CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES M A N D A T E D R E P O R T I N G A N D B E Y O N D

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES M A N D A T E D R E P O R T I N G A N D B E Y O N D

CPS TOPICS OVERVIEW What happens when a report is made? Makeup of Jefferson County CPS Unit CPS Statistics When do we decide to involve Family Court? Ongoing/Preventive Services Identifying Physical Abuse/Maltreatment Other forms of Neglect/Maltreatment How to make a report

JEFFERSON COUNTY CPS 4 units of Child Protective Services 1 Supervisor in each unit 1 Senior Caseworker in each unit Senior Caseworkers supervise CWs and investigate fatalities 5-7 Caseworkers in each unit 24 total CPS Caseworkers Specialized Units Family Assessment Response (FAR) Dedicated Fort Drum Caseworker(s) Multi-Disciplinary Team (FIT Unit Forensic Interviewers) Sexual Abuse & severe Physical Abuse Training Unit (FUN)

2017 CPS STATISTICS: JEFFERSON COUNTY 2263 total reports accepted Adults interviewed: 5283 Children interviewed: 4689 Family Violence: 640 Drugs: 531 Alcohol: 260 Sexual Abuse: 112 Petitions: 4 (3.5%) Physical Abuse: 13 Petitions: 8 (60%) Neglect Petitions: 66 (3%)

MALTREATMENT/NEGLECT: FAMILY COURT A. Child s physical, mental, or emotional condition must have been impaired OR placed in imminent danger of impairment. B. The subject (parent or caretaker) failed to exercise a minimum degree of care: In supplying adequate food, clothing, or shelter In supplying medical or dental care In providing proper supervision or guardianship By inflicting excessive corporal punishment By misuse of drugs or alcohol C. There is a causal connection between the child s condition and the subject s failure to exercise a minimum degree of care.

PARENTS DRUG/ALCOHOL MISUSE Pursuant to Section 1046(a)(iii) of the Family Court Act, in any hearing under this article and article ten-a of this act, proof that a person repeatedly misuses a drug or drugs or alcoholic beverages, to the extent that it has, or would ordinarily have, the effect of producing in the user thereof a substantial state of stupor, unconsciousness, intoxication, hallucination, disorientation, or incompetence, or a substantial impairment of judgment, or a substantial manifestation of irrationality, shall be prima facie evidence that a child of, or who is the legal responsibility of, such person is a neglected child.

ONGOING/PREVENTIVE SERVICES Specialized Units Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) Foster Care/Adoption Ongoing/Preventive Services on non-placement cases Training Unit Management of contract agency caseworkers Unit makeup: 1 Supervisor in each 2 Senior Caseworker in each 5-6 Caseworkers in each unit

NORMAL VS. SUSPICIOUS BRUISES

IDENTIFYING PHYSICAL ABUSE Unexplained injuries Bruises & welts Lacerations & abrasions Burns (accidental vs. inflicted) Fractures Child s Behavior/Disclosure Parent s Behavior Delay in seeking medical treatment Explanations inconsistent with actual injury, or vary

IDENTIFYING OTHER TYPES OF MALTREATMENT/NEGLECT The dirty house Alcohol Abuse Substance Misuse (illicit and prescription) Domestic Violence Untreated Mental Health Concerns Poorly Managed Medical Conditions

SEXUAL ABUSE Child s Physical Indicators Child s Behavioral Indicators Parent s Behavioral Indicators Sexual abuse AND Physical Abuse cases are jointly investigated by CPS and Law Enforcement.

TALKING WITH CHILDREN DO Speak in a quiet or private location Remain calm Listen Be honest and supportive Report DON T Overreact Make judgments Make promises Interrogate or try to investigate Especially important in sexual abuse cases

CONTACT INFORMATION State Central Register for Child Abuse and Maltreatment Mandated Reporter line: 1-800-635-1522 Non-Mandated Reporters: 1-800-342-3720 Monroe County: 1-585-461-5690 Onondaga County: 1-315-422-9701 Jefferson County Child Protective Services: 1-315-785-5079 Form LDSS-2221A Mail to: Local DSS 250 Arsenal Street Watertown, NY 13601

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS?