After an individual or a Mandated Reporter has made a report, Children and Family Services will investigate the case. Emergency Response screeners will evaluate if a referral meets the guidelines for abuse and neglect, and be assigned to Emergency Field Investigators.
Emergency Response (ER)
The ER Program provides initial intake services and crisis intervention to children who are reported to be endangered by abuse, neglect, caretaker abandonment or exploitation.
The Emergency Response team is made up of Child Welfare Workers (CWWs) and supervisors who staff the ER hotline and investigate reports of allegations of abuse or neglect. These referrals are from mandated reporters, law enforcement and the community. Our hotline also provides information about child welfare services and community resources.
When abuse or neglect has occurred within a family, our emphasis is intervention to ensure the safety of the child and then to provide services to keep the family together and intact.
A Child Welfare Worker will interview children and other parties involved in referrals and determine what actions, if any, are necessary to protect children from further abuse or neglect. Below are some other services we provide:
- Refer families to community based organizations or our support programs in our department
- Evaluate if a child may remain safely in the home and provide supportive services to the family
- Determine whether a child should be taken into protective custody
