The DFCS Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was formed to address the need for the urgent and comprehensive investigation of serious injury and fatality cases involving children. This unit deals primarily with situations involving open CPS cases and investigates incidents in family homes, foster homes or any other place where the maltreatment may have occurred. 

The Program Director, Social Services Supervisor or State CPS management staff may request the involvement of the SIU. An investigator assigned to your area of the state will be called in to conduct the investigation. If a child experiences a serious injury or dies while placed in your care, the SIU will be involved in the review and investigation process. 

DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION OF A FOSTER HOME FOR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF AGENCY POLICIES OR ACTS OF CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT, FOSTER PARENTS SHOULD HAVE SOME MECHANISM FOR SUPPORT IN PLACE. THIS FUNCTION WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATELY HANDLED BY THE LOCAL AFPAG OR SOME OTHER IDENTIFIED GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL OUTSIDE THE AGENCY. HOWEVER, FOLLOWING THE INITIAL INVESTIGATION OF THE HOME, THE CASE MANAGER MAY PROVIDE MORAL SUPPORT TO THE FOSTER PARENT WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE INTEGRITY OF THE INVESTIGATION OR THE SAFETY NEEDS OF THE CHILD.

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