Standards for Investigating Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Reports

Regulation Authority:

42-35; 42-72-5

Purpose and Reason:

This rule has been amended to include a process to ensure that DCYF arranges contact with a minor child who has knowledge of an abuse and/or neglect incident through that child’s parent or guardian. Further, the rule allows that parent or guardian to be present during the interview, which must be conducted in an age and developmentally appropriate setting and manner. The previous version of this policy, refiled 1/5/2007, is superseded by this amended version. As a result of comments received, the final rule includes the following changes that were not part of the proposed rule: the rule clarifies that contact with a minor child witness is arranged through the child's parent or legal guardian when the child witness is not alleged to be a victim of abuse or neglect, is not connected with the incident, is not related to the alleged perpetrator or alleged victim and is not a member of the household of the alleged perpetrator or alleged victim. If the child's parent or legal guardian is not or cannot be present, or if the delay caused by arranging such contact would cause immediate danger to the victim, the interview with the child witness will occur in the presence of an adult with whom the child is familiar and comfortable.