2540. Investigative Assessment

Policy

The Investigative Assessment (IA) must be completed in FamLink within 60 calendar days of Children's Administration receiving the intake.

  1. A complete Investigative Assessment will contain the following information:
    1. A narrative description of:
      1. History of CA/N (prior to the current allegations, includes victimization of any child in the family and the injuries, dangerous acts, neglectful conditions, sexual abuse and extent of developmental/emotional harm).
      2. Description of the most recent CA/N (including severity, frequency and effects on child).
      3. Protective factors and family strengths.
    2. Structured Decision Making Risk Assessment (SDMRA) tool.
    3. Documentation that a determination has been made as to whether it is probable that the use of alcohol or controlled substances is a contributing factor to the alleged abuse or neglect.
    4. Disposition; e.g., a description of DCFS case status.
    5. Documentation of Findings regarding alleged abuse or neglect. Findings will be base on CA/N codes designated in the intake according to the following definitions:
      1. Founded means: Based on the CPS investigation, available information indicates that, more likely than not, child abuse or neglect did occur as defined in WAC 388-15-009.
      2. Unfounded means: The determination following an investigation by CPS that, based on available information, it is more likely than not that child abuse or neglect did not occur or there is insufficient evidence for the department to determine whether the alleged child abuse did or did not occur as defined in WAC 388-15-009. RCW 26.44.020
      3. If a court in a civil or criminal proceeding, considering the same facts or circumstances contained in the CA case being investigated, makes a judicial finding by a preponderance of the evidence or higher that the subject of the pending investigation has abused or neglected the child, CA shall adopt the finding in its investigation.
      4. When a criminal or civil finding differs from an unfounded finding on a completed investigation or closed case, CA will, upon request, consider the changing the CA/N finding to founded.
        Procedure
        When CA staff considers a criminal or civil findings that differs from an unfounded finding on a completed investigation or closed case, they must:
        1. Compare the court case with the department case to ensure the same facts are considered.
        2. Discuss the judicial findings with the CPS supervisor and Area Administrator to determine if the CA findings should be changed.
        3. Send a new CPS Founded letter and follow regular CAPTA procedures, if it is determined the findings should be changed.
      5. When a third founded finding is made involving the same child or family within the previous 12 months, CA must promptly notify the Office of the Ombudsman of the contents of the report and disposition of the investigation.