Lesson Three - Categories of Action

• What is CPS?
• Criteria
• CPS Response
• Categories
• Investigation
• Latchkey Children
• CC Partnership
• Creating Policies
• Family Court

What Happens after an Investigation? The Categories 

Again the goal of CPS is to protect children by stabilizing and strengthening families whenever possible through services. In order for CPS to determine what services are needed, an investigation must be completed. CPS is required to complete its investigation within 30 calendar days. As of July 1, 1999, the investigation results in placement of the family into one of the following categories:  

Category V: “Services Not Needed” – This category is used in cases in which FIA is unable to locate the family, no evidence of child abuse or neglect is found, or the Family Court is asked to order family cooperation in the investigation but declines, and the family will not cooperate. A further response by FIA is not required.

Category IV: “Community Services Recommended” – There is not a preponderance of evidence of child abuse and/or neglect, but FIA can suggest voluntary community-based services.  

Category III: “Community Services Needed” – There is a preponderance of evidence of child abuse and/or neglect, and assessment indicates a low or moderate level of future harm to the child. FIA must assist the family in receiving community services. FIA may reclassify the case as category II if family refuses to participate in community-based services. The person who harmed the child is not listed on central registry.  

Category II: “Child Protective Services Required” – There is a preponderance of evidence of child abuse or neglect and assessment indicates a high or intensive risk of future harm to the child. FIA must open a protective services case and provide necessary services. The perpetrator’s name will be listed on the central registry.  

Category I: “Court Petition Required” – FIA determines child abuse and /or neglect exists and one or more of the following are true:  

• A court petition is required under the Child Protective Law.
• The child is not safe and a petition for removal is needed.
• The agency previously classified the case as Category II and the family does not voluntarily participate in services .
• There is a violation of specific sections of the criminal code involving the child.
• A petition has been filed by any person and the court adjudicates the matter.

Source: Child Protection Service Manual, Section 711-4 and Children’s Protective Service, MFIa, web-page: www.mfia.state.mi.us/CFSAdmin

Why Five Categories?

Prior to the use of these 5 categories, abuse was either substantiated or unsubstantiated. This two-category system did not allow for any distinction between families with severe abuse and those families with low to moderate risk. The new 5-category system was developed in conjunction with the National Council on Crime and Delinquency and it allows FIA to more appropriately intervene and direct families to needed services. It is important for mandated reporters to understand this system because it demonstrates how reporting is more about providing support to families than it is about making an accusation.

Will I be notified of the case's outcome?

Yes. By law, CPS must send the mandated reporter written notification if the referral was not assigned, and if it was assigned, CPS must send notification if a preponderance of evidence was found or not. CPS staff may also share with mandated reporters whether legal action was commenced and the nature of the action.

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