The purpose of the Critical Event Response is to evaluate a Children’s Division employee’s performance and the employee’s ability to competently perform his/her duties following the fatality, near fatality, or serious injury of a child who is, or has been, involved with the Children’s Division. The process may include three parts, which will be referred to as Critical Event Response Parts I, II, and III. Parts I and II, if needed, shall be completed by the Regional Director or designee no later than three days after the child’s death or within three days of the Children’s Division receiving notification of a near fatality or serious physical injury.
Critical Event Response Part I:
The preliminary assessment (Critical Event Response Part I) will be completed by the Regional Director or designee. The preliminary evaluation is a process to determine whether further evaluation, including a review and assessment, is warranted. The Critical Event Response Flowchart is available to guide the process and to assist with decision-making. A review and assessment (Critical Event Response Part II) shall take place under the following circumstances.
-
- A fatality, near fatality, or serious physical injury involving a child with an open Family Centered Services and/or Intensive In-Home Services case, or a child that is named in an open investigation or family assessment when child abuse or neglect is suspected;
- A fatality, near fatality, or serious physical injury involving a child in foster care (legal status 1) when child abuse or neglect is suspected;
- A fatality, near fatality, or serious physical injury of a child with relevant Children’s Division involvement when child abuse or neglect is suspected;
- Upon the request of the Regional Director or designeeThe preliminary assessment shall be completed no later than three days after the child’s death or within three days of the Children’s Division receiving notification of a near fatality or serious physical injury.
Critical Event Response Part II:
If it is determined, based on the preliminary evaluation (Critical Event Response Part I,) that criteria is met to warrant further review, the Regional Director or designee will complete Critical Event Response Part II to determine whether the investigator, case manager, supervisor, and/or circuit manager are able to perform his/her duties competently. Based on the Regional Director or designee’s knowledge of the situation, he/she will identify the parties to be reviewed. A thorough review of staff ability and competency should be completed. A “Review and Assessment Guide” is available to assist with this process; however, use of the form is not required.
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit management will receive notification of incidents that warrant an assessment and review (Critical Event Response Part II.) Following notification, they are to assess staff competency, specifically as it relates to prior reports made to the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline Unit involving the child who is now deceased or who has sustained serious physical injury.
The assessment and review (Critical Event Response Part II) shall be completed no later than three days of the child’s death or within three days of the Children’s Division receiving notification of a near fatality or serious physical injury. A “Review and Assessment Guide” is available to assist with the review; however, use of the form is optional.
Competencies and functioning of Children’s Division staff should be considered during this review. Information related to the Children’s Division’s knowledge of, and involvement with, the family should also be considered.
Two tracks have been developed with questions and suggestions to assist with this process.
CD STAFF TRACK | CHILD/FAMILY TRACK |
How long has the CD staff member worked for the agency and/or worked in this capacity? | What was the family’s history with the CD? |
How long has the CD staff member been assigned to work with this child/family? | Was this case appropriately assigned?
|
What is the CD staff member’s caseload size? | What was the safety plan? |
Have there been concerns related to this CD staff member’s performance? | What additional information can be provided through a review of the record? |
What information does a review of the record provide about the worker’s ability to follow CD policies? | What is the current situation? |
How are the CD staff member(s) and the Circuit as a whole coping in response to the recent event? |
|
Critical Event Response Part III:
After completing Parts I and II, the Regional Director or designee may determine that further assessment is warranted. Critical Event Competency Guides for Children’s Service Workers, Children’s Service Supervisors, Circuit Managers, and Program Managers/Field Support Managers are available.
The Regional Director or designee should complete the Critical Event Competency Guide if it is determined that further assessment of worker competency and ability is warranted. Use of the available forms is optional. The person assigned to complete the review should consult with Children’s Division Personnel as appropriate.
Leave a Comment: