Child Protective Services

Handbook Revision, November 2013

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on November 1, 2013. Summaries of new or revised items are provided below.

CPS Overhaul: Revisions to Investigation Policy (PATS 5577)

The following items are revised to explain that, in addition to notifying each parent within 24 hours of a child’s interview or observation, the caseworker must notify the child’s guardian (if one has been appointed), about the nature of the allegation and that the interview or examination was conducted. The items also clarify staffing and documentation requirements when it is determined that notice will be withheld. The item is also edited for clarity and to update terminology.

Section 2364 Giving Notice When Interviewing or Examining a Child for an Investigation and its subitems are replacing the current 2364 through 2369. See:

2364 Giving Notice When Interviewing or Examining a Child for an Investigation

2364.1 [previously 2367] Means and Content of Notice Definitions Related to Notice of Report

2364.1 Definitions Related to Notice of Report

2364.2 [previously 2365] Identifying and Locating Parents and Guardians

2364.3 [previously 2366] Time Frames Related to Notice of Interview or Examination

2364.4 [previously 2366.1] Exceptions to Providing Notice of Interview or Examination

2364.5 [new item] Supervisory Approval When Withholding Notice of Interview or Examination

2364.6 [previously 2368] Documentation of Requirements Relating to Notice of Interview or Examination

2364.61 [previously 2368.1] When Providing Notice

2364.62 [previously 2368.2] When Withholding Notice

2368.3 When Delaying Notice by Request

2365 [previously 2369] Limited English Proficiency

The following item is revised and renumbered to explain that staff have used the preponderance-of-evidence standard of proof for Reason to Believe dispositions since April 1, 1999. Before that time, the some-credible-evidence standard was used. See:

Appendix 2471: Prior Disposition Categories In Use Before April 1, 1999

Cross-references to the items above were updated in:

2251 Time Frames for Investigations

2394 Interviews With Alleged Perpetrators

2414.1 Preliminary Investigations Closed for Statutory Reasons