Getting Started
With Intake & CPS Process
Developmental Competencies
SW104-01 Understands the roles and tasks of the intake process
SW104-02 Understands level prioritization during the referral process
including the ability to identify when a referral qualifies as an
emergency and requires immediate attention
SW104-04 Knows to gather information that may identify the child as
an Indian or Tribal member
SW106-01 Ability to use a solution based casework approach when
conducting child maltreatment investigations
SW107-01 Knows and understands the procedural differences between
the investigative pathway and the family assessment response (FAR)
pathway.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
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Cite the legal criteria (WAC 388-15-009 and WAC 388-15-011) for screening intakes
Describe the roles and tasks of the intake process
List the steps identified for Intake
Describe the three types of intakes.
Identify additional contacts, indicators and resources that an intake worker may use
in their assessment
Gather information that may identify the child as an Indian or Tribal member
Identify everyday life events for and how they fit in the life of a family and a case
Explain the procedural differences between the investigative pathway and the family
assessment response (FAR) pathway.
Complete an Intake document
Basics of Intake
Intake Functions
• Accept calls and written reports
• Document every contact
• Screen reports & determine CA response
• Gather additional information when able
• Initiate social worker responses after
hours
• Second screening by supervisor
Types of Intakes
CPS Intake
• Allegation of CA/N against
• Parent (w/ or w/o other named subject)
• Person acting in-loco parentis
• SW assesses for child safety AND investigates the allegation
CPS – Risk Only
• No allegation of CA/N
• Child may need immediate protection
• SW assesses for child safety
Intake and Initial
Screening
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Intake sufficiency screen
Intake meets the definition CA/N
CPS response pathway decision tree
Criteria met for either Investigative or FAR pathway
CPS Responses
Disposition of the Intake
• Screen in – Emergent
• Immediate safety concern
• Screen in – Non Emergent
• No immediate safety threat
• Family Assessment Response (FAR)
• Voluntary, offer of assistance
• Screen out – “Info Only”
• Documented in FamLink
• No agency action
Understanding CA/N using Family
Development
• Developmental Stages have certain
necessary tasks
• Everyday Life Events
• CA/N = EDLE gone wrong or not
achieved
Planning for Investigation
• Review history
• Worker safety considerations
• Tribal/ethnicity matters
• Interview arrangements
• Evidence gathering
• Shared decision making
Legal Foundation for CPS Investigation
RCW 26.44.030 & WAC 388-15.029
• Collaboration with Law Enforcement (4)
• Must notify of all CPS Intakes
• Access to confidential information (7)
• Full access to info about the child
• Can exchange with mandated reporters
• Also covered in WAC 388-15-029
• Ability to interview children (12)
• At any suitable location
• Away from parents
• Parental notification ASAP, if safe
• With a 3rd party present if possible
Legal Foundation for CPS Investigation
RCW 26.44.030 & WAC 388-15.029
 Ability to conduct background checks (14)
 Requirement to use risk assessment (13)
◦ Substance abuse must be risk factor
 Ability to photograph Children
(WAC 388.15.021)
 Client’s rights
(RCW 26.44.100)
◦ Notify subject of allegations at initial contact
◦ Notify subjects of finding and of right to appeal
Typical Sequence of Interviews
for CPS Investigations
• Referent
• Victim child, siblings
• Non-maltreating caregiver
• Subject
• Other adults in home
• Collaterals
Initial Contact With the FAR
Path
• Initializing engagement and
assessment
• Contact source of referral
• Case preparation
• Contact parents/caregivers to
schedule meeting/visit
Initial Visit and
Assessment
• Present danger assessment
• Explanation of FAR pathway
• FAR agreement with family
• FAR Family Assessment
• Safety Assessment
• SDM
Regarding Advance Notice…
•To call or not to call,
that is the question.
• So, what is the
answer?
CAPTA Findings
• Evidentiary Standard:
• “more likely than not”
• preponderance of evidence
• 51% probability
• Options: Founded or Unfounded
• Right to appeal Findings within 30 calendar
days of receipt of CAPTA letter.
• 60 days to enter a finding.
Review: Developmental Competencies
SW104-01 Understands the roles and tasks of the intake process
SW104-02 Understands level prioritization during the referral process
including the ability to identify when a referral qualifies as an
emergency and requires immediate attention
SW104-04 Knows to gather information that may identify the child as
an Indian or Tribal member
SW106-01 Ability to use a solution based casework approach when
conducting child maltreatment investigations
SW107-01 Knows and understands the procedural differences between
the investigative pathway and the family assessment response (FAR)
pathway.
Review: Curricular Competencies
• Awareness of the legal criteria (WAC 388-15-009 and WAC 388-15-011) for screening
intakes
• Understands the roles and tasks of the intake process
• Knows the steps identified for Intake
• Knows the three types of intakes.
• Can identify additional contacts, indicators and resources that an intake worker may
use in their assessment
• Knows to gather information that may identify the child as an Indian or Tribal
member
• Ability to to identify everyday life events for and how they fit in the life of a family
and a case
• Knows and understands the procedural differences between the investigative
pathway and the family assessment response (FAR) pathway.
• Participants will be able to understand how to fill out an Intake document
Thank You