D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-8501

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 29-8501 - FAMILY ASSESSMENT

8501.1

A family assessment is an evaluation, for the purpose of developing a service plan, to determine:

(a) A family's strengths and needs;

(b) The safety of any children in the home, including assessing whether there exists a risk of abuse or neglect of any child, but excluding a determination as to whether a report of abuse or neglect is substantiated, inconclusive, or unfounded;

(c) A family's ability to function as a cohesive unit; and

(d) A family's access to resources.

8501.2

The Agency may conduct a family assessment in response to a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, if the report does not involve:

(a) Child fatality;

(b) Suspected sex abuse; or

(c) Circumstances causing the Agency to suspect that a child is at imminent risk of or has experienced abuse or neglect that the Agency determines to be severe.

8501.3

If the Agency determines that a family assessment should be conducted:

(a) The assessment shall begin as soon as possible but no later than five (5) days after the Agency receives the report of suspected abuse or neglect; and

(b) The Agency shall see the child and all other children in the household within five (5) days of receiving the report of suspected abuse or neglect.

8501.4

If at any time the Agency determines that the circumstances outlined in § 8501.2 exist, a report referred for a family assessment shall be re-referred to the Agency for an investigation.

8501.5

The family's cooperation with the family assessment shall be voluntary.

8501.6

If the Agency determines that the family needs services, the Agency shall assist the family in obtaining these services.

8501.7

A family's acceptance of services offered as a result of the family assessment shall be voluntary.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-8501

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 843 (January 31, 2014)

Authority: Section 601(d) of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act of 1977, effective September 23, 1977 (D.C. Law 2-22; D.C. Official Code § 4-1303.03 (a-1)(12) (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.), Section 601(d) of the Families Together Amendment Act of 2010, effective September 24, 2010 (D.C. Law 18-228; D.C. Official Code § 4-1306.01(d) (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.)) (Act), and Mayor's Order 2010-185, dated December 27, 2010.