmHub screens pertaining to the health care of children served at the Hubs. Completed examination forms may be accessed through the link in the email notification by using the SITE User ID (employee number) and Password (current password used by employee).
The EX Pass TAP Card/Sticker is a monthly pass good for MTA and local travel on twenty-four (24) different public transit carriers throughout the Greater Los Angeles region. No transfers are necessary between the EZ Pass TAP Card transit carriers.
Are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior. Eating disorders are divided into three categories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating.
Often seen in families where children are forced or allowed to work under certain illegal conditions outside and inside the home. This form of exploitation prohibits children from attending school and may place them in work environments that are a threat to their general health, safety and security. Although poverty may be a prime motivation for this type of exploitation, other situations may exist.
A stipend available to supplement (not replace) ILP. To qualify for this stipend, a youth must be eligible for ILP, be 18 years of age or older, and whose financial need has been verified by YDS. Current and former foster youth, as well as, Nonminor Dependents may qualify. The stipend may provide for, but not be limited to the following independent living needs: bus passes/transportation, housing rental and utility deposits and fees, education and work-related equipment and supplies, training-related equipment and supplies, auto insurance and driver’s education.
Emancipation allows a youth to be freed from the custody and control of their parents and to have many of the rights and responsibilities of an adult. There are three ways a minor may become emancipated: Get married with parental consent and permission from the court; Join the military; Go to court and have the judge declare you emancipated.
An ex-prate temporary restraining order issued by the Superior Court following a determination by law enforcement that a child is in immediate danger of abuse by a member of a child’s family or household. An EPO may exclude any parent, guardian or member of a child’s household from the dwelling of the person having the care, custody, and control of the child. EPO allow children to remain in their home while allegations of child abuse by the restrained parties are investigated and allow the non-offending parent time to seek assistance from Family Law Court. EPO expire at the close of the second day of judicial business following the day of issuance. EPO may only be extended by application to the appropriate court. See "Ex-Prate Order," "Judicial Business Hours" and "Restraining Order."
The term 'assessment' goes beyond the concept to evaluate a child's safety and risk, and to determine whether and what services are needed to ameliorate or prevent child abuse and neglect. In order to complete a thorough family assessment, any and all safety threats (as listed on the SDM Safety Assessment) that may compromise a child's safety and well-being must be thoroughly assessed, even if those safety threats were not identified on the referral as an allegation.
The term 'investigation' encompasses the efforts of DCFS to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred, if allegations can be substantiated.
"Emotional abuse" refers to nonphysical mistreatment, the results of which may be characterized by disturbed behavior on the part of the child such as severe withdrawal, regression, bizarre behavior, hyperactivity, or dangerous acting-out behavior.
CSW has good cause to request a ruling the same day the request is submitted, and intends to serve the warrant or at least make an attempt the same day it is granted.
Forcing or coercing a child into performing functions which are beyond his/her capabilities or capacities, or into illegal or degrading acts. The term also includes sexual exploitation, economic exploitation, exploitation involving illegal activities and exploitation in the home.
When assessing families that are involved in the gang culture investigate to see if children are encouraged from a young age to value gang membership (parents may be active or retired gang members), or if someone is teaching children gang signs, dress codes and affiliations and advocating membership, if adults are supporting violent behavior and criminal activities of the children.
Exploitation exists within the family household as well. A child may be selected to perform all or the majority of such parental tasks as cleaning, cooking and caring for younger siblings, including bathing, dressing, feeding and babysitting. Frequently, the child who is singled out in this manner is substituting for a parent who is absent or unable to fulfill parental responsibilities due to the parents' substance abuse and/or physical/mental disabilities.
The Extended Foster Care program allows a foster youth to remain in foster care and continue to receive foster care payment benefits (AFDC-FC payments) and services beyond age 18, as long as the foster youth is meeting participation requirements, living in an approved or licensed facility, and meeting other eligibility requirements.
A method of bringing family members together to come up with a recommendation to the court for a safe and permanent plan for a child. If differs from the traditional child welfare case conferencing in that although the caseworker participates in an information-sharing capacity, the family and not the child welfare worker is "in charge" of the meeting and responsible to create the recommended plan. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
In January 1991 as a result of Senate Bill AB546, we established comprehensive community-based networks and services to protect children while they remain within their homes. The primary goal of the Family Preservation approach is the safety of children in their own homes and safe return of children being reunified after periods of placement into foster care. DCFS currently works with 38 Family Preservation agencies and covers most of Los Angeles County. On average, 5,000 families are served annually. The maximum length of time services can be provided is 12 months. The average stay in Family Preservation is 9 months.
Activities designed to provide time-limited foster care services to prevent or remedy neglect, abuse, or exploitation. The child remains in temporary foster care while services are provided to reunite the family.
An on-line Structured Decision Making (SDM) tool used for identifying family strengths and needs and to assist with case planning.
The term 'first degree relative' refers to grandparents, uncles, aunts, and adult siblings.
The Foster Care Search Engine (FCSE) is a web-based system providing an interactive search mechanism using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The system is a tool used to identify vacant placement homes within Los Angeles County based on the children needs and well-being. Mapping capability allows for staff to view location of vacancies in proximity to schools, community boundaries and placement of siblings. The system interfaces with CSW/CMS Datamart database to maintain data integrity and provides a web-based data entry screen for Foster Family Agencies to provide specific data not available on CWS/CMS. The system is used by Children’s Social Workers (CSW) and by Technical Assistants (TA) who assists the workers in foster care placements.
A non-profit organization licensed by the State of California to recruit, certify, train, and provide professional support to foster parents.
Greater Avenues for Independence - CalWORKs services may include GAIN services (Welfare-to-Work Program). GAIN is mandatory for parents aided on CalWORKs, unless there is an exemption (e.g., parent has a child under a year old, temporary incapacity, participant is over age 65).
A portion of the cash aid being received by a CalWORKs participant is reduced when (s)he is not adhering to GAIN Program requirements.
Penal Code Section 11165.2(b) defines general neglect as the negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision where no physical injury to the child has occurred.
The unavailability of a preferred placement, after a diligent search has been conducted; or the desires of the Indian parent, child, or tribe; or the child’s special needs for a placement, which offers either proximity to a parent or a therapeutic program when no available preferred placement can meet these needs.
For the purpose of the adoption home study, procedures initiated on behalf of the applicant, at the applicant's request, to appeal the Department's decision when the adoption home study has been denied by DCFS. The Grievance Review Process pamphlet outlines the specific action taken by the Department when the applicant requests a grievance review hearing. In addition, grievance procedures are in place for foster parents who want to challenge the Department's decision in regards to their care and supervision of a child(ren). Foster parents who want to challenge decisions regarding their license must follow grievance procedures from the State Department of Social Services.
Refers to behaviors or factors that may increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS such as: sexual activities involving exposure to the blood or semen of an infected person, sharing needles used for intravenous (IV) injections, tattooing and body-piercing with infected persons, maternal transmission (i.e., from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding) when the infant’s parent has a history of behavior that places the parent at an increased risk of exposure to HIV, blood or blood products, transfusions or organ transplants during the period from 1978 to June of 1985, and child is a victim of sexual abuse that places them at risk of exposure to HIV.
Harassment is unlawful violence, a credible threat of violence, or a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner. (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 527.6 (a)(3))
An individual designated to make medical decisions on behalf of an adult if (s)he is incapable of making her/his own health care decisions. If no health care agent is appointed, when an adult has a medical emergency in which (s)he is not capable of communicating with hospital staff, the parent(s) or other relative would be asked to make decisions about medical treatment for the individual.
Passed in 2003, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is designed to give patients more control over their health information, set boundaries on the use and disclosure of health information, institute safeguards to protect privacy of health information, create accountability, civil and criminal penalties, and establish a balance between individual privacy and the public good. In cases where the law of California is more restrictive than HIPAA, the State law must be followed. Conversely, if HIPAA is more restrictive than State law, then HIPAA must be followed unless there is a legal exception.
A document that is generated on CWS/CMS that contains a summary of a child's health and education information. The caregiver keeps a current copy of the Passport, along with the health and education forms in a binder provided by DCFS. This binder shall follow the child to all placements. The Passport shall accompany the child to all medical, dental and educational appointments. The Passport binder in its entirety is given to the child upon emancipation.
A plan developed by a medical provider that assists the child/youth in developing life long practices that encourages healthy behaviors, healthy food choices and regular engagement in cardio-vascular activities.
In the context of CHDP, a child with one or more of the following conditions: A past significant medical problem or chronic illness; possible contagious disease; medication; and/or social problems (e.g., language barrier) which could conceal an unmet medical need.
The county that provides courtesy supervision for a child residing with a relative or in foster care placement whose legal jurisdiction is in another California County.
An approach to successfully connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability to housing services without preconditions and barriers to entry such as service participation requirements.
The DCFS ICPC Unit will contact the potential host state, per existing procedures and obtain information regarding provision of services to a NMD placed in a SILP.
Shortcomings that if not corrected would have direct and immediate risk to health, safety, or personal rights of the child.
There is reasonable cause to believe that the child will experience serious bodily injury in the time it would take for the CSW to return to the office, prepare, obtain from a judge, and serve the removal order.
A report determined by the investigator conducting the investigation not to be unfounded, but the findings are inconclusive and there is insufficient evidence to determine whether child abuse or neglect, as defined in Section 11165.6, has occurred.
The adoption of a child in which neither CDSS nor an agency licensed by CDSS, such as DCFS, is a party to, or joins in, the petition for adoption.
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act requires that a person who receives services from a regional center have an Individual Program Plan (IPP). Person-centered individual program planning assists persons with developmental disabilities and their families to build their capacities and capabilities. The planning team decides what needs to be done, by whom, when, and how, if the individual is to begin (or continue) working toward the preferred future. The document known as the Individual Program Plan (IPP) is a record of the decisions made by the planning team.
Those individuals who develop a health care plan for a child with special health care needs in a specialized foster care home or group home which shall include the child's primary care physician or other health care professional designated by the physician, any involved medical team, and the CSW and any health care professional designated to monitor the child's individualized health care plan, including, if the child is in a certified home, the registered nurse employed by or under contract with the certifying agency to supervise and monitor the child. The child's individualized health care plan team may also include, but shall not be limited to, a public health nurse, representatives from the California Children's Services Program or the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, regional centers, the county mental health department, and where reunification is the goal, the parent or parents, if available. In addition, if the child is in a specialized foster care home, the individualized health care plan team may include the prospective specialized foster parents, who shall not participate in any team decision.
A person is considered institutionalized when (s)he has been residing in a hospital, jail, prison, homeless shelter, residential school, rehabilitation center, halfway house, out-of-home care facility, etc., for more than 90 calendar days. This does not include battered women's shelters.
ISWs are the key component when detention is being considered or when a detention has occurred. ISWs provide immediate linkage to services for families where a court detention was necessary. ISWs participate in child safety conferences shortly after detention to review for possible return of children and or to connect children and families to services immediately following detention.
The Intensive Treatment Foster Care Program (ITFC) was developed to meet the treatment needs of emotionally disturbed children who need out-of-home placement. An Intensive Treatment Foster Care agency refers to an organization licensed by the California Department of Social Services for children who have a history of emotional/behavioral disturbance, have experienced multiple placement histories; are at risk of hospitalization, and/or qualify for Rate Classification Level (RCL) 12 or higher group home placement.
One agency has custody of the child and another agency approved the applicant assessment.
A hearing that is not mandated by the Welfare and Institutions Code, but is set by the court to address specific information and/or receive a progress report on the case at hand.
The computer system tracking all dependency court schedules and proceedings. Additionally, this software system allows DCFS to print minute orders.
The intent of the Kin-GAP program is to establish a program of financial assistance for relative caregivers who have legal guardianship of a child while Dependency Court jurisdiction and the DCFS case are terminated. The rate for the Kin-GAP program will be applied uniformly statewide.
The Kinship Support Division promotes, increases, and sustains legal permanency for children, adolescents and young adults in relative and legal guardianship placement through providing education, supportive services, advocacy, mentoring, and aftercare that is accessible and meets the needs of the child, family, and community.
Physical custody of a minor 72 hours old or younger accepted by a person from a parent of the minor, who the person believes in good faith is the parent of the minor, with the specific intent and promise of effecting the safe surrender of the child.
Questions that suggest a desired answer; often these are questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.' For example: "The sky is blue, isn't it?"
Legal relief (legal remedy): the means to achieve justice in any matter in which legal rights are involved. Remedies may be ordered by the court, granted by judgment after trial or hearing, by agreement (settlement) between the person claiming harm and the person he/she believes has caused it, and by the automatic operation of law. Some remedies require that certain acts be performed or prohibited (originally called "equity"), others involve payment of money to cover loss due to injury or breach of contract, and still others require a court's declaration of the rights of the parties and an order to honor them.
Involves a child who was previously adopted from overseas (whether the full and final adoption occurred in the foreign country or domestically) but entered foster care as a result of a court terminating the parents' rights or the parents' relinquishing their rights to the child.
A child whose birth parents have had his or her parental rights terminated or whose birth parents have voluntarily given up parental rights through relinquishment.
Includes the intentional masturbation of the perpetrator's genitals in the presence of a child.
Foster family homes, small family homes, group homes, foster family agency certified homes, child care facilities.
Any medical procedure or intervention that will serve only to prolong a state of unconsciousness where there is a reasonable degree of medical authority that such state of unconsciousness is permanent, or prolong a terminal condition."
A criminal history check based upon the submission of the subjects' fingerprints to the DOJ. The inquiry may also include an inquiry of the Child Abuse Central Index and an inquiry of the FBI database, if there is an indication that the subject may have been arrested outside of California, or that the subject has been a resident of California for less than two years. The clearance will confirm the identity of the subject of the inquiry and give the subject's history of arrests and convictions.
Degree to which there are stated, shared and understood safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes and functional life goals for the child and family. The outcomes and goals should outline required protective capacities, desired behavior changes, sustainable supports, and other accomplishments necessary for the child and family to achieve and sustain adequate daily functioning and greater self-sufficiency.
California's federal Medicaid program.
As defined by Civil Code (CIV) Section 56.05(g), is any individually identifiable information, in electronic or physical form, in possession of or derived from a provider of health care, health care service plan, pharmaceutical company, or contractor regarding a patient’s medical history, mental or physical condition, or treatment. This does not include psychotherapy notes (notes made by the therapist about a private therapy session that are kept separate from the rest of the patient’s medical record). These notes are subject to additional privacy protections and cannot be disclosed by therapists even in situations where other PHI may be disclosed.
One or more of the following exist: Previous significant medical problem or chronic illness; possible contagious disease; on medication; and/or, social problem or language barrier which could conceal an unmet medical need.
Children with special health care needs as defined by Assembly Bill 2268. These children have medical conditions and symptoms that require special procedures, may be temporarily or permanently dependent upon medical equipment and/or devices, therapies and may require ongoing medical care and assessment as determined by the child’s physician. The caregiver must have been trained to provide the specialized in-home health care to these children.
A motion for rehearing or reconsideration: seeking to alter or amend a judgment or order.
For youth whose behavior places them at risk of entry into the juvenile justice system, particularly those who are subject of a 241.1 assessment. The goal of the therapy is to improve caregiver discipline practices, enhance family relations, decrease youth association with deviant peers, increase pro-social peers, improve youth school or vocational performance, engage youth in pro-social recreational outlets, and develop a support network of extended family, neighbors, and friends to help achieve and maintain such changes. (Only available in Regional Offices in SPA 6 and 7)
A program which provides a comprehensive, multi-level intervention to children and youth in the child welfare system. MTFC is an evidence-based practice (EBP). MTFC Program provides each youth with short-term treatment (average 6-12 months) in specialized foster home environment where child/youth is the only foster child and has the following: own bedroom, an individual therapist, a skills trainer, attend public school, foster parents trained in the MTFC model, permanent caregivers receive behavior training and family therapy before and after the youth is returned to their home, a program supervisor that coordinates all care and is available 24/7.
The cornerstone of and entry point to the Protective Services Child Health (PSCH) system and the focal point for a community-based Provider Network. The KDMC Hub will provide timely, comprehensive medical, developmental and psychological assessments, as well as on-site preventive health services to children in out-of-home care. In addition, the Hub will assist in the development of a comprehensive child health plan for each child, provide referrals for follow-up care and conduct provider outreach. (DCFS Glossary, from "Hub Services: King/Drew Medical Center (KDMC)")
Any team of three or more people trained in the prevention, identification, management or treatment of child abuse or neglect cases and qualified to provide a broad range of services related to child abuse or neglect. The team may include a CalWORKs case manager, whose primary responsibility is to provide cross program case planning and coordination of CalWORKs child welfare services of those mutual cases or families that may be eligible for CalWORKs services and that, with the informed written consent of the family, receive cross program case planning and coordination.
A near fatality is a severe injury or condition caused by abuse or neglect that results in the child receiving critical care for at least 24 hours following admission to a critical care unit.
The failure to provide a person with necessary care and protection. In the case of a child, the term refers to the failure of a parent(s)/guardian(s) or caretaker(s) to provide the care and protection necessary for the child's healthy growth and development. Neglect occurs when children are physically or psychologically endangered. The term includes both severe and general neglect as defined by Penal Code Section 11165.2 and medically neglected infants as described in 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1340.15(b).
A network (also known as a support network, support system, or social support system) refers to an extended group of family, friends, neighbors, professionals, and/or cultural, religious, or other communities that provide support for -- and meet a wide range of needs for -- a parent/caregiver and/or the child/ren (including tribal ICWA programs, Indian organizations, and/or family members, which can include non-related tribal members). The network may consist of individuals or organizations (e.g., religious organizations, community organizations, professional providers) who care about the child/ren or family and who provide or share concrete support (e.g., financial help, transportation, babysitting) or emotional support (e.g., listening, advice).
Children who first, or initially, enter the child welfare system and are placed in out-of-home care under a WIC 300 petition. (This definition includes children in an open case under a Court FM or VFM case plan who are subsequently removed from their biological parents and placed in out-of-home care).
A hearing in which the affiliated parties are not required to appear in order for the court to proceed with the matter at hand.
Non-Child Welfare Department module within CWS/CMS used to enter non-court cases such as Kin-GAP. It contains placement and payment information, the Legal Guardian’s information and case notes. The Probation Department also enters information in the Non-CWD module for cases supervised by their department.
A relative other than the child's birth or adoptive parents.
A person appointed by the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of the Probate Code or appointed by the Dependency Court pursuant to the provisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code, who does not meet the definition of a 'Related Legal Guardian.'
A hospital, jail, prison, homeless shelter, residential school, rehabilitation center, halfway house, out-of-home care facility, etc. where the individual has lived for more than 90 calendar days. This does not include battered women's shelters.
A current dependent child or ward of the juvenile court, or a nonminor under the transition jurisdiction of the juvenile court, who: has attained 18 years of age while under an order of foster care placement by the juvenile court; is in foster care under the placement and care responsibility of the county welfare department, county probation department, Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization; is participating in a transitional independent living case. Defined by WIC 11400(v).
A nonrelative extended family member is defined as an adult caregiver who has an established familial relationship with a relative of the child or a familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department must verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with the parent and child or with one or more third parties.
Includes any sexual contact between the genitals or anal opening of one person and the mouth or tongue of another person.
also known as intravenous feeding, is a method of getting nutrition into the body through the veins. While it is most commonly referred to as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), some patients need to get only certain types of nutrients intravenously.
DPSS term for person receiving services.
This is a six-week, 33-hour program that prepares resource families (foster and adoptive) for the new roles and parenting skills they will need if they adopt. A program of mutual preparation and selection which uses the teamwork approach between foster and adoptive parents and the agency to prepare foster and adoptive parents for theexperience of parenting children with special needs, such as those supervised by DCFS. The program incorporates self-assessment, mutual decision-making and experiential preparation for foster and adoptive planning to help parents decide if their expectations and abilities match the realities of foster and adoptive parenthood.
An economic loss or expense resulting from an injury or death to a victim of crime that has not been and will not be reimbursed from any other source. This is related to compensation from being a Victim of Crime.
Includes any intrusion by one person into the genitals or anal opening of another person, including the use of any object, except for acts performed for a valid medical purpose.
Includes any of the following options: the child returns home, the court approves adoption, legal guardianship, permanent plan living arrangement with a relative/non-relative extended family member, or the child's case is closed.
The services provided to achieve legal permanence for a child when efforts to reunify have failed until the court terminates FR. These services include identifying permanency alternatives, e.g., adoption, legal guardianship, tribal customary adoption and planned permanent living arrangement. Depending on the identified plan, the following activities may be provided: inform parents about adoptive planning and relinquishment, locate potential relative caregivers and provide them with information about permanent plans (e.g., adoption, legal guardianship) and refer the caregiver to the Adoption Division for an adoptive home study, etc.
Permanency Planning Conferences (PPCs) are modeled after TDM meetings to ensure that a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, family members and caregivers meet regularly to focus on the urgent permanency needs of youth. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
In the context of adoption, substantially correct information regarding a prospective adoptive parent. This shall include, but is not limited to, the following: full legal name; age; religion; race or ethnicity; length of current marriage and number of previous marriages; employment; whether other children or adults reside in the home; whether there are other children who do not reside in the home and the child support obligation for these children and any failure to meet these obligations; any health conditions curtailing normal daily activities or reducing normal life expectancies; any convictions for crimes other than minor traffic violations; any removal of children due to child abuse or neglect; and, general area of residence, or upon request, address.
Pertinent collateral contacts are individuals or agencies with information that can assist the CSW in understanding the nature and extent of the alleged child abuse/neglect and in assessing the risk to and safety of the children. Collateral Contacts include professionals working with the child or parent and have regular contact with the family. Examples include: teachers, parole officers, physicians, DPSS, DMH, therapists, hospitals, and probation.
Non-accidental bodily injury that has been or is being willfully inflicted on a child. It includes willful harming or injuring of a child or endangering of the person or health of a child defined as a situation where any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered.
Shortcomings that without correction would become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of the child. The child can be placed in the home pending completion of the CAP. TANF/CalWORKs is the funding source possibly available to the caregiver until the CAP is completed and eligibility for federal Foster Care funding is determined.
A meeting of attorneys and parties held for the purpose of reaching a negotiated settlement involving joint solutions.
A PPT is held for any pregnant or parenting teen under the Department’s supervision (as well as potential and recent fathers) as a youth-centered approach in order to identify and discuss issues related to pregnancy and early stages of child-rearing as well as breaking intergenerational cycles. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
Provides for 12 months in a residential program and a 12-month outpatient transitional services program.
i.e., more likely than not
A man is presumed to be the biological father of a child if: He has signed a voluntary declaration of paternity (VDP) or, after January 1, 1997 is identified on the child’s birth certificate; He and the mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated; Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s birth mother have attempted to marry each other and the child was born during the attempted marriage or within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation; After the child’s birth, he and the child’s birth mother have married or attempted to marry and either with his consent he is named on the child’s birth certificate or he is obligated to pay child support; He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his birth child; Anyone whom a court has found to be a presumed or legal father (this includes family court, dependency court, and judgments for child support services);Other men who tried to marry the mother or thought they had married the mother (even if it turns out that they did not), and even if after the birth may qualify as a presumed father. Consult County Counsel.
As it pertains to the allegations in a child welfare case, the petition must include enough facts that if later proven, will cause a child to be declared a dependent of the court.
Reasonable cause or a reasonable ground for belief in certain alleged facts (more than a hunch, but less than absolute certainty).
As defined by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is health (including mental health) information created or maintained by a health care provider that identifies or can be used to identify a specific individual. PHI relates to an individual’s health, health care or payment for care – in the past, present or future.
Medications used as tools for producing certain chemical and physiological effects in the central nervous system. They are usually classified according to the types of disorders they are primarily used to treat.
A pro bono law office serving low-income children, adults, and families. Through its Children's Rights Project, Public Counsel assists children in civil legal matters such as guardianship, adoption, special education, government benefits, emancipation, teen parenting issues, immigration, mental health services, access to education and transitional services upon emancipation from foster care.
Referral Address Verification System
Includes any penetration however slight, of the vagina or anal opening of one person by the penis of another person, whether or not there is the emission of semen.
An intervention, informed by a Housing First approach, that connects families and individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability to assistance that may include the use of time-limited financial assistance and targeted supportive services.
The law requires child welfare agencies to make reasonable efforts to provide services that will help families remedy the conditions that brought the child and family into the child welfare system. It is based upon a standard of reasonableness, which is a subjective test of what a reasonable person would do in the individual circumstance, taking all factors into account. This includes conducting a Due Diligence search to locate parents whose whereabouts are unknown.
When it is objectively reasonable for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing when appropriate, on his or her training, to suspect child abuse or neglect.
The standard characterized by careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the child's health, safety, and best interest.
The DCFS office that is responsible for providing services to the child, youth, dependent, or nonminor dependent. Usually, the office where the child's CSW is located.
Court will rule on the request by 5:00 p.m. the day after the request is filed with the court.
An adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words, 'great,' 'great-great' or 'grand' or the spouse of any of these persons even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution. A former stepparent is considered a relative only if the child is federally eligible.
For the purpose of placement and foster care payments: An adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words, "great," "great-great" or "grand" or the spouse of any of these persons even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution.
The action of a parent in which he or she surrenders custody, control and any responsibility for the care and support of the child. Currently, only an Adoption social worker or the court is qualified to process a relinquishment.
The RMP is a family centered, multi-departmental, integrated approach to identifying, coordinating and linking appropriate resources/services to meet the needs of children currently in, or at risk of a RCL 6 through 14 placement. Additional information can be found at www.lacdcfs.org/katieA/RMP/. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
Families that have a foster care license and an approved family assessment that meets the State’s adoption standards. They are dually prepared to provide foster care and support family reunification; but, should reunification not occur, they are approved to provide an adoptive home for a child.
An order issued by the court, which enjoins a person from engaging in a specified behavior or activity, limits the distance a person may approach a specific location and/or person, or excludes a person from a specific dwelling or place of business. See "Emergency Protective Order."
For children aged three or older at the time of initial removal, services are to be provided from the dispositional hearing until the 366.21(f) hearing, unless the child is returned home. For children under the age of three, services are to be provided until the 366.21(e) hearing, unless the child is returned home.
The Review Agent conducts the Grievance Review Hearing. In accordance with CDSS Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 31-020.511-.513, the Review Agent is a staff or other person not involved in the complaint; neither a co-worker nor a person directly in the chain of supervision of any of the persons involved in the complaint unless the Agent is the Director or Chief Deputy of the county; knowledgeable of the field and capable of objectively reviewing the complaint. The Review Agent for Los Angeles County, DCFS is the Manager, Appeals Section.
Supplemental Security Income. This program pays monthly benefits to blind or disabled children/youth who have limited income and resources. It is administered by Social Security.
Specialized Supportive Services - CalWORKs participants eligible to receive GAIN services may be eligible to receive Specialized Supportive Services (e.g., mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence assessment and treatment services) and transportation, child care and other ancillary expenses.
The D-Rate is the rate paid on behalf of hard-to-place children with severe and persistent emotional and/or behavioral problems. This rate can be paid for eligible children placed in the following types of out-of-home care facilities if they have been certified for the D-Rate: foster family homes, non-related legal guardian homes, nonrelative extended family member homes, foster care-eligible relative (Youakim) homes, and small family homes which are not vendorized by Regional Center but are licensed for mentally disordered/emotionally disturbed children.
The school that the foster child attended when permanently housed (prior to detention) or the school in which the foster child was last enrolled. If the school the child attended when permanently housed is different than from the school the child was last enrolled, or if there is some other school that the foster child attended with which he/she is connected (and attended within the immediately preceding 15 months) the local educational agency foster child education liaison, in consultation and agreement with the foster child and their Educational Rights Holder, can determine which school should be the child's school-of-origin.
Is defined as being able to meet one’s basic needs for food, shelter, income, and overall functioning. It is complementary to the goal of permanency, as individuals typically function better when they are surrounded by loving and caring adults. However, if one’s safety net were to be removed, self-sufficient adults would still be able to survive. In order for youth to become thriving, self-sufficient adults, they need to acquire solid assets and skills, early on, in key areas and outcome areas, such as, permanency/housing; education; social and emotional well-being; career/workforce readiness; health and medication. These four outcome areas lay the foundation for a successful transition into adulthood. To develop properly, they must be addressed and nurtured early on, at the first point of contact. Having continuous high expectations for success in these four areas is critical if youth are to have the support they need to achieve self sufficiency.
Reasonable cause to believe that the child has a need for medical care for a serious medical condition; or is in danger of physical or sexual abuse; or the physical environment poses a threat to the child's health or safety.
Penal Code Section 11165.2(a) defines severe neglect as the negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to protect the child from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed nonorganic failure to thrive. "Severe neglect" also means those situations of neglect where any person having the care or custody of a child willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered, as proscribed by Penal Code 11165.3, including the intentional failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Child abandonment would come under this section.
Includes any single act of abuse which causes physical trauma of sufficient severity that, if left untreated, would cause permanent physical disfigurement, permanent physical disability, or death; any single act of sexual abuse which causes significant bleeding, deep bruising, or significant external or internal swelling; or repeated acts of physical abuse, each of which causes bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness.
The victimization of a child by sexual activities, including, but not limited to, those activities defined in Penal Code Section 11165.1(a)(b)(c). See "sexual assault" and "sexual exploitation."
Conduct in violation of laws pertaining to: Section 261 (rape), 264.1 (rape in concert), 285 (incest), 286 (sodomy), subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 288 (lewd or lascivious acts upon a child under 14 years of age), 288a (oral copulation), 289 (penetration of a genital or anal opening by a foreign object), or 647a (child molestation). If there are no indicators of abuse, “sexual assault” does not include voluntary sodomy, voluntary oral copulation, or voluntary sexual penetration unless the conduct is between a person 21 years of age or older and a minor under 16 years of age.
Conduct involving matter depicting a minor engaged in obscene acts in violation of Section 311.2 (preparing, selling, or distributing obscene matter) or subdivision (a) of Section 311.4 (employment of minor to perform obscene acts). Any person who knowingly promotes, aids or assists, employs, uses, persuades, induces or coerces a child, or any person responsible for a child's welfare who knowingly permits or encourages a child to engage in, or assist others to engage in, prostitution or a live performance involving obscene sexual conduct or to either pose or model alone or with others for the purpose of preparing a film, photograph, negative, slide, drawing, painting or other pictorial depiction involving obscene sexual conduct. 'Person responsible for a child's welfare' means a parent, guardian, foster parent, or a licensed administrator, or employee of a public or private residential home, residential school, or other residential institution. Any person who depicts a child in, or who knowingly develops, duplicates, prints, or exchanges, any film, photograph, video tape, negative, or slide in which a child is engaged in an act of obscene, sexual conduct, except for those activities by law enforcement and prosecution agencies and other persons described in subdivisions (c) and (e) of Section 311.3.'
Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV and AIDS, are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact as well as though direct person-to-person contact with blood or body fluids that contain the infection.
A sibling is defined as a child related to another person by blood, adoption, or affinity through a common legal or biological parent.
The determination of what is considered 'significant contact' by an individual with a child will be determined by the ASFA Division in consultation with County Counsel and regional staff.
Any residential facility in the licensee's family residence, which provides 24-hour care for six or fewer foster children who have mental disorders or developmental or physical disabilities and who require special care and supervision as a result of their disabilities. WIC 11400(e)
Assembly Bill 2268, defines children with special health care needs as those children who are either temporarily or permanently dependent upon medical equipment or in need of other specific kinds of specialized in-home health care, as determined by the child’s physician. See "medically fragile."
Definition for Adoption Assistance Program (AAP), a child whose adoption, without financial assistance, would be unlikely due to one or more of the following factors: age (three years or older),ethnic background, race, color or language, mental, physical, emotional or medical handicap, adverse parental background, membership in a sibling group which should remain intact. In the context of protective services childcare, a child who is mentally or physically incapable of caring for him/herself, as verified by a physician or a licensed or certified psychologist, and requires separate accommodations to be provided with basic childcare. In the context of dependency court, a special needs child is one who has had three or more placements during a 12-month period and has a diagnosis or history of one or more of the following: conduct disorder with aggressive tendencies or antisocial behavior; attention deficit disorder treated by psychotropic drugs; self-destructive or suicidal behavior; use of psychotropic drugs; developmental disability; fire setting; manifestation of psychotic symptoms; somatizing or chronic depression or social isolation; severe sexual acting-out behavior and/or; substance abuse.
A rate paid in addition to the basic care rate for the care of children/youth with special needs.
Any of the following foster homes where the foster parents reside in the home and have been trained to provide specialized in-home health care to foster children: 1) Licensed foster family homes; 2) small family homes or; 3) certified family homes that have accepted placement of a child with special health care needs who is under the supervision and monitoring of a registered nurse employed by, or on contract with, the certifying agency, and who is either of the following: a) a dependent of the court under WIC 300 or; b) developmentally disabled and receiving services and case management from a regional center.
Includes, but is not limited to, those services identified by the child's primary physician as appropriately administered in the home of any of the following: 1) A foster parent trained by health care professionals where the child is being placed in, or is currently in, a specialized foster care home; 2) Group home staff trained by health care professionals pursuant to the discharge plan of the facility releasing the child where the child was placed in the home as of Nov. 1, 1993, and who is currently in the home; 3) a health care professional, where the child is placed in a group home after November 1, 1993. WIC 17710(h)
The act of temporarily stopping a judicial proceeding through the order of a court.
Assesses the child's present danger and the interventions currently needed to protect the child. Assesses whether any children are likely to be in immediate danger of serious harm/maltreatment and determines what interventions should be initiated or maintained to provide appropriate protection.
A thirty (30) day pass good for MTA travel only. Students must have an appropriate MTA ID Card to obtain the pass. Student Cardholders are provided with a Student TAP Card each month. There is no charge for the Card itself. Students can pick-up a photo-less Metro Student Dare ID Card (K-8 or 9-12) at participating schools or one of the four Metro Customer Centers.
Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Services are available to determine whether parents or caregivers’ abilities are impaired by the use of alcohol and drugs; if parents/caregivers need to be referred for alcohol/substance abuse treatment, and to monitor progress in treatment. Test results are used as part of the evaluation process to determine if children can remain safely in the home of their parents and caregivers, or if children can be safely returned to the care of their parents and caregivers.
A report determined by the investigator conducting the investigation to constitute child abuse or neglect, as defined in Section 11165.6, based upon evidence that makes it more likely than not that child abuse or neglect, as defined, occurred.
SILP is a supervised and approved placement that is part of the Extended Foster Care program. SILP is a flexible and the least restrictive placement setting. It can include: an apartment (alone or with roommates); shared living situations; room and board arrangements; room rented from a landlord, friend or relative, or former caregiver; or college dorms.
CWS/CMS services component for nonminor dependents (NMD) under which the required Extended Foster Care (EFC) participation criteria must be indicated.
SOC refers to a continuum of care for children and their families, which meets their mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. The program focuses on treatment for children and youth who are at risk of placement in either a group home or a more restrictive setting. An Inter- Agency Screening Committee comprised of representatives from DCFS, Department of Mental Health, the Probation Department, Special Education Local Planning Area, and local school districts, screens these type of cases. Services may include intensive in-home treatment, in-home support services, daily living skills, mental health services, crisis intervention, respite care, parent training, school intervention and therapeutic foster homes.
Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
The Transit Access Pass (TAP) Card is a monthly pass good for MTA travel only.
A process utilizing a multidisciplinary assessment and team approach in working with children and their families. Includes community-based social workers and other child and family service providers that assist the family in identifying local supports that could help reduce stresses and improve family life. Parents play a key role in identifying their needs and the supports that would be most helpful in addressing them. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
The removal of a child from the home of a parent or legal guardian and placement or facilitation of placement of the child in the home of a non-offending parent, relative, foster caregiver; group home or institutional setting.Temporary custody also includes: placing hospital holds on children; situations in which the CSW interrupts an established Family Law Court custody or visitation orders when the CSW believes that if the order is carried out, the child would be placed in immediate risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation and the child is allowed to remain in the home of the non-offending parent; situations in which DCFS requests that law enforcement remove a child from the home of his or her parent/legal guardian and the CSW places the child with a relative or unrelated caregiver; and situations in which the child is living with a relative or an unrelated caregiver and all of the following conditions exist: child’s parent is asking for the child to be returned home, CSW believes that the return of the child to his or her parent would place the child at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, CSW does not allow the child to be returned to his or her parent; and, the child remains in the home of the relative or is placed in out-of-home care.
When a child is declared free from the care custody and control of his or her birth parents by court action.
A free legal services organization focused solely on protecting the rights of impoverished, abused and neglected children in Los Angeles County – children in foster care, children with educational disabilities, children who need healthcare or public benefits, and children in need of legal guardianship or adoption.
For the purposes of assigning Dependency Investigation tasks, a traditional residence is a house, an apartment, room(s) in a shared house or apartment, or another residence not included under the definition of non-traditional residence.
Hearing held by the receiving county court to determine if the case transfer request will be accepted.
Hearing held by the sending county court to determine the appropriateness of the transfer request. The court may order a case transferred to a different county during the Transfer-Out Hearing.
A home that has been licensed or approved by an Indian child’s tribe or a tribal organization designated by the Indian child’s tribe, for foster or adoptive placements of an Indian child using standards established by the tribe.
In the context of adoption, a person who has applied to adopt a child but has not been matched with an available child, and is therefore considered "unattached" to a particular child. An applicant for adoption who is not already linked with a specific child to adopt.
In the context of adoption, a child for whom adoption is the identified permanent plan but for whom no prospective adoptive parent has been identified.
A report determined by the investigator conducting the investigation to be false, inherently improbably, to involve an accidental injury, or not constituting child abuse or neglect as defined in Section 11165.6.
An aggressive, standardized approach to infection control which treats all human blood and certain body fluids as if they were known to contain blood-borne pathogens.The extension of blood and body fluid precautions to all patients. Under universal precautions, blood and certain body fluids of all patients are considered potentially infectious for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other bloodborne pathogens. (CDC)
Authorities, e.g. CSWs, law enforcement, etc, have reasonable evidence that a parent is abusive, cannot provide love and support to the child, or will in some significant way interfere with the examination.
The provision of non-court, time-limited protective services to families whose children are in potential danger of abuse, neglect, or exploitation when the children can safely remain in the home with DCFS services. In order to receive VFM services, the family must be willing to accept them and participate in corrective efforts to ensure that the child's protective needs are met. There is a six-month time limit for this service.
The foster care placement of a child by or with the participation of DCFS acting on behalf of CDSS, after the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child have requested the assistance of DCFS and signed a voluntary placement agreement form.
A legal document filed by DCFS in juvenile dependency court alleging that a child is described under Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) 300.
A hearing will be held no later than 120 days from the date of the Permanency Review Hearing. The purpose of a WIC Section 366.26 hearing is to identify and implement a permanent plan for a dependent child of the court. The court will then make findings and orders in the following order of preference: permanently terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that the child be placed for adoption; or, without permanently terminating parental rights, identify adoption as the goal and order that efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the child within a period not to exceed 180 days; or, appoint a legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship; or, order that the child be placed in long-term foster care, subject to the periodic review of the court under WIC 366.3.
A request to submit a report to the court when a hearing is not calendared, but the matter requires immediate court attention. Walk-on hearings may be appearance or non-appearance matters.
The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) section that describes abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other endangerment situations and conditions whereby a child may be removed from the care and custody of parents or legal guardians and declared a dependent of the court under DCFS supervision.
W-Homes provide foster care to dependent teen parents and their non-dependent children, while assisting the teen parent’s to develop the skills they will need to provide a safe, stable and permanent home for their children. This is not a new licensing category. A W-Home can be a family home, approved relative caregiver or non-relative extended family member’s (NREFM) home, or the home of a non-related legal guardian whose guardianship was established pursuant to WIC Section 366.26 or 360.
A situation where any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered.
These include concerns the family, team members or DCFS have related to the safety of the children/youth. The worries help the team identify what is important to ensure a safe and secure future for the children/youth.
Wraparound is a multi-agency initiative. The Wraparound approach is a family-centered, strengths-based, needs-driven planning and service delivery process. It advocates for family-professional partnership to ensure family voice, choice and ownership. Wraparound children and family teams benefits children by working with the family to ensure Permanency. Wraparound is funded through Title IV-E funds. The average length of involvement with the program is 8 months. The primary focus of the program is to keep children out of residential placements and maintain them safely in their family and community.
The practice of using flipchart pads and markers to write all brainstormed team responses to the agenda items during the CFT meeting. Examples of what is charted include: Family goal, non-negotiables, strengths, worries, needs and the plan for "what could go wrong".
Refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for boys and men or girls and women. These influence the ways that people act, interact, and feel about themselves. Gender is different from Sex in that Sex is assigned at birth.
an internal understanding of one’s own gender (e.g. a person’s internal sense of being male, female or something else). Therefore, a transgender person’s gender identity does not match the sex assigned to him or her at birth.
Ideas on what possible needs may be driving a person's behavior.
Matters related to the safety and well-being of the child(ren)/youth that cannot be changed at the present time (e.g. children cannot be supervised by anyone under the influence). Non-negotiables are focused on the "now" and should give the team ideas about the limits to planning and clarity on what cannot be compromised.
A continuous learning process in which you think about your practice, and consciously analyze your decision-making. It is an important tool in developing insight based on professional experiences, drawing on theory and relating it to practice.
A continuous process by which the "right people" for the child, youth and family have formed a CFT that meets, talks and plans together. The CFT has the skills, family knowledge and abilities, necessary to define the strengths and needs of the child and family, in order to organize effective services specific to their needs.
A need is what drives a behavior and what makes a behavior functional for the person. The child and/or youth's needs should be the focus of the teaming process to ensure their safety and well-being. Recognizing the individual and family needs is central to the family-engagement and planning process.
Degree to which the focus child(ren), parents (including the non-custodial parent), family members, and caregivers are active ongoing participants (e.g. having a significant role, voice, choice and influence) in shaping decisions made about child and family strengths and needs, goals, supports and services.