“What Every Educator

Needs To Know About DCF”

Allison Blake, Ph.D., L.S.W. Lisa Von Pier, Assistant Commissioner, DCP&PCommissioner

Objectives

To enhance participant's knowledge and understanding of the role of court, educators, and system partners in reporting suspicions of child abuse and neglect.

To provide participants with an overview of the DCF investigatory process for families and institutions.

To provide participants with an understanding of the DCPP  family engagement model and collaboration with system and community partners.

Welcome!Department of Children & Families

Overview

Thomas Farrell, Casework SupervisorNJ Child Abuse Hotline-SCR

Alan Machbitz, Regional SupervisorIAIU-Northern Region

Lori Sanders, Special Projects ManagerDCF-DCPP- Central Office

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Our BeliefThe core of the child welfare reform in New Jersey is to build

a culture within the agency and with community stakeholders

which allows partnership with children and families to achieve their fullest potential.

Most families have the capacity to change with the support of individualized

service plans.

By actively listening to our families, we are able to assess the needs of the children, youth and families in a respectful and responsive manner that builds upon their strengths.

When it is time for the family to end its involvement with DCP&P, a team of formal and informal supports can help support the family’s transition.

State Central Registry877-NJ ABUSE877-652-2873

The New Jersey Child Abuse Hotline is

dedicated to ensuring the protection of children, and

the preservation of families.

Department of Children & Families

Investigations:• Division of Child Protection & Permanency

(DCP&P)Investigates alleged abuse occurring within in-

home settings

• Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU)Investigates alleged abuse occurring in out-of-

home settings

What are My Obligations to Report Child Abuse and/or Neglect?

Every person in the State of New Jersey is a

mandated reporter.

State law (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10), requires “Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse shall report the same immediately…by telephone or

otherwise….” 

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Important Notice for all Reporters

A Division representative shall not disclose, confirm, or deny the identity of a reporter, unless:The reporter gives prior written consent; andThe disclosure is not likely to endanger the life or safety of the reporter or other person or result in the discharge of or discrimination against the reporter with respect to his or her employment; orDisclosure is permitted by statute or court rule.

A Division representative shall not release the name or any other information identifying the person or entity

who reported a child fatality or near fatality to the Division to the public or the media pursuant to N.J.S.A.

9:6-8.10a, whether or not the reporter gives prior written consent.

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What if I suspect abuse and do not report it?

Failure to report abuse can have devastating consequences

for a child and it can have legal consequences for you.

N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.14 Any person knowingly violating the provisions of this act including the failure to report an act of child abuse having reasonable cause to believe that an act of child abuse has been committed, is a disorderly person.

N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 and 2C:43-8 Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse according to the law is a disorderly person and subject to a fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in prison, or both.

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What if I am not sure if a child has been

abused and/or neglected?

Err on the side of caution. Call the Child Abuse Hotline and they will help determine if the situation is considered child abuse or neglect.

By law (N.J.S.A.9:6-8.13), you are protected from civil or criminal liability, discharge from employment, and discrimination, if you make a report in good faith.

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Schools Have a Dual Reporting Requirement

N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-25

All school districts shall be required to establish policies designed to provide for the

early detection of missing and abused children.  These policies shall include provisions for the notification of the

appropriate law enforcement and child welfare authorities when a potential

missing or abused child situation is detected. 

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Who can make a referral?

The child/victim Parents, relatives, friends Facility staff School personnel Hospitals Law Enforcement Anonymous referents

Reasonable cause to believe there is risk to a child is enough to

reportYou do not need proof. Let DCP&P

Investigate.

Report• When you see signs of abuse/neglect• When a child tells you about the abuse/neglect• When you witness abuse/neglect• When a parent or other individual tells you

Don’t Delay to Report• A delay could allow further harm to occur• A delay could cause the child to be seen in a less neutral

setting

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The Referral ProcessCalls come into the hotline and are answered by screeners

Information is taken by the screener and a determination is made regarding what type of report is to be generated

All referrals are documented: matter is either sent to a field office for response, routed to the appropriate agency, or documented in the DCF system

What you should know when calling…

♦ Calls are recorded for Quality Assurance purposes.

♦ SCR is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with specially trained screeners and supervisors.

♦ This is the only “point of entry” for reports of suspected abuse and neglect.

♦ Screeners follow a standard protocol.

♦ Use of the “allegation-based system.”

Child Abuse/Neglect Referrals & Allegation Based System

System of 32 categories developed that defines allegations of abuse and neglect

Determines the criteria SCR utilizes for accepting a report of child abuse/neglect

Directs the child abuse investigation to be conducted by local office and IAIU staff

Defining Abuse and Neglect

The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment of a child by a person responsible for the child’s

welfare. This means the omission, commission, or both, of an act which

allow the child to be placed at

Corporal Punishment

Findings of excessive corporal punishment will be made where a parent uses physical force against his or her child for discipline or other reasons in an excessive fashion. Incidences of excessive corporal punishment that make the child likely to be found to be an abused or neglected child within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.21(c)(4)(b) include those in which:

1. The physical contact is sufficiently malicious, or 2. The contact is done regularly or systemically, or 3. The child is left with serious marks, bruises, or

demarcations from the physical contact.

Emotional abuse: The criteria used by DCP&P

Emotional abuse and/or neglect is conduct by a child’s parent or caregiver toward the

child which contributes to, causes, allows or permits:

Significant and/or persistent emotional pain, harm or impairment; and/or

Significant vulnerability to or risk of such pain, harm or impairment; and/or

Significant exacerbation of a child’s existing emotional pain or impairment.

Educational NeglectEducational Neglect means:

• The parent or caregiver has willfully failed to provide a school-age child (ages 6-16) with a regular education, as prescribed by applicable State law.

• A school age child is enrolled in a school program but is failing to attend on a regular, ongoing basis.

The school system/board of education must exhaust all its remedies under State education

law, administrative code and local programs and procedures before making a report to DCP&P.

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What are common signs of abuse/neglect?

• Indicators of physical abuse: unexplained or questionable bruises, welts, burns, lacerations, fractures, abrasions, etc.

• Indicators of sexual abuse: complaints regarding genital/anal areas, sexually transmitted diseases, unusual knowledge about or preoccupation with sex.

• Indicators of neglect: consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress, lack of supervision.

• Indicators of emotional maltreatment: may include aggressive or withdrawn behavior, unusual fears, running away, sudden change in mood or behavior.

• A child may directly report that he/she has been abused!

• Staff may directly observe a sign or act of abuse or neglect.

• Frequent or questionable absenteeism of a student is a cause for potential concern.

Details Make a Difference

Who: Identify the people involved – the child, the alleged perpetrator and their relationship to the child; parents, siblings, others in the home- Dates of Birth; Addresses; Your name and contact information

What: Type of Abuse/Neglect; Describe the incident; What happened that caused your concern? What is the child’s current condition?

When: When did the incident happen? What is the frequency? When did you learn about it?

Details make the difference

(cont.)

• Where did the incident take place? Where is the child now? Does the alleged perpetrator have access to the child?

• How urgent is the need for intervention? Is there a likelihood of danger for the caseworker?

What Happens After I Report?

• CPS-Family, CPS-IAIU, CPS-Other InvestigationRequires an Immediate or 24-hour response

• Child Welfare Services (CWS) AssessmentImmediate, 72-hour or 5-day response

• Related Information (RI)No mandated response

• Information & Referral (I&R)Does not require DCF intervention or response

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Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU)

As part of New Jersey’s legal mandate to investigate all allegations of

abuse and neglect, the Department of Children and Families (DCF)

operates the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit.

IAIU is a child protective service unit that investigates reports of abuse

or neglect that occur in public and private facilities that provide care to

children under 18 years of age. (However, if an 18 year old alleges

abuse/neglect when they were a minor, IAIU will investigate)

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What should ADMINISTRATION do after a report is made?

Ensure the safety of the child victim and otherchildren in the facility (examples of remedial action)

Secure any needed medical attention

Complete any routine reports (not statements) which are required by the standard operating procedure of the facility. Have reports available at the time of the investigation.

What NOT TO DO After a Report is Made?

Do NOT further question the child victim after the report is made.

Do NOT inform the alleged perpetrator of any details pertaining to

the report of abuse or the identity of the complaining or implicated

child.

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StructureIAIU operations are overseen by the Director

of IAIU at the Central Office located in Trenton, NJ.

Each IAIU Investigator is assigned to one of four regional offices throughout the state. Staff respond to allegations of

Institutional child abuse/neglect in their assigned region. 

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What Type of Facilities Does IAIU Investigate?

• Foster Care/Resource Homes• Residential Facilities• Youth Shelters• Detention Centers/Correctional Facilities• Group homes• Bus Companies• Schools (public and private)• Child Care Centers

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Examples of Caregivers?

Foster Parents/Resource Providers Youth Workers Teachers Aides Bus Drivers Corrections Officers and Security

Guards Facility Staff

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Special Exceptions

Allegations against doctors

Private classes (dance, karate, etc…)Township/county operated programs

and camps (ie. Little League)

Relative and Kinship care w/custody

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Information Gathering Process

The facility administrator should be prepared, upon request, to provide

the investigator with supporting documentation relevant to the

investigation

* incident reports * medical reports * disciplinary information * staff assignment logs

* training documentation * time sheets * facility policies * employment history

In facilities that have an Internal Affairs Unit, the IAIU investigator

Will contact the IA investigator directly for information.

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InterviewsThe Investigator begins his/her fact finding process by conductinginterviews with various individuals.

Administrator, child victim, child witnesses, medical staff, SocialWorker, staff witnesses, Internal Affairs Unit, alleged perpetrator, (order can vary from case to case)

Investigators should be provided with a safe and private meeting area

which is conducive to conducting interviews.

Who can be interviewed?• All individuals identified in the referral• Individuals mentioned in an interview• Anyone present during the alleged incident• Anyone who may have information regarding the

incident/allegation

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Interim Status Report

IAIU investigations are expected to be concluded within 60 calendar days of assignment from SCR.

If the investigation continues beyond the 60 day limit, an interim status letter will be sent to the institution’s administrator advising him/her of any immediate concerns regarding the investigation.

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Exceptions To Surpassing Time Frames

• IAIU needs information from the County Prosecutor, a law enforcement authority or the court.

• Crucial collateral information or a written report is needed; i.e. a diagnosis, written evaluation from a medical professional, a medical/doctor’s report.

• Additional interviews of witnesses that may be difficult to locate, refusing to give a statement, etc.

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Final ReportAfter the investigation is complete, a final report isissued.  Each appropriate entity is notified of the findings of the investigation to enhance its ability

to promote safety for the children in care, and minimize thelikelihood of future child

maltreatment in the setting.

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In Partnership with NJ Communities,

DCF will ensure the safety, permanency, well being

and success of New Jersey’s children and

families.

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DCF at a Glance• Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P) (877) NJ ABUSE

• Division of Family and Community Partnerships   (609) 888-7400

• Office of Adolescent Services (609) 888-7100

• Office of Advocacy (877) 543-7864

• Children’s System of Care (609) 888-7200

• Office of Education (609) 588-3157

• Division on Women (609) 888-7164

• Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU) (877) NJ ABUSE

• Office of Performance Management and Accountability (609) 888-7100

• Child Welfare Training Academy(DCF Professional Center) (732) 448-6300

• Office of Licensing (609) 777-5942

CFT/FTM Preparation and Facilitation Process

Child Protection & Permanency Children’s System Of Care/Care

Management Organization

May 1, 2013

The Importance of Conducting Joint CFT/FTM

The goal of having a combined CFT/FTM is to:

Engage the youth and family in services by using a strengths-based, team approach to maximize opportunities for successful outcomes

Develop a unified and streamlined plan for children and families dually managed by both entities

The Importance of Conducting Joint CFT/FTM

Encourage the youth and family to actively participate in the development of an

Individualized Service Plan (ISP)/Family Agreement that will:

1)Identify strengths and needs of the

family

2)Strategize to meet the identified service

needs

Benefits of conducting a Joint CFT/FTM

One family, one meeting

Shows the family that they are not alone in this process and that they are being supported

Helps to identify formal and/or informal supports for the family

Enhances communication among all team members

Shows effective collaboration between service providers and the family

When might a youth be involved with both DCP&P

and CMO?Youth’s moderate-intense mental/behavioral health needs interfere with functioning in the community, and:

There are concerns regarding one or more of the following:

Abuse Neglect Permanency

Confirm a date with the family for the CFT/FTM and ensure supports are identified

Identify formal & informal supports to be invited to the meeting.

Explore what each team member can contribute and what is needed to achieve the desired outcomes

Explore alternative methods for participation if identified supports are unable to attend (i.e., telephone, written summary, etc.)

The team will discuss that the meeting’s focus should be based on strengths and needs which will ensure that family members feel comfortable telling their story

Determine if there are any potential conflicts (i.e., emotional, legal) among participants

Determine meeting logistics (facilitation, location, transportation, etc.)

Include the FSO whenever possible

(Cont.)

Prep/Meet and Greet

⇨ DCP&P completes Prep with the family, gains the Family Story and discusses the Agenda. DCP&P helps the family to select team members

⇨ CMO Completes a Meet and Greet within 72 hours of being referred to the family. CMO explains the CFT process and completes the

Strength and Needs Assessment

The Joint Agenda Welcome Purpose of the FTM/CFT Meeting Ground Rules Confidentiality/CFT forms/CP&P sign in sheet Non-Negotiable-DCP&P Family Vision/Desired Outcomes The Family Story-DCP&P Strengths Discovery (DCP&P and CMO) Identification of Individual and Family Needs Developing the Family Agreement/Individual

Service Plan Review of Family Crisis Plan/What Could Go

Wrong

Coordination and Follow Up

As we all know teaming is much more than the actual team meeting. Teaming is about constant communication amongst all team members. As we move forward it is important to remember that ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION MUST BE SHARED WITH THE TEAM

Likewise, changes to the plan should be made with input from the team

One family, one plan, one meeting

THANK YOU FOR YOUR

PARTICIPATION

FEEDBACK?

COMMENTS?

QUESTIONS?