Lesson Three-Criteria

• What is CPS?
• Criteria...
• CPS Response
• Categories
• Wrap-Up
• CC Partnership
• Creating Policies
• Family Court

What is the Criteria For Accepting a Case?

Not all incidences of suspected child abuse and neglect are indeed child abuse and neglect. Since November 1998, in Oakland County, Children's Protective Services have done full field investigations in a little over 75% of the calls it receives. The state average is only slightly more than 50%. When taking a complaint of suspected child abuse and neglect, FIA focuses on the answers to these questions:

• Is the victim under the age of 18 years of age?

• Does the information provided by the reporter regarding the alleged abuse or neglect meet the minimal child abuse and neglect definitions?

• Is the alleged perpetrator a caretaker of the child? (If not, it may be referred to law enforcement and a joint investigation may be completed to evaluate failure to protect issues or parental awareness/involvement.)

When FIA decides to conduct an investigation of child abuse and neglect, they also have to decide when the investigation should commence. Oakland County FIA begins 90% of its investigations within 24 hours, including face-to-face contact with the child. A little more than 6% are responded to within 25-72 hours and only 3.7% take longer than 72 hours. This prioritizing ensures that those children most at risk are responded to immediately. The FIA uses the following criteria to decided when a complaint requires an immediate response: 

Sexual Abuse complaints compel an immediate response when:

• The child is afraid to go home and/or the perpetrator has access to the child.

Physical Abuse complaints compel an immediate response when:

• The child has bruises, contusions, burns and/or medical care is required.
• The child victim is under six years old and/or is limited by a disability and the perpetrator will have access to the child within the next 24 hours.
• The child is over six years old, not limited by disability, but is afraid to go home.

Neglect complaints compel an immediate response when:

• A child under six years of age is in severe danger or harm.
• A child over six years of age and limited by disability and is in severe risk of danger or harm.
• The person responsible for the child’s health and well-being is not capable of meeting the child’s basic needs.

Source: Michigan Family Independence Agency Children’s Protection Services Manual, Sections 712-4  

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