Lesson Three - Policies

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

Creating Policies

In organizations such as nonprofit child serving agencies, schools and hospitals, there are many mandated reporters who may come into contact with a single child. The Michigan Child Protection Law states that it is only necessary for one 3200 to be filed. This means that organizations must have a written policy regarding their reporting process and communication between staff about suspicions of abuse and neglect. This will prevent confusion for both FIA and for the reporting body. 

Some agencies and schools make one staff person responsible for submitting their 3200 Report forms. This process is appropriate as long as all staff realize this does not release them from responsibility of communicating with that person their suspicions of child abuse and neglect. Further, the responsible person should not be in the position of evaluating whether their colleague's experiences with a child constitute suspicion or not. 

Finally, filing a 3200 form is so much more than simple paperwork, it is an act of advocacy for children. For some professionals this act will be quite easy, for others it will be very difficult. A supportive workplace can make the process less difficult. At a minimum, your organization's reporting policy should: 

• Be based on the Child Protection Law. 
• Require the person who has first-hand knowledge or suspicions to report directly CPS or be available during the reporting process.
• The report should be made immediately, or as soon as possible, so that the investigation can begin before bruises, injuries or other physical evidence have disappeared.
• Ensure that 3200 reporting forms and current Child Protection Laws are available.
• Prohibit extensive interviews of the child by staff and faculty who are mandated reporters.
• Be shared with all parents and families.
• Be reviewed annually to ensure that it is supportive of staff and their reporting obligations.

If an agency requires mandated reporters to first consult with a designated person, the designated person should:

1. Ensure a report is made to FIA immediately with the person who suspects child abuse.
2. Consult with, and clarify the mandated reporter's suspicions. Do not "screen" reports of suspicions.
3. Ensure as much information as possible is available for the report (without delaying the report.) 
4. Be present when FIA workers arrive. 

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