Chapter VIII:Protective Services 1409- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

IV. INTAKE

All CPS Intake shall be documented using the CPS Intake Report Form (DSS-1402). This will result in universal screening for domestic violence during CPS Intake for all reports of alleged child maltreatment. It is important to convey to the reporter that questions regarding domestic violence are routine and asked in every case.

Domestic violence is a serious issue with potentially fatal implications for children and non-offending parent/adult victims. In recognition of this potential lethality, the Structured Intake Report requires that every reporter be asked, “Has there been any occurrence of domestic violence in the home?”

When a reporter alleges maltreatment pertaining to domestic violence, the domestic violence screening tool shall be consulted. Screening shall involve asking the specific follow up questions contained in the domestic violence screening tool. This will allow for a thorough assessment of:

• Any pattern of domestic violence,
• The presence and role of children in domestic violence incidents,
• Factors which suggest a heightened risk or potential for lethality to the children and non-offending parent/adult victim.

A CPS report in which the only allegation is domestic violence does not in itself meet the statutory criteria for child abuse, neglect, and dependency. Reports of child maltreatment involving domestic violence shall be accepted and a CPS assessment initiated when the information gathered is consistent with any of the following:

• The child has ever called 911, intervened or been physically harmed during violent incidents between adults.
• The child is fearful for his or her life or the non-offending parent/adult victim’s life.
• The child is present when the batterer inflicts injury on the battered parent/caretaker.
• There has been repeated police involvement, and/or civil protective orders have been obtained.
• There is a history of DV or the violence is increasing in frequency.
• There are weapons present or weapons have been used.

Situations of “relationship discord” like arguing or instability that do not meet the criteria of domestic violence related child abuse or neglect set forth in the Structured Intake Tools do not constitute valid CPS reports and should not be accepted for CPS assessment.

In situations where a domestic violence report does not meet the criteria for child abuse, neglect or dependency, referral information to community outreach services that could include a domestic violence program should be given to the reporter.

Assessment for the presence of domestic violence and its impact on the safety of children is an ongoing activity throughout CPS Intake, Assessment, Case Planning and Case Management, and Placement Services.