Query: Intake Alternatives for Child Protective? -Reply

[Jeff Norman <NORJ300@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael, I am a "Regional CPS Coordinator" for Washington State.  I have
had considerable experience as an intake supervisor and have helped to
develop the Washington State Risk Assessment Model.  In our state,
each local office has staff dedicated to the CPS intake function.  Each
region also has after-hours capability, so that the public can always
speak directly with a local intake social worker.

We use a screening tool to make the decision to accept the referral for
investigation, or screen out as info only or 3rd party (incidents to be
investigated only by the police).  The risk tag will determine whether the
referral will go to an investigation unit, or be referred to community
services.  

We believe that intake functions at it's best when it is located within the
community it serves, knows local resources and professionals,  uses
collateral calls to collect as much information as possible, and is actively
involved in consensus building to achieve consistency in
decision-making.  We have found that communities here do not want a
centralized intake unit, be it region-wide or state-wide.  

I believe Arizona and Florida have centralized intake functions.  If you
have further questions, please let me know.  Thank you.

Jeff Norman, MSW
Program Manager
Division of Children & Family Services
2809 26th Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 721-4109
e-mail norj300@dshs.wa.gov

>>> <MCBlueline@aol.com> 12/17/96 10:33am >>>
>From an intervention standpoint,  I am considering researching the issue
of
intake alternatives in child protective services.  Traditionally in many
states, CA/M registers haver performed the CP intake function.  My
question
to the list is whether other intake mechanisms have ever been tried, and,
if
so, to what extent they have been successful.  

I am also interested in hearing about any recent efforts to privatize the
intake function.    

The intake issue is timely in view of 1) government downsizing, 2) the
possible impact of welfare reform on the child protective system, 3) the
rise
of community-based alternatives to CPS, and 4) the merging of "social
work"
and "police" functions in the investigation and management of child abuse
and
maltreatment cases.  Each of these developments has the potential to
pose new
challenges for CP intake.

While my focus is on child protective systems in the U.S., I would be very
interested in hearing about how CP intake models operate in other
countries.
 

Regards,
Michael Cahill, Ph.D.
Cultural Anthropologist
623 Snyders Corner Road
Poestenkill, NY  12140
(518) 283-5898
mcblueline@aol.com