Chapter VIII:Protective Services 1409- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

III. Statutory and Policy Issues

The statutory authority of N.C.G.S.§7-B to interview children, invoke the jurisdiction of the Court as necessary, access confidential information, and provide continued child protective services is maintained by the DSS throughout its involvement in CPS related domestic violence cases. The statutory definitions of an abused, neglected, or dependent juvenile also continue to be applicable; as is the caretaker definition. All children residing in the home are to be identified as alleged victim children. All structured decision making forms and Family Services Agreements shall be completed as required in existing CPS policy. Medical and psychological resources, such as the Child Medical Evaluation Program (CMEP) / Child/Family Evaluation Program (CFEP) (DSS-5143) shall also continue to be utilized, as appropriate, as a component of a thorough CPS assessment.

There are no new tools, forms, service agreements, or other forms of documentation required beyond those contained in existing DSS policy manuals.

The scaled assessment tools are suggested to assist in the assessment of lethality, risk, safety, and service needs. Their use during the provision of CPS Assessment or CPS In-Home Services is not required by policy but is suggested as best practice

The Personalized Domestic Violence Safety Plan is a tool used by domestic violence advocates in providing services to non-offending parents/adult victims, and may be used to assist in developing safety responses and service plans by DSS. Its use during the provision of CPS Assessment or CPS In-Home Services is not required by policy but is suggested as best practice.