Children under the age of five are most vulnerable to abuse and neglect because they often do not have the language or communication skills to alert someone if they are being abused or neglected. Moreover because these children are generally not in school, there are fewer individuals outside the home who might identify and report suspected abuse or neglect.
In an effort to increase the safety of these children, DHS has expedited its response to reports of suspected abuse and neglect for children ages five and under. Since a face-to-face contact is one of the most effective ways to ensure child safety, the Department is making face-to-face visits with in two hours of when a such a report is assigned. This face-to-face visit is made fregardless of whether the case is classified by the Hotline as GPS or CPS.
While the DHS Social Worker is conducts the face-to-face visit in the field, the Supervisor conducts research to determine if the family has a history with the Department and obtains school district and behavioral health information about the child if applicable. This information is communicated to the social worker to more fully inform his or her assessment of the child and family.
DHS’s expedited response for children five and under occurs during day, evening and weekend hours.
