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The CPS Assessment of a safely surrendered infant does not alter any of the requirements to complete a CPS assessment.
When a CPS assessment worker takes an infant into temporary custody, any act necessary to protect the physical health and well-being of the infant shall be performed.
The assigned social worker shall make arrangements to:
1. Assume temporary custody of the infant.
a. If the infant has not received medical attention, arrange this immediately.
b. Consult with a physician at the hospital regarding completion of a birth certificate. When the infant is safely surrendered within the 7 day time period, request that a physician evaluate the child, estimate a birth date and complete a birth certificate with a name, “Safe County Name Surrender”. If an original birth certificate is later found, the safe surrender version will be destroyed.
2. File a petition alleging DEPENDENCY.
a. Make arrangements for placement of the infant.
3. Initiate contact with law enforcement and request a search of the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons and other national and state resources to determine whether the infant is a missing child.
4. Make reasonable efforts to locate the parent(s).
NOTE: In situations where the identity of the parent(s) are known by any individual involved, the identity shall be included in the assessment. An individual who safely surrenders an infant is free from criminal and civil liability; however this does not change our requirement to make reasonable efforts to locate the parents. Reasonable efforts to prevent placement and to reunify the family after placement are required by Public Law 96-272, the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980.
a. Inquiries may be made as to the medical history of the mother and father.
b. The parent does not have to provide information as to their identity.
c. If the parent is identified, efforts shall be made to counsel the parent about the relinquishment of the child for the purpose of adoption (DSS-1804) and the benefits of completing the relinquishment on behalf of the surrendered child.
d. If the biological parent signs the relinquishment forms, DSS does not have to adjudicate or pursue TPR to clear the infant for adoption from that parent.
Information regarding relinquishment can be found in Chapter VI: Adoption Services-Specifically Section 1302 Legal Guides.
5. If the identity of the parent(s) is known, a thorough CPS assessment must be conducted, consistent with Chapter VIII, Section 1408 of the Family Services Manual.
6. To assess the safety of other children known to be in the family.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office.
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