Exhibit 2—Key decision processes for child and family services—text version
Child and Family Services—Department of Health and Social Services and Health and Social Services Authorities
Exhibit 2—Key decision processes for child and family services
This flow chart shows the key decision processes for child and family services, from the time a child protection concern is reported to the time a decision is made on whether the child needs to be placed in protective care.
When a child protection concern is reported, it should be investigated within 24 hours to determine whether the child needs protection. If the child does not need protection, child protection workers may offer voluntary support services to the family or cease involvement and close the file.
If the child needs protection, the child may be kept in the home, provided that a parent signs a plan-of-care agreement. It may be decided that the child must be apprehended (taken into care) while child protection workers continue investigating whether the child can be safely returned home. If the child cannot be returned to the home, the child is placed in the care of the Director of Child and Family Services.
If the child can be returned safely home, child protection workers continue to monitor whether the child still needs protection, and if so, a parent must sign a plan-of-care agreement. If the child no longer requires protection, voluntary support services may be offered to the family before child protection workers cease involvement and close the file.
The sources for this information are the Child and Family Services Act, and the Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual.
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