049-2 Wyo. Code R. § 2-2

Current through April 27, 2019

Section 2-2 - Intake/Verification

(a) The report of suspected abuse or neglect is taken and entered into the Department's data system.

(b) All reports are screened to determine whether the allegations meet the statutory definitions of child abuse/neglect and are within the scope of Child Protective Services. The verification process will begin within twenty-four (24) hours after the office receives a complaint alleging abuse/ neglect and includes gathering sufficient information to enable the worker to:

(i) Identify and locate the child and the parent and/or caretaker;

(ii) Assess the seriousness of the situation, consider the urgency for response, and initiate the safety assessment;

(iii) Determine if the report requires special assignment. These reports are referred to management for assignment or rejection.

(c) The Department may make collateral contacts for the purpose of assessing safety, clarifying or establishing the credibility of the report. Such collateral contacts shall not be considered as initiating an investigation unless the report is subsequently accepted.

(d) The Department shall check records, including the Central Registry, to obtain pertinent information, including past Department involvement.

(e) A safety assessment will be initiated within twenty-four (24) hours and completed within seven (7) calendar days for all accepted reports.

(f) The Department shall reject the following reports:

(i) Reports in which the allegations fall outside the Department's definition of abuse/ neglect;

(ii) Reports in which the reporter can give no credible evidence or reason to suspect that abuse/neglect has occurred;

(iii) Reports in which insufficient information is given to identify or locate the child;

(iv) Reports surrounding child truancy unless there is evidence the caretaker's behavior is preventing school attendance;

(v) Reports involving physical or sexual assaults on children by persons who are not caretakers, which are criminal issues and referred to law enforcement.

(g) Rejection of a report shall be done at the supervisory level and documented in the Department's data system.

(h) Reports not rejected will be accepted for assessment or investigation.

(i) The Department will determine if the case is appropriate for investigation or assessment.

(i) The safety of the child will be assessed for all reports. The safety assessment will be used to help determine the response of the Department.

(ii) Accepted reports where criminal charges appear unlikely, children do not appear to be in imminent danger, or removal from the home appears unlikely may be assigned for assessment.

049-2 Wyo. Code R. § 2-2