| - RISK DECISION # 4 - |
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| Page 723 =========== |
| === RISK ASSESSMENT MODEL === for Child Protection in Ontario |
| Are Child Protection Concerns Verified ? : |
| - THE THEORY - |
| Standard ( 4 ) : |
| Eligibility for Service |
| " D E T A I L S " |
| Cont'd from Page 722 |
| Child Abuse Register : |
| The CFSA... amendments, specifically include, " neglect ", in the grounds, for a child being in need of protection. |
| Where... an allegation of abuse (all of which are rated "Extremely Severe" on the Eligibility Spectrum) has been verified the procedures for reporting to the Child Abuse Register (CFSA Regulation 75) are to be followed, (see MCSS Guidelines for Reporting to the Child Abuse Register). |
| Abuse... is defined in the (Child and Family Services Act s. 72.1) as a, child in need of protection under clause 37 (2) (a), (c), (e), (f), (f -.i) - or - (h). |
| Note : Cases of verified neglect should not be reported to the Register unless that neglect has resulted in actual harm to the child, in which case the CFSA s.72(1) defines the condition as abuse, and it should be reported to the Register, if it meets reporting criteria, for abuse. |
| Standard ( 4 ) : |
| COMMENTARY |
| Eligibility for Service |
| The Above... description, of required elements, to be considered, in verifying protection concerns highlights the need for workers to have a framework, for determining, statement validity. It is therefore recommended that each CPS Agency -or- CAS endorse a systematic approach for assessing the validity of statements. Implementation of a systematic approach assists the CPS worker, in applying consistent criteria, informed by scientific research to statements made by children or other parties. The analysis of these statements is often an intergral component, of a full child protection investigation. |
| Verification... is a term, that has generally applied to abuse cases, only. In the context of these Standards it is intended to apply to neglect cases as well. In cases of neglect like in cases of abuse, the CPS worker should demonstrate a factual basis for the assessment that on a balance of probabilitiy, it is more likely than not, that neglect occurred - and/or - is likely to occur. |
| Neglect : |
| Neglect... is often characterized by a chronic failure to meet a child's basic needs (pattern of neglect) but may also be one act of omission, which has actual -or- potential serious consequences, for the child It is important that CPS workers consider both possibilities, in the verification process. |
| Note : If there are insufficient grounds to verify child protection concerns, but there appears to be significant problems in the family, that may develop into child protection concerns, the CPS worker may wish to explore, with the family, whether further service, is required -and- whether service will continue on a non-protection (or other child welfare) basis. |