Information Gathering
The social worker will ask questions about the child/family and your concerns.
If you are unsure if a report is required, tell the social worker that you are requesting a consult and do not provide any identifying information about the family.
If you are making a report, please be prepared with the following:
- Child’s name and age
- Child’s current location and home address
- Your name
- Circumstances which lead you to suspect abuse or neglect, including the general time frame
- Names and ages of other children in the home, if known
- Parent’s/caregivers name(s), preferred language and contact information
Outcome
FCS decides whether the concerns meet investigation criteria:
- If evaluated in → A social worker visits the family to assess safety and needs
- If evaluated out → The family may be referred to supportive services
Reporters are encouraged to share resource information directly with families when safe and appropriate.
Next steps, if evaluated in → If safety concerns exist, FCS will help develop a safety plan and link families with services. If not possible, the child(ren) may be removed.