Appendix 2414: "Seriousness" Indicators for Thorough Investigations
CPS September 2002
The following situations indicate that the case may be serious and may require a thorough investigation (that is, it is inappropriate to abbreviate the investigation or close it administratively for programmatic reasons without supervisor approval).
Note: Just one indicator is sufficient to consider a case serious and indicate that a thorough investigation may be needed.
· Reporter. The reporter is a law-enforcement official in his official capacity;
· Alleged perpetrator. The alleged perpetrator is a school personnel or volunteer, DFPS staff person or volunteer, or foster/adoptive parent;
· Child vulnerability. Any child in the home is alleged to be age five or younger, significantly developmentally delayed, or otherwise especially vulnerable;
· Prior history. The family has a prior history in which children were:
· seriously abused or neglected, or
· at serious risk of future abuse or neglect;
· Outcome — The case is highly likely to lead to, or has led to, law-enforcement involvement or the removal of a child;
· Allegations — The allegations of abuse or neglect are severe, including (but not limited to) situations in which the child is alleged to:
· be born addicted/exposed to alcohol or drugs, or was given alcohol or drugs/medications that were not prescribed;
· be in life-threatening living arrangements;
· have been sexually abused;
· have a physical injury from neglect;
· have a serious injury (such as head injury, fractured or broken bones, burns, or scalding);
· have multiple injuries; or
· have been hospitalized as a result of the current allegations.