San Luis Obispo County

Department of Social Services

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Department of Social ServicesRegional Offices

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Regional Offices: Integrated Approach

Regional Manager

Employment Services

Supervisors

Social WorkerSupervisors

Adult ServicesSupervisors

EmploymentResource

Specialists/IVsSocial Workers Social Workers

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What happens when a report is made to CWS in SLO County?

Reporting Party Calls in

(805) 781-KIDS

Reporting Party Calls in

(805) 781-KIDS

CWS Intake

Intake SW decides first face-to-face

Response Path

CWS Intake

Intake SW decides first face-to-face

Response Path

Collaborative Response

(10 day response) Moderate to High Risk

Collaborative Response

(10 day response) Moderate to High Risk

Community Response

NO known safety issuesLow Risk

Community Response

NO known safety issuesLow Risk

Written feedback

to Mandated Reporters

only.

Written feedback

to Mandated Reporters

only.

CWS Response (24 hr response)

High toVery High Risk

CWS Response (24 hr response)

High toVery High Risk

Child Welfare ServicesIntake

Hotline – 781-KIDS(5437) 24/7 coverage

Taking the report – the social worker will ask the person making the report a series of questions to evaluate the allegations of child abuse.

Screening decision – based on the information provided the social worker will decide whether to evaluate out a referral or screen in for an investigation.

Response path and priority:Community Response – 10-day Collaborative Response – 10-dayCWS Response – Immediate ( 24 hours)

Child Welfare Services Intake Outcomes

If allegation does not meet the legal definitions of abuse and neglect:Evaluated Out – No further action is taken; orEvaluated Out – Community Response

If allegation does meet the legal definitions of abuse or neglect: Collaborative Response; orCWS Response

Response to Mandated Reporter

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Emergency Response Immediate – 10 day Response

Engagement efforts – Mandated Reporter and Family

Safety Assessment: Is there imminent danger of serious harm? Are caregivers able to take actions of protection?

Active Investigation– standards set by California’s Department of Justice

Risk Assessment: Completed at the close of an investigation to estimate the family’s risk of future

abuse or neglect and to guide the worker’s decision to open a case for services

Emergency Response OutcomesNo safety threats were identified at the time.

Allegation Unfounded – referral closedSafety threats were identified, however after an

investigation was completed the social worker was not able to substantiate due to lack of evidence. Inconclusive

One or more safety threats are present; however, with a safety plan and safety interventions the child can remain with their family. Allegation substantiated – Family Maintenance

One or more safety threats are present; therefore, placement and out of home care is needed for the safety of the child. Allegation substantiated – Family Reunification

Safety Organized Practice

Safety-Organized Practice

Safety is:

Actions of protection taken by the caregiver that mitigate the danger

demonstrated over time.

Adapted from Boffa, J., and Podesta, H. (2004) Partnership and risk assessment in child protection practice, Protecting Children, 19(2): 36–48. Turnell, Andrew & Susie Essex Working with Denied Child Abuse, Open University Press, 2006

Engaging Children:3 Houses

Nicki Weld

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Department of Social ServicesOutcomes

Self-Sufficiency Safety Permanency

http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/dss

Thank You