Writing an Investigation Narrative
Temporary Custody Time and Date (if child(ren) taken into Temporary Custody)
I. Presenting Problem:
Insert screener narrative.
II. Other Problems:
Document other identified allegations and/or issues. Summarize any prior referrals with dates,
significant findings, and if family has received any prior services from DFCS.
III. Findings:
Document the investigation and all information obtained about the identified allegations/ concernsWho, What, Where, When, How.
Findings should be related to the issue(s) at hand and relevant to the investigation.
Children must be interviewed separately from parents, and best practice is to interview all parties
separately.
The following interviews must be conducted:
o All children alleged to be abused (in-person)
o All siblings/half-siblings (in-person)
o All parents
o Reporting party (when known)
When appropriate, the following parties may also be interviewed:
o All other children present at initial investigation
o The alleged perpetrator (necessary for DOJ reports)
o School personnel
o Relatives
o Medical personnel
o Counselors/therapists
o Law enforcement
o Previous/current Social Workers
o Any person who could reasonably know about the allegation(s)
All investigations should include an assessment of the following risk areas:
 Substance abuse
 Domestic violence
 Physical abuse
 Mental illness
 Sexual abuse
 Neglect
 Emotional abuse
 Caretaker absence
Include brief documentation of any risk areas (not included in screener narrative) assessed for and no
indication was found. Address findings in detail regarding risk areas in screener narrative and other
risk areas identified.
*Discuss any exceptions to mandated areas with your Supervisor prior to concluding a referral
Other information to include:

Document a brief social history of the family including any relevant social, cultural and/or
physical characteristics that may affect the caretaker’s ability to care for the child(ren).
*A good way to “set the stage” for your narrative is to start with this information.

Name each person interviewed and date of interview. For children, include age, school
attended and location of interview (school, home, office etc.).

If contact with child occurs at school, document that child was given the option to have a
school representative of their choice (principal, teacher, nurse, counselor etc.) be with them
during interview.

Address and document all concerns raised in Screener Narrative and clarify any inaccuracies
from the Screener Narrative.

Document the child’s developmental level and any special needs.

Describe and document size, shape, location, color etc. of injury (if applicable). If there is a
need to look at injuries covered by clothing, obtain and document consent from child(ren) as
well as the name of another adult present while you view child(ren)’s injuries.

If law enforcement is on the scene, document officer’s name, badge number, law enforcement
agency, case number. Be clear about the joint decision-making process.

In situations where you are not able to locate the child victim(s), parent(s) and/or mandated
reporter, summarize all attempts made to locate. Document all attempts in detail in case
contacts.

If a home visit is made, document consent given by responsible adult to enter home. Describe
and document condition of home.

Document assessment of siblings (if applicable). If unable to locate, document attempts.

Note any special needs/accommodations for child’s immediate care (i.e. Allergies, medications
etc.).
Describe community and DFCS referrals given and services offered, and safety intervention.

IV. Family Strengths:
Include an assessment of strengths and protective factors in your investigation. List that information
here.
V. Risk to the Child(ren):
State level of risk to child(ren) for each allegation, i.e. low, moderate, high. Give basis for
assessment. As there must be exigent circumstances, risk to the child(ren) should be “high“ when
placing child(ren) in temporary custody.
VI. Conclusion:
State whether unfounded, inconclusive or substantiated and basis for decision.
Unfounded=False, inherently improbable, result of accidental injury, or does not constitute child abuse.
Inconclusive=Findings inconclusive and without enough information to determine if abuse/neglect.
Substantiated=Evidence that it is more likely than not abuse/neglect occurred.
If child(ren) taken into temporary custody, write “Refer to DI for further investigation and assessment”
as conclusion.
Social Worker Name/Title/Worker Number
Telephone
Date
What Should Not be Included in an Investigative Narrative
1.
2.
3.
4.
Name of the reporting party or any identifying information.
Confidential addresses especially if parent is a victim of Domestic Violence.
Contacts with County Counsel: Attorney/client privilege (including staffings).
References to recommendations made by other Social Workers or Social Work Supervisors.
5. No reference should be made to anyone’s HIV status.