The mission of child protection is to prevent any future maltreatment (abuse or neglect). Determining the need for services, and which services will best protect the children, is at the heart of differential response.
Differential response focuses on the safety of the child, the risk of future maltreatment, and the family’s strengths and needs. If the risk level is moderate or low the family may receive a differential response (formerly called family assessment). If the reported information meets the criteria for substantial child endangerment (severe cases of abuse and neglect), or the risk level is high, the family will be subject to a traditional response, which calls for immediate contact with the family and children, as well as individual interviews to determine whether abuse or neglect occurred. In either situation, a thorough assessment of the allegations for abuse and or neglect will be addressed, along with the risk to safety and a determination whether continued services are required for the family. Traditional response versus differential response However a record of the report will be recorded and maintained. If the report doesn’t meet the criteria requiring an investigation or assessment, no further action is taken. Intake workers review reports of child maltreatment in order to determine whether or not the report meets the criteria for an investigation/assessment. Names of other family and household members.Specific descriptions of the suspected abuse and neglect to the child, including what happened, when it occurred and the identity of the abuser.Information about the family, including the names and addresses of the child and parents.Printable reporting form (PDF) Be prepared to provide information Print out a form, fill out as much information as you can, and fax it to 61. Onlineįill out the online reporting form. By phoneĬall child protection services at 61.
Please see the Information for mandated reporters section below for additional guidance. If you are a mandated reporter, you should call to make a report within 24 hours and personally file a written report within 72 hours of the verbal report (excluding weekends and holidays). A child protection social worker will assist you even if you are not sure whether or not to make a report. You can report suspected child maltreatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.