Appendix 4623: Protocol for RCCI Investigations Involving Child-on-Child Victimization in Foster Care
CPS October 2022
RCCI notifies the CPS caseworker and supervisor of a report requiring an investigation of a foster home. RCCI should indicate whether the report involves allegations of child sexual aggression or child-on-child physical abuse.
CPS staff members follow this protocol when CPS is notified of an RCCI investigation:
- The CPS caseworker reviews the intake and contacts the RCCI investigator to discuss time frames for RCCI making contact and to provide any history or collateral information.
- The CPS caseworker consults with the supervisor and program director (PD) and follows policy related to notifications to parents and legal parties. If the incident involves allegations of sexual contact, the caseworker, supervisor, and the PD must consult with the program administrator (PA) to determine appropriate next steps.
- The caseworker must maintain contact with the RCCI investigator to determine the safety of the child and to determine when RCCI will complete its interviews with the child and the caregiver.
- Within two business days of RCCI completing the interviews of household members, the caseworker visits face-to-face with the child to assess the child’s need for services. In some circumstances, RCCI informs CPS that CPS can make contact with the child before RCCI completes the interviews with the household members (including the child and caregiver). The caseworker documents this communication with RCCI if such an exception is made.
- If, after visiting the child, the caseworker believes that a placement change is necessary to ensure the child’s safety, the caseworker must consult with the supervisor, PD, and PA. If needed, staff should arrange a consultation with the division administrator of placement.
- If the conservatorship (CVS) PA decides to remove the child from the foster home and there are other foster children in the home, the CVS PA must contact the CVS PA for the remaining children to discuss the safety of any other children in the placement.
- Once the investigation is complete, the CPS caseworker must review the details of the investigation for any follow-up needed for the child and file the investigation in the child’s record.
- If the investigation involved child sexual aggression, follow procedures outlined in the Sexual Incident HistoryResource Guide.