Section 16.06.01.559 - CHILD PROTECTION SAFETY AND COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTSThe Department's safety and comprehensive assessments must be conducted in a standardized format and utilize statewide assessment and multi-disciplinary team protocols. The assessment must include contact with the child(ren) involved and the immediate family and a records check for history with respect to child protection issues.
01.Assessment of a Child. The family services worker must make an assessment of every child of concern. When the child is interviewed as part of a safety and comprehensive assessment, the interview of a child concerning a child protection report must be conducted: a. In a manner that protects all children involved from undergoing any unnecessary traumatic experience, including multiple interviews;b. By a professional with specialized training in using techniques that consider the natural communication modes and developmental stages of children; andc. In a neutral, non-threatening environment, such as a specially equipped interview room, if available.02.Assessment of the Family. The family services worker conducting the interview must: a. Immediately notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the purpose and nature of the assessment.b. Provide at the initial contact the name and work phone numbers of the family services worker and their supervisor to ensure the family has a contact for questions and concerns that may arise following the visit;c. Inquire if the family is Indian, or has Indian heritage, for the purposes of ICWA;d. Interview siblings who are identified as being at risk; ande. Not divulge the name of the person making the report of child abuse or neglect.03.Collateral Interviews. Any assessment of an abuse or neglect report must include at least one (1) collateral interview with a person who is familiar with the circumstances of the child or children involved. Collateral interviews will be conducted with discretion and preferably with the parent(s)' or legal guardian(s)' permission.04.Completion of a Comprehensive Assessment. A Safety Assessment will be completed on each referral assigned for assessment of abuse or neglect, or both. When safety threats are identified in the safety assessment and the case remains open for services, a comprehensive assessment must be completed.05.Role of Law Enforcement. Section 16-1617, Idaho Code, specifies that the Department may enlist the cooperation of peace officers for phases of the safety assessment for which they have the expertise and responsibility and consistent with the relevant multidisciplinary team protocol. Such areas include: a. Interviewing the alleged perpetrator;b. Removing the alleged perpetrator from the child's home in accordance with Section 16-1608(b), Idaho Code, the "Domestic Violence Act"; andc. Taking a child into custody in accordance with Section 16-1608, Idaho Code, where a child is endangered and prompt removal from their surroundings is necessary to prevent serious physical or mental injury.06.Notification of the Person Who Made the Referral. The Department must notify the person who made the child protection referral when the safety assessment has been completed.Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.06.01.559