Section 214-RICR-20-00-1.15 - Family Assessment ResponseA. The Department utilizes a standardized screening tool to determine if a report made to the Hotline that contains a concern about the well-being of a child and does not meet the criteria for a child abuse/neglect investigation should be screened in for a family assessment.1. The family's participation in the family assessment is voluntary, the family may decline to participate. Should this occur, the family assessment caseworker and supervisor convene a meeting to reassess the risk and/or concerns to determine if they should be elevated to an investigation. If so, the family assessment caseworker files a report with the child abuse Hotline.2. The Department conducts a thorough assessment of child safety and risk for all children in the home during the family assessment response, and develops a safety plan with the family, if necessary.3. The family assessment consists of:a. A telephone call is scheduled as soon as possible after case assignment with the parent or guardian, the child, and any other household members and family supports. Telephone contact with the child who is the subject of the report and any siblings is subject to the consent of the parent or guardian.b. Completion of a standardized risk and safety assessment.c. Criminal background checks and Department clearances for caregiver(s), and household members over the age of eighteen (18).d. Service assessment and delivery to stabilize and mitigate risk.B. Information that may be screened in for a family assessment response includes, but is not limited to, the following vulnerability factors and risk areas:1. Child is age (6) six and under;2. A caregiver or child's emotional, physical, or developmental condition;3. Circumstances indicating that the caregiver's protective capacity may be compromised but not to the level of requiring an investigation.4. A prior report within a twelve (12)-month period involving a family with a child age six (6) or under, or with two (2) or more children;5. One or more prior reports received on a family within a three (3)-month period;6. A prior indicated investigation or removal within the past twelve (12) months;7. Any other risk factors that may compromise the well-being of the child; or8. Whether the report was called in by a professional mandated reporter.C. Any report screened in for a family assessment response may be upgraded to an investigation if there is any evidence or reason to suspect child abuse or neglect in accordance with this Rule and the Rhode Island statute governing child abuse/neglect investigations.D. All efforts are made to complete each family assessment response within thirty (30) days. If an extension of the thirty (30) day timeframe for completion of a family assessment response is necessary, a supervisor and/or administrator may grant an extension request up to fifteen (15) additional days.214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-20-00-1.15
Amended effective 1/20/2021