HomeMy WebLinkAbout972613.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE PROTOCOL AGREEMENT FOR WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE
COALITION AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with a Protocol Agreement for Weld County
Child Abuse Coalition between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the
Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Social
Services, and the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition, with terms and conditions being as
stated in said agreement, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said agreement, a
copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, ex -officio Board of Social Services, that the Protocol Agreement for
Weld County Child Abuse Coalition between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and
through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of
Social Services, and Weld County Child Abuse Coalition be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said agreement.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 15th day of December, A.D., 1997.
Dale K. Hall
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD UNTY, COLORADO
eorge E' Baxter, Chair
es- ‘_
tance L. Harbed. Prp-Tem
EXCUSED
Barbara J. Kirkmeyer
W. H. Webster
Gt; SS
972613
SS0023
United Way
of Weld County
814 9th Street P.O. Box 1944 Greeley, CO 80632 970/353-4300 970/353-4738 Fax 800/411-8929
November, 1997
Dear Weld County Child Protection Community:
Supporting 70 programs
at 41 agencies and
directly facilitating:
Bright Beginnings
Family Support Network
School Volunteer Project
VolunteerResource Center
Weld County Child Abuse Coalition:
A IBd's Place
CASA
Family Compass
In 1994 the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition adopted the first ever WELD Protocol Project
COUNTY CHILD ABUSE PROTOCOL. Enclosed please find the third revision, a complete
reprint of the entire document. The Protocol continues as the community agreement on how child
abuse is handled in Weld County. It defines roles, responsibilities and communication channels
for reporting, investigating and treating child abuse. This document continues to help our system
be more responsive, efficient and effective in dealing with child abuse.
Please note the following changes from previous versions.
I. Please replace the front cover of your current white vinyl Protocol Notebook with the
yellow cover page.
II. This is a complete revision, remove all pages and replace with enclosed manual.
III. Please note the new table of contents with section number changes.
IV. Appendix and Section changes are as follows:
A. The CART listing is now a separate section - Section 10
B. New definition of emotional abuse (4-1)
C. A Reporting Flow chart for quick reference (front of Section 5)
D. Handling of inappropriate touch in school settings (5-6)
E. Victim Advocate Service Provider information (7-12)
F. PAC Program and Treatment Provider listings have been moved to the appendix
V. Please review this entire document and share the information with appropriate members of
your organization.
As you know, the key to the success of the Protocol is the CART. We encourage you to
provide a copy of the Protocol to each CART member or easy access to this document. CART
training occurs in various location throughout the county each fall. Dates this year are being set
for late November and early December. If you need additional training on identifying reporting
abuse or any other aspect of the Protocol, please contact Pamela Roper, c.a.r.e. Education
Coordinator at 356-6751.
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Protocol Committee
We hope the WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE PROTOCOL continues to help your
organization deal more effectively with child abuse reporting, investigation and treatment. Please
call Rick at 356-4015, ext. 3931, or Judy at 353-4300, if you have questions or concerns about
the PROTOCOL.
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Judy ' on, Staff
Weld County hild Abuse Coalition
972613
Adopted
Revised -
Revised -
Revised
- October 27, 1994
September, 1995
October 1996
- September 11, 1997
972613
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Protocol Agreement and Signatures
Statement of Purpose 1 - 1
Statement of Roles 2 - 1
Child Abuse Resource Team (CART) 3 -1
CART Purpose 3 - 1
Role of CART Members 3 - 3
CART Organizational Structures 3 - 4
The Weld County Child Abuse Coaltion 3 - 6
Identifying Child Abuse 4 - 1
Abuse and Neglect Legal Definition 4 - 1
Physical 4 - 2
Sexual 4 - 3
Neglect 4 - 4
Reporting Child Abuse 5 - 1
Reporting Flow Chart 5
Reporting Procedures 5 - 5
Reporting Procedures for Weld County Schools 5 - 4
Third -Party Abuse and Neglect by School Employees 5 - 9
Investigating Child Abuse 6 - 1
Criteria for Responding to Reports 6 - 1
Weld County Law Enforcement Procedures 6 - 4
Department of Social Services Procedures 6 - 12
A Kid's Place 6 - 22
District Attorney Procedures 6 - 23
Post - Investigation Coordination 6 - 23
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
Treating Child Abuse 7 - 1
The Weld County Court System 7 - 1
Civil Law and Court 7 - I
Criminal Law and Court 7 - 2
General Court Information 7 - 4
Victim Advocate Services 7 - 11
Treatment Provider Information 7 - 14
Medical Professionals 7 - 15
Mental Health Professionals 7 - 17
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Professionals 7 - 22
Foster Parents 7 - 23
School Professionals 7 - 23
Evaluating the Protocol 8 - I
Glossary of Terms 9 - 1
CART Member Listing 10 -
Appendix I I
A - History of the Protocol
B - Guidelines for Interviewing Children
C - Guidelines for Observation of Injuries
D - Criteria for Medical Examination
E - Protective Custody Hold
F - Further Definition of Guardian ad litem
G -Treatment Providers and Family Preservation Programs
H - Forms
Release of Confidential Information
Parole Agreement/Order
Weld County Report Form
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 19§72613
WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE COALITION
ADOPTION OF PROTOCOL AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between the agencies and individuals involved in the child
abuse and neglect system in Weld County and the members of the Weld County Child Abuse
Coalition.
The purpose of this agreement is to enhance the ability of agencies, organizations, and
individuals to implement coordinated efforts in dealing with children and families involved in
child abuse and neglect. The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition Protocol is for the use of
participating agencies and does not apply in any criminal or civil proceeding. The Protocol
should not be construed as a creation of a higher level standard of safety or care with respect to
any civil claim or criminal matter. Deviations from this Protocol will only form the basis for
further discussion and coordination among the members of the Weld County Child Abuse
Coalition.
Therefore, it is acknowledged and agreed that:
• All parties are responsible for the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect
in Weld County.
• All parties understand this Protocol adheres to the Colorado Children's Code and the
Colorado Criminal Statutes.
• All parties desire to cooperate and will follow the Protocol to the best of their ability.
• All parties consider the protection of children a priority and all reasonable efforts will
be made to facilitate the reporting, investigation and treatment of children.
All parties understand this agreement, in no way, shall be construed to:
• Limit law enforcement's authority to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect;
limit the Department of Social Services, authority to assess, respond, and investigate
reports of child abuse and neglect, nor limit DSS, authority to make all subsequent
decisions on behalf of children placed in protective custody;
• Mandate the activities of respective agencies, but rather, is an indication that parties
shall use best efforts to comply with the intent of this agreement;
• Impose or imply financial responsibility on any agency for programs of the Coalition.
Given the above understanding, all parties shall comply with and require employees to comply
with this Protocol.
This agreement is effective October 27, 1994 until revisions require new agreements, all parties
terminate this agreement and/or any party terminates their participation with this agreement.
Any intent to terminate this agreement should be given in writing to the Coalition ninety (90)
days prior to termination of participation.
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
STATEMENT
OF
PURPOSE
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The goal of this Protocol is to facilitate an integrated, interdisciplinary team approach to
reporting, investigating and treating child abuse cases. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the
communication between individuals and agencies within the child abuse system resulting in
cooperative, complementary decision -making. The following elements have been identified to
enhance an interdisciplinary team approach:
• Clear roles and procedures;
• Training of staff regarding the working agreement, the Protocol, and to improve skills
for investigation and treatment; and
• Developing rapport and trust among agencies.
The Goal of this Protocol
To facilitate an integrated, interdisciplinary team approach to formalize
communication around reporting, investigating and treating child abuse cases. The Child Abuse
Resource Team (CART) consists of highly -trained professionals from all disciplines.
In order to accomplish these goals, this Protocol provides:
• Written agreements among agencies;
• Clarification points to avoid inadvertently overlooking vital factors;
• Definitions to ensure consistency;
• Role clarification and agency job descriptions;
• Procedures to follow in reporting, investigating and treating children/families;
• Uniform documents to be used throughout the county;
• A review process designed to address issues when the Protocol is not followed; and
• An annual evaluation and update of the Protocol using input from line, supervisory and
administrative personnel.
An effective system of child protection investigation and treatment, as well as subsequent
prosecution, requires a cooperative, coordinated, interactive approach among many agencies in
the community. The Child Abuse Resource Team are those individuals called upon to
investigate or treat suspected child abuse in Weld County and to coordinate their interaction with
other agencies involved with the same family.
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I - I Revised September 1997
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The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition recognizes the advantages for children, families, and
agencies using an inter -agency team approach in the investigation and treatment in child
protection cases. These advantages are summed up by the Colorado State Department of Social
Services (CSDSS) as follows:
For the Family: Fewer, more comprehensive interviews of the child and family members;
More comprehensive selection of services available for family; and
Increased safety for children through improved evaluation.
For the Agencies:
More complete and accurate data gathering and assessment;
Increased safety for child protection workers in volatile situations; and
Better informed decision -making, responsibility and multidisciplinary
support.
For the Community: Improved interagency cooperation;
Improved use of limited resources; and
Improved coordination and success of civil and criminal court
processes.
All policies and procedures in this Protocol have been written with the input of line, supervisory
and administrative personnel.
This Protocol operates from the provisions of the current Colorado Children's Code (CCC), and
Colorado Criminal Code.
Adopted October 1994
1-2 Revised September 1997
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STATEMENT OF ROLES
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
4'7281 Z
STATEMENT OF ROLES
WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (WCDSS)
The role of the Weld County Department of Social Services (WCDSS) is to protect children
whose physical, mental or emotional well-being is threatened by the actions or omissions of
parents, legal guardians or custodians, or persons responsible for providing out -of -home care,
including a foster parent, an employee of a residential child care facility, and a provider of family
child care or center -based child care. The focus of services shall be on providing for the child's
safety, enhancing the family functioning, and addressing the child's need for permanency. Staff
is available 24 hours a day to receive and investigate reports. Caseworkers do not have the legal
authority to take children into protective custody. 7.402.1 CSDSS (10 /1/ 92)
The focus of services shall be to provide for the child's safety,
enhance family functioning, make reasonable efforts to prevent
placements, and address the child's need for permanency.
WELD COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT (LE)
Law enforcement (LE) personnel have a responsibility for the protection and welfare of children
in the community through identification of situations involving danger to the physical well-being
of children. Officers will respond appropriately to and conduct a thorough investigation of all
reported incidents of child abuse and/or neglect, or exploitation of children. Law enforcement
officers have the legal responsibility to take children into protective custody when necessary.
Officers will conduct a thorough investigation of all reports involving the
well-being of children.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Medical professionals, typically physicians and/or nurses, conduct examinations and provide
medical treatment to children involved in the child abuse and neglect system. Due to the nature
of their services, medical professionals are involved with reporting suspected incidents, of child
abuse and neglect, as well as working closely with law enforcement and the Department of
Social Services during the investigation stage. Two areas of client's rights that impact on
medical professionals working in child abuse and neglect are privileged communication and
privacy and confidentiality.
Adopted October 1994
2-1 Revised September 1997
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WELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS
The primary role of Weld County schools is to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.
Any school employee having reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected
to abuse or neglect, or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions
which would result in abuse or neglect, shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to
the Weld County Department of Social Services or the local law enforcement agency (CCC 19-3-
304). After reporting to social services or law enforcement, a report should be made to the Child
Abuse Resource Team (CART) member in your school. School employees do not conduct
detailed interviews with the child, contact family members, or take part in the investigative
interview.
CHILD ABUSE RESOURCE TEAM (CART)
CART is composed of individuals who work in the area of child abuse/neglect within the normal
scope of their responsibilities to their agency and jurisdictions. CART members are specialized
in their fields and will form the communication link between their various entities. Some
organizations may have several CART members. Each CART member is responsible for taking
the lead in his/her specialized area and coordinating with other appropriate CART members. For
example, if a joint investigation is required, social services and law enforcement CART members
will take the lead and coordinate with others, like medical members and district attorneys. Each
CART member has their own specific role and goals. The objective of the CART members is to
bridge communication gaps and promote coordinated efforts in order to improve services to
children and families.
TREATMENT PROVIDERS
Several agencies provide treatment services for families and children involved with the child
abuse and neglect system. Due to the nature of the involvement with children and families,
treatment providers also take the role of reporting parties when they suspect child abuse or
neglect has occurred. Typically, these services can be accessed through non-profit and private
for-profit agencies. Listed in the Treatment Section are both types of agencies that are active
participants in the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition. Also noted in that section are the hours
and cost of available services.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Mental Health Professionals provide a variety of services offering emotional and psychological
support and assessment for individuals and families. Mental health professionals include clinical
psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and
marriage/family therapists. Due to the nature of their services, the therapist's role falls into
treating child abuse and neglect with their main objective to provide a safe and private
environment for their clients. Client's rights are covered in the 1986 Protection and Advocacy
Bill for Mentally Ill Individuals. These rights cover areas such as access to records without prior
consent and protection from abuse and neglect. Two areas of client's rights that impact on
Adopted October 1994
2-2 Revised September 1997
972613
mental health professionals working in child abuse and neglect are privileged communication or
privacy and confidentiality. Though there are stringent ethics and procedures that govern this
area, therapists are also required by law to report suspected child abuse cases.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROFESSIONALS
Alcohol and drug professionals offer emotional and psychological support and assessment for
individuals and families around alcohol and drug abuse. Client's rights are covered in the federal
laws and the state licensing standards. Alcohol and drug counselors tend to work with adults and
intervene with children when they are included in family counseling or are using alcohol/drugs in
order to escape abuse. As with mental health professionals, there are non-profit and private
providers from which clients can choose.
CIVIL AND CRIMINAL COURT
Both courts become involved with child abuse and neglect cases and at times, the same case may
be heard in both courts. The courts function independently of each other and require different
levels of proof in order to establish guilt. Because of this, most child abuse cases are heard in the
civil court.
Civil courts are involved with Dependency & Neglect (D&N) cases where the court determines
the status of a child as abused or neglected. If it is established that the child is abused (D&N), it
becomes the court's role to oversee progress on the treatment plan and determine if treatment
plan requirements have been met. Treatment plans are made around families' capabilities and
needs. If families do not meet basic treatment plan requirements, the court may be called upon to
oversee the trial that may terminate parental rights.
Criminal law and court proceedings deal with conduct that is legally forbidden and sets forth the
penalties for conduct violations. The purpose of criminal law is to protect the public safety and
prevent harm to the community. Criminal law governs individual conduct in relation to society.
The criminal court's role in child abuse and neglect is to determine the innocence or guilt of the
alleged perpetrator and typically is in the area of physical and/or sexual assault.
GUARDIANS AD LITEM
Guardians ad litem (GAL) play critical roles in the child abuse and neglect system. A GAL is
appointed by the court on all dependency & neglect cases. The GAL does not necessarily
represent a child's desires. It is the role of the GAL to investigate and formulate an independent
position concerning the child's best interest. The GAL assumes a pivotal professional role in
litigation. As an attorney of record in the case, the GAL shall be included with all other parties
of record on all settings, certificates of mailing and hand delivery. The GAL shall receive copies
of all parties' pleadings and participate, where appropriate, in all depositions and negotiations.
The GAL shall be given notice of all hearings. depositions, staffings and settings.
Adopted October 1994
2-3 Revised September 1997
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THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
This attorney represents the state in prosecuting those defendants accused of a crime or involved
in a civil dispute. In Weld County, the District Attorney's office prosecutes criminal child abuse
and neglect cases and the County Attorney's office prosecutes civil cases. In most instances, the
prosecuting attorney acts as a conduit between law enforcement and the Department of Social
Services and the courts by screening and prosecuting only those cases which warrant
prosecution. Neither victims or law enforcement can directly initiate the prosecution of criminal
cases.
DEFENSE /PARENT ATTORNEYS
These attorneys are appointed by the court or hired by the families/individuals to defend their
rights in dependency and neglect and/or criminal cases. All parents, guardians, or legal
custodians have the right to counsel in either civil or criminal court and by law, the state is
responsible for providing indigent defendants/parents with lawyers. A defense attorney is
responsible for representing and protecting the defendant's/parent's interests and for advising the
client of legal and strategic options of the case.
THE WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE COALITION
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition is responsible for the creation, oversight, evaluation
and
revision of:
• a written Protocol of standardized policies and procedures that adhere to the Colorado
Children's Code and the Colorado Revised Statutes title 18;
• a 19th Judicial A Family Compass Program:
• A Kid's Place for interviewing children who are alleged victims of sexual abuse, and
severe physical abuse; and
• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) trained volunteers to provide the court
with independent and objective information regarding children in dependency and
neglect cases.
Adopted October 1994
2-4 Revised September 1997
972613
CHILD ABUSE RESOURCE
TEAM (CART)
AND
THE WELD COUNTY
CHILD ABUSE COALITION
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
CHILD ABI JSE RESOI JRCE TEAM (CART)
CART is composed of individuals who work in the area of child abuse/neglect within the normal
scope of their responsibilities to their agencies and jurisdictions. CART members are specialized
in their fields and will form the communication link between their various entities. Some
organizations may have several CART members. Each CART member is responsible for taking
the lead in his/her specialized area and coordinating with other appropriate CART members. For
example, if a joint investigation is required, the social services caseworker and law enforcement
officer (CART members) will take the lead and coordinate with other CART members (i.e.,
medical/district attorney) Each CART member has his/her own specific role and goals. The
objective of the CART is to bridge communication gaps and promote coordinated efforts in order
to improve services to children and families.
CART
is a multi -discipline group of specialists throughout the county who work
together in various capacities in the Weld County child abuse and neglect
system.
CART PURPOSE
CART has been designed by the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition which is responsible for
the creation, evaluation, and revision of a written Protocol that adheres to the current Colorado
Children's Code and the Colorado Criminal Code. (See Weld County Child Abuse Coalition
Role). CART is designed to:
• provide a systematic communication link to expedite reporting, investigating and
treating child abuse and neglect in Weld County;
• promote cooperative and collaborative team efforts to maximize the effectiveness of
the child abuse and neglect system, while minimizing trauma to children and
families;
• enhance understanding and define the unique roles of each organization, agency, and
professional group within the child abuse and neglect system; and
• implement the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition Protocol.
CART ORGANIZATIONS
The following organizations, groups of professionals. and agencies have designated staff as
CART members to work with the various components in the Weld County child abuse and
neglect system. Each organization, agency and/or individual has agreed to support the free
Adopted October 1994
3-1 Revised September 1997
972613
participation of their CART members at CART trainings (about three (3) hours a year). Other
meetings for CART members will be those already included in their job description surrounding
their unique role in the child abuse and neglect system in Weld County. The following list is not
all encompassing of the organizations involved in this project.
• Weld County Department of • Weld County Sheriffs Office
Social Services
• 19th Judicial District Court • Greeley Police Department
• Weld County Law Enforcement • Weld County District Attorney's Office
Agencies
• Weld County School Districts • Medical Professionals
• Weld Board of Cooperative • Legal Professionals
Educational Services
• North Range Behavioral Health
• Island Grove Treatment Center
• Treatment Providers
• Child Advocacy Resource &
Education, Inc.
• Weld County Health Department
• Foster Care Professionals
• Mental Health Professionals
• United Way of Weld County
CART MEMBERS
CART members represent their organization and bring their expertise to the various components
of the child abuse and neglect system. CART members are listed by organization/agency name
in Appendix A. NOTE: Not all CART members will he involved in every ca. e.
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3-2 Revised September 1997
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ROLE OF CART MEMBERS
CART members have several roles in the child abuse and neglect system. These roles are
defined in the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition Protocol, which adheres to the Colorado
Children's Code and Criminal Code and require participants:
To read, understand, and adhere to the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition Protocol
including:
• taking the lead in specific areas where their agency, organization and/or professional
group is legally responsible and is so designated in the Protocol;
• communicating appropriate information back to their agency, organization and/or
professional group in order to keep the system running efficiently and effectively;
• notifying verbally and in writing other organizations/ agencies or CART members as
designated in the Protocol; and
• keeping all materials and information confidential and disclosing only to those
appropriate people on the CART or in the organization or agency who have been
authorized access to the information by the client on a release of information form.
To actively cooperate and assist with reporting, investigating, and treating children and adults
who are involved in child abuse and neglect. This includes:
• cooperating with the 19th Judicial District Coordinator of A Family Compass in
attending staffings and submitting written information when appropriate and requested;
and
• cooperating with A Kid's Place staff by attending interviews, submitting reports,
conducting medical assessments and attending case review staffings when appropriate
and requested.
• cooperating with CASA staff and volunteers by providing requested information, as
mandated by court order.
To attend trainings provided by the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition (about 3 hours
annually) and to share their organization's expertise on the issues of child abuse and neglect with
other CART members during training sessions.
Adopted October 1994
3-3 Revised September 1997
o.-fnns a
CART ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
CART consists of several areas of participation to fulfill the above stated purposes.
THE REPORTING CART MEMBERS
Composition
These are primarily school personnel, mental health and human service professionals. Reporting
procedures have been outlined in the Reporting section. Within each school or agency, the
CART member will:
• Assist with talking with the child;
• Assist with making report information complete;
• Assist with completing written report;
• Give emotional, educational and training support; and
• Assist with physical information.
These CART Members will have regularly scheduled communications with the Department of
Social Services and will serve as the link between his/her agency reporting parties and the
investigative CART members. These CART members will pass on information about the status
of the case to the reporting party within one week.
THE INVESTIGATING CART MEMBERS
Composition
This component of CART will include:
• Law enforcement
• Department of Social Services
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3-4 Revised September 1997
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The type of case will determine who will coordinate the efforts between the two organizations.
The Weld County Sheriffs Office is available to assist local law enforcement municipalities in
their investigation of child abuse and neglect cases. Note: The Weld County Sheriffs Office
assistance is not required. The head of the local law enforcement municipality may request
this assistance.
• Medical personnel will be part of the investigative CART members when social services or
law enforcement request a physical assessment.
• A Kid's Place may coordinate other investigative CART members when it is utilized by
social services or law enforcement.
DSS and law enforcement will involve reporting CART members and treatment CART members
as the investigation requires.
TREATMENT CART MEMBERS
Composition
This component of CART will include:
• Department of Social Services on -going caseworkers;
• Agencies providing direct services to families and children (See Treatment Section);
• All attorneys involved with Dependency & Neglect and criminal cases;
• The 19th Judicial District Court Coordinator of A Family Compass on designated
cases; and
• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) on assigned cases.
The type of case will determine who will be involved and the extent of their involvement. It is
the role of the Department of Social Services to coordinate services offered to families through
treatment providers.
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3-5 Revised September 1997
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THE WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE COALITION
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition (WCCAC) is responsible for the creation, evaluation
and revision of:
• a written Protocol that adheres to the Colorado Children's Code, Title 19, and the Colorado
Revised Statutes Title 18;
• a 19th Judicial Coordinator of A Family Compass position; and
• A Kid's Place for examining and interviewing children who are alleged victims of sexual
abuse, severe physical abuse and potentially criminal prosecutable cases of child abuse and
neglect.
• CASA of Weld County for representing the best interests of children in assigned
Dependency & Neglect cases.
In order to oversee these projects, the Coalition has designed the following structure and
responsibilities. These committees are responsible for bringing issues and recommendations
back to the members of the Coalition for decisions. The Coalition determines policy and
direction for these committees. Decisions by the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition
committees will be made by consensus. No official action on any of the above -stated goals can
be taken without advance notice to all members of the Coalition about the action to be decided
upon and the meeting time that a decision will be reached. United Way of Weld County will
serve as the staff and fiscal agent for the Coalition and its committees until another agency is so
designated by the Coalition.
Adopted October 1994
3-6 Revised September 1997
972623.
THE COALITION'S PROTOCOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
composition
The Protocol Advisory Committee will consist of the CEOs and/or assigned personnel of:
• Weld County Department of Social • Weld County Sheriffs Office
Services
• Greeley Police Department • 19th Judicial District Court
• North Range Behavioral Health • United Way of Weld County
• District Attorney's Office • Weld County Schools
• Child Advocacy Resource & • Weld County Chiefs of Police
Education. Inc.
• Weld County Board of Cooperative • Treatment Providers
Educational Services
Protocol Advisory Committee Member Responsibilities and Duties:
• Review, update and establish policies and procedures for implementing the Protocol;
• Render full support to their organization's CART members;
• Evaluate and recommend changes based on concerns and suggestions about the
Protocol;
• Bring conflicts and issues between organizations and agencies to the attention of the
Coalition for suggestions and resolution; and
• Design a communication network.
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3-7 Revised September 1997
972613
THE COALITION'S A FAMILY COMPASS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Composition
The A Family Compass Advisory Committee will consist of the CEOs or assigned
representatives of:
• 19th Judicial District
• Guardians ad Litem
• Child Advocacy Resource &
Education, Inc.
• United Way of Weld County
• Weld County Department of Social
Services
• Parent's Attorneys
• North Range Behavioral Health
• Parents
A Family Compass Advisory Committee Member Responsibilities and Duties:
• Support efforts to gain acquisition of funds for A Family Compass;
• Oversee the Coordinator of A Family Compass including the development of policies
and procedures; and
• Establish an appropriate manner to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the
Program.
• Develop additional methods of streamlining Dependency & Neglect cases.
THE COALITION'S A KID'S PLACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Composition
A Kid's Place Advisory Committee will consist of the CEOs or assigned representatives of:
• 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office
• Law Enforcement
• United Way of Weld County
• Child Advocacy Resource & Education, Inc.
• North Range Behavioral Health
• Weld County Department of Social Services
• Doctor(s) representing the medical community
• 19th Judicial District
• Community At Large
Adopted October 1994
3-8 Revised Septeb,_1991 -4b13
A Kid's Place Advisory Committee Member Responsibilities and Duties:
• To educate families and children using the services of A Kid's Place about the child
abuse and neglect system;
• Support efforts to gain acquisition of funds for A Kid's Place building and staff;
• Oversee A Kid's Place building and staff, until such time that A Kid's Place becomes
independent or is permanently housed under another agency;
• In this capacity, develop policies and procedures for A Kid's Place; and
• Establish an appropriate manner to track child abuse and neglect cases to determine if
A Kid's Place is effective.
THE COALITION'S CASA ( O RT APPOINT D P IA ADVO AT I ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Composition
The CASA Advisory Committee will consist of the CEOs or assigned representatives of:
• 19th Judicial District
• Guardians ad Litem
• Community at Large
• Weld County Department of Social
Services
• Child Advocacy Resource and Education,
Inc.
• Various Comunity Agencies
A CASA Advisory Committee Member Responsibilities and Duties:
• To establish a CASA of Weld County;
• To oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of CASA volunteers;
• To assist in community awareness, publicity and fundraising for CASA of Weld
County; and
• To adhere to the National Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates
standards.
Adopted October 1994
3-9 Revised September 1997
972613
IDENTIFYING
CHILD ABUSE
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
IDENTIFYING CHILD ABUSE
ABUSE AND NEGLECT
LEGAL DEFINITION
According to the Children's Code (19-1-103(1)(a), "Abuse" or "child abuse or neglect", as used
in part 3 of article 3 of this title, means an act or omission in one of the following categories that
threatens the health or welfare of a child:
(I) Any case in which a child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding , malnutrition,
failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death
and either: Such condition or death is not justifiably explained; the history given concerning
such condition is at variance with the degree or type of such condition or death; or the
circumstances indicate that such condition may not be the product of an accidental occurrence;
(II) Any case in which a child is subjected to sexual assault or molestation, sexual
exploitation, or prostitution;
(III) Any case in which a child is a child in need of services because the child's parents.
legal guardian, or custodian fails to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing,
shelter, medical care, or supervision that a prudent parent would take. The requirements of this
subparagraph (III) shall be subject to the provisions of section 19-3-103.
(IV) Any case in which a child is subjected to emotional abuse. As used in this
subparagraph (IV), "Emotional Abuse," means an identifiable and substantial impairment of the
child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development or a substantial risk or
impairment of the child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development.
(V) Any act or omission described under "Neglected or dependent child" in section 19-3-
102:
• A parent, guardian, or legal custodian has abandoned the child or has subjected him or her to
mistreatment or abuse or a parent, guardian, or legal custodian has suffered or allowed
another to mistreat or abuse the child without taking lawful means to stop such mistreatment
or abuse and prevent it from recurring;
• The child lacks proper parental care through the actions or omissions of the parent, guardian,
or legal custodian;
• The child's environment is injurious to his or her welfare;
• A parent, guardian, or legal custodian fails or refuses to provide the child with proper or
necessary subsistence, education, medical care, or any other care necessary for his or her
health, guidance, or well-being;
• The child is homeless, without proper care, or not domiciled with his or her parent, guardian,
or legal custodian through no fault of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian;
Adopted October 1994
4-1 Revised September 1997
972613
• The child has run away from home or is otherwise beyond the control of his or her parent,
guardian, or legal custodian;
• A parent, guardian, or legal custodian has subjected another child or children to an
identifiable pattern of habitual abuse; and
• Such parent, guardian, or legal custodian has been the respondent in another proceeding
under this article in which a court has adjudicated another child to be neglected or
dependent based upon allegations of sexual or physical abuse, or a court of competent
jurisdiction has determined that such parent's, guardian's, or legal custodian's abuse or
neglect has caused the death of another child; and
• The pattern of habitual abuse and the type of abuse pose a current threat to the child.
(b) In all cases, those investigating reports of child abuse shall take into account accepted
child -rearing practices of the culture in which the child participates. Nothing in this subsection
(1) shall refer to acts that could be construed to be a reasonable exercise of parental discipline or
to acts reasonably necessary to subdue a child being taken into custody pursuant to section 19-2-
502 that are performed by a peace officer, level I, as defined in section 18-1-901(3)(1), acting in
the good faith performance of the officer's duties.
• Intrafamilial Abuse & Neglect Any instance of child abuse listed above that occurs
within a family context by a child's parent, stepparent, guardian, legal custodian, or relative,
by spousal equivalent, or by any other person who resides in the child's home or who is
regularly in the child's home for the purpose of exercising authority over or care for the
child. This does not include any person who is regularly in the child's home for the purpose
of rendering care for the child if the person is paid for this and is not related to the child.
According to the parameters stated in the WCDSS staff manual (7.402.3, 1011/92),
circumstances that are abusive or neglectful include but are not limited to the following:
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical abuse occurs when there is evidence the child has experienced physical harm or injury
by the parent or caretaker, or has been subjected to circumstances that could reasonably pose a
serious threat of physical harm. The following indicators when found in groups or when
following a pattern may be an indication of abuse.
Physical Indicators
• unexplained bruises (in various stages of healing), welts, human bite marks, bald spots
• unexplained bums (cigarette or scalding water immersion)
• unexplained fractures, lacerations, or abrasions
Behavioral Indicators
• self-destructive
• withdrawn and aggressive behavioral extremes
• uncomfortable with physical contact
Adopted October 1994
4-2 Revised September 1997
972613
• arrives at school/daycare early or stays late, as if afraid to be at home
• chronically runs away
• complains of soreness or moves uncomfortably
• wears clothing to cover body inappropriate to weather
SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual abuse occurs when a child has been subjected to sexual intercourse, sexual contact,
including touching of the genitals, buttocks, or breasts. Sexual abuse also includes actions and
behaviors when there is not physical contact, including but not limited to exhibitionism, sexual
exploitation, and pornography. The following indicators when found in groups or when
following a pattern may be an indication of abuse.
Physical Indicators
• torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• pain or itching in genital area
• difficulty walking or sitting
• bruises or bleeding in external genitalia
• venereal disease
• frequent urinary or yeast infections
• often there are no visible indicators
• a recent onset of wetting and/or soiling
Behavioral Indicators
• withdrawal, chronic depression
• excessive seductiveness
• role reversal, overly concerned for siblings
• poor self-esteem, self -devaluation, lack of confidence
• peer problems, lack of involvement
• massive weight change
• eating disorders
• suicide attempts
• hysteria, lack of emotional control
• sudden school difficulties '
• chronically runs away
• inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex
• threatened by physical contact, closeness
Adopted October 1994
4-3 Revised September 1997
972613
Third -Party Sexual Abuse occurs when a child is subjected to abuse or neglect by any person
who is not a parent, stepparent, legal custodian, spousal equivalent, or any other person included
in the definition of "intrafamilial abuse." Law enforcement shall be responsible for the
coordination and investigation of such abuse and neglect if the suspected perpetrator is ten years
of age or older; the Department of Social Services is responsible if the suspected perpetrator is
under the age of ten. A report should be made to the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction
where the abuse or neglect occurred.
Law enforcement shall be responsible for the coordination and
investigation of third -party sexual abuse and neglect if the suspected
perpetrator is ten years of age or older.
Gang issues are to be referred to law enforcement
NEGLECT OF BASIC NEEDS
Neglect occurs when the parent or caretaker fails, either deliberately or through inability, to take
those actions necessary to provide a child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or other essential
care. The following indicators where found in groups or when following a pattern may be
indication of abuse.
Physical Indicators
• abandonment
• unattended medical needs
• consistent lack of supervision
• consistent hunger, inappropriate
dress, poor hygiene
• distended stomach, emaciated
• school dropout
Behavioral Indicators
• regularly displays fatigue or
listlessness, falls asleep in class
• steals food, begs from classmates
• reports that no caretaker is at home
• frequently absent or tardy or self-
destructive
Other areas that fall under the neglect of basic needs area are:
• Educational Neglect occurs when the parent or caretaker either, through action or
omission, fails to provide for the child's education and/or school attendance;
Truancy issues are to be handled by schools and follow school truancy procedures when truancy
is the only issue with the child. Should you suspect child abuse and/or neglect issues and truancy
happens to be one of the signs, call the Department of Social Services.
• Abandonment occurs when the child has no parental support nor available alternate
caretaker;
Adopted October 1994
4-4 Revised September 1997
972613
• Medical Neglect occurs when the child requires medical treatment that the
parent/caretaker has not provided due to negligence or religious beliefs, and the failure
to treat is life -threatening or could cause serious impairment to the child's functioning;
• Emotional Maltreatment occurs when the parent or caretaker's acts or omissions have
caused, or are likely to cause, injury or impairment to the child's psychological capacity
or functioning;
• J,ack of Supervision occurs when the child's age and skill level would require parental
supervision and could or did result in harm to the child. If you find a child alone and
believe being left alone will result in harm to that child, call law enforcement. If you
believe the child is okay, but notice a pattern of being left alone that you believe is
inappropriate, call social services.
The Children's Code lists no set age that is legally permissible to leave a
child alone.
• Lack of Adequate Care occurs when the parent is unavailable to provide care
due to incarceration or hospitalization and there is no alternate caretaker.
Adopted October 1994
4-5 Revised September 1997
972613
REPORTING
CHILD ABUSE
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
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REPORTING CHIT ,D ART TSFC
Persons required to report child abuse and neglect who have reasonable cause to know, suspect
or have observed a child subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result
in abuse or neglect will immediately report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the
county department or local law enforcement agency. (CCC 19-3-304)
FAILURE TO REPORT PROMPTLY
MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY. IT IS A CLASS
THREE MISDEMEANOR WITH A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SIX
MONTHS IN THE COUNTY JAIL AND A FINE OF $750. IT MAY ALSO
CREATE CIVIL LIABILITY FOR MONETARY DAMAGES FOR ANY
INJURIES CAUSED TO THE CHILD AFTER THE TIME OF THE FAILURE
TO REPORT.
A person who makes a report of child abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil or
criminal liability and is protected from loss of employment due to the report, unless it was done
in a willful, wanton, and malicious manner. (CCC 19-3-309)
See Identifying Child Abuse section 4
Intrafamilial Abuse & Neglect Any instance of child abuse listed that occurs within a family
context by a child's parent, stepparent, guardian, legal custodian, or relative, by spousal
equivalent, or by any other person who resides in the child's home or who is regularly in the
child's home for the purpose of exercising authority over or care for the child. This does not
include any person who is regularly in the child's home for the purpose of rendering care for the
child if the person is paid for this and is not related to the child. Report all Intrafamilial Abuse
and Neglect to the Department of Social Services.
Third -Party Sexual Abuse occurs when a child is subjected to abuse or neglect by any person
who is not a parent, stepparent, legal custodian, spousal equivalent, or any other person included
in the definition of "intrafamilial abuse." Law enforcement shall be responsible for the
coordination and investigation of such abuse and neglect if the suspected perpetrator is ten
years of age or older; the Department of Social Services is responsible if the suspected
perpetrator is under the age of ten. A report should be made to the law enforcement agency in
the jurisdiction where the abuse or neglect occurred.
Adopted October 1994
5-1 Revised September l Q 13
The following are mandated reporters:
• Physician or surgeon, including a physician
in training
• Child health associate
• Medical examiner or coroner
• Dentist
• Osteopath
• Optometrist
• Chiropractor
• Chiropodist or podiatrist
• Registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
• Hospital personnel engaged in the admission,
care or treatment of patients
• Christian science practitioner
• Victim Advocate
• Public or private school official or
employee
• Social worker or worker in a family child
care home, employer -sponsored on -site
child care center, child care center, or
foster care home
• Fireman
• Mental health professional
• Dental hygienist
• Psychologist
• Physical therapist
• Veterinarian
• Peace officer
• Pharmacist
• Commercial film and photographic
print processor
Reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect shall be made immediately to the
Department of Social Services or the local law enforcement agency where the abuse or neglect
occurred.
Adopted October 1994
5-2 Revised September 1997
972613
If you suspect abuse make a report to
Weld County Department of Social Services
Child Protection Intake Phone Number
322-1923 ext. 6211
or Law Enforcement at 970-350-9600
All after hours and weekend calls and reports are connected directly to a law enforcement
dispatcher (970-350-9600), who notifies a social services emergency caseworker and/or a law
enforcement officer to investigate.
In Emergency Situations
••CALL 911••
The obligation to report is that of the person who has reason to know or suspect that
abuse/neglect has occurred. It is not sufficient to notify one's supervisor or any other
person.
If your agency has established policies for the reporting of child abuse and neglect that require
the person with knowledge to notify a supervisor or administrator so that they can make the
report, please note: the person suspecting the abuse, by law, must make the report or make sure
that his/her agency has in fact reported.
If a mandated reporter is unsure if the situation warrants reporting - make the report
It is NOT the responsibility of the reporting party to:
• do any investigation;
• contact the family or the suspected perpetrator;
• determine the cause of the injuries; or
• gather further information from the child or others. It is the investigator's (social
services and/or law enforcement) role to ask further questions. Say, "No!" if you are
asked to gather further information.
All reporting parties are required by law to follow the verbal report with
a written report form. Please send the form in Appendix G to the
Department of Social Services within three (3) days of making the verbal
report.
Adopted October 1994
5-3 Revised September 1997
972613
REPORTING PROCEDURES FOR WELD COUNTY SCHOOLS
"Any and every public or private school official or employee who has reasonable cause to know
or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being
subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall
immediately report or cause a report to be made... " Colorado Children's Code.
All Weld County schools and schools associated with the Weld County Board of Cooperative
Educational Services understand their role is to report or cause a report to be made. It is NOT
the school's role or responsibility to investigate or prove the abuse has occurred.
DSS & LE have the authority to conduct interviews on school property.
CC 19-3-308
RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO A CHILD'S DISCLOSURE OF ABUSE
Children disclose abuse in a variety of ways. Most abused and neglected children demonstrate
educational, behavioral and/or psychological problems in the school environment. (See
Identification of Abuse, p.) As a school employee, making a request to the Department of Social
Services (DSS) or Law Enforcement (LE) to investigate a child's environment once you
SUSPECT abuse/neglect is a professional response and an appropriate means of advocating for
children. Remember, Section 19-3-309 of the Colorado Children's Code (CCC) states: school
officials or employees participating in good faith in making a report of suspected abuse and/or
neglect are immune from liability, unless made in a willful, wanton, and malicious manner.
As a school employee, your role is critical in the child protection system. Schools are the
number one reporting party in Weld County. Children perceive you as trustworthy and "safe."
Though it would make things easier if children would disclose abuse through direct and specific
communication, in most cases, this doesn't happen. More often children will disclose through
indirect means such as:
• "Our neighbor wears funny underwear."
• "My brother bothers me at night."
• "Promise not to tell - I have a secret."
Occasionally a child will disclose during a class session. It is important for the educator to
acknowledge the disclosure and not discuss it in front of other students. It is important to talk
with the child in a quiet, private place.
Adopted October 1994
5-4 Revised September 1997
972613
Handling unsolicited and solicited disclosure can be difficult. Remember, your role is to report
suspected abuse, therefore, informational questioning of a child must be kept to a minimum.
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition expects the written documentation of the report forms
in the Appendix and discourages interviews that are unnecessary, duplicative, or otherwise not in
the best interest of the child.
A member of social services or law enforcement will do the actual investigation of the incident to
get the facts, tell the family a report has been filed, and check the child's condition This means
that once child abuse/neglect is suspected:
• Don't attempt to gather detailed information from the child.
• Don't use dolls, puppets, or drawings to get the child to talk or show you what
happened.
• Don't rephrase important thoughts for the child.
• Don't put words in the child's silence. Let the child tell the story.
• Don't involve the child in decisions that are not theirs - such as reporting.
• Don't call the child's parents.
• Don't promise confidentiality.
TALKING WITH THE CHILD
• Ask questions only to determine if the child's explanation of the injury is reasonable,
such as "What happened?" or " How did this happen to you?"
• LISTEN and SUPPORT the child through active listening.
• Let the child know that you cannot promise not to tell if the secret is something that
can hurt him or her.
• Try not to show shock, anger, disgust or unbelief or make negative comments about
the perpetrator.
• Let the child know you must report the abuse to someone who has helped other
children and their families in similar situations.
• Let the child know the range of possibilities that may happen when the report is made.
• Let the child know that the adults are responsible for making the report.
• Assure the child that telling you was the right thing to do - they made a good choice for
themselves.
MAKING THE REPORT
Call the appropriate agency.
• Whether your suspicion has come from solicited or unsolicited information, the next
step is to CALL the Weld County Department of Social Services: 352-1923 ext.
6211.
Adopted October 1994
5-5 Revised September 1997
972613
• If a child is considered to be in inunediate danger of a severe nature, CALL 911. By
"immediate": if abuse is happening in your presence, you have been that it is going on,
or it has just occurred.
• If social services is unable to respond and they deem the situation critical enough not to
release the child from school, they will ask you to CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT:
350-9600 (24 -hour line).
• If you suspect the abuse happened by a third party or stranger CALL LAW
ENFORCEMENT: 350-9600 (24 -hour line).
• If you contact social services and/or law enforcement and a joint investigation is
required, it is their responsibility, not yours, to contact each other.
• If the child/famiiy is monolingual and/or does not speak English as a primary
language, please let DSS & LE know so they can bring an interpreter.
• If a child under 10 inappropriately touches another child report the incident(s) to the
intake worker at the Department of Social Services. The Department of Social
Services will attempt to interview the children involved if given permission by their
parents. The Department of Social Services requests adequate time to pursue an
interview before school personnel follows up with those involved. Incidents involving
children who are 10 or older should be reported to law enforcement. In both
circumstances the reporting form should be completed.
The person with the knowledge is, by law, responsible for reporting
or must cause a report to be made. The written report form content
must be completed by the person with the knowledge.
Complete your written report (See Appendix G)
• The report will be followed immediately by the written report in the Appendix.
• This form will be forwarded to the appropriate agency, the Department of Social
Services, within three working days following the verbal report.
• Send a copy of the report to the designated area/person in your school district.
• Keep this information confidential.
The verbal report is followed by a written report within three working days.
Contact your CART member (See Appendix G). Your CART member is available for the
following support:
• Assist you in talking with the child;
• Assist you in making your report information complete;
• Assist you in completing your written report;
• Give you emotional and educational support; and
• Assist with physical information.
Adopted October 1994
5-6 Revised September 1997
972613
One of your CART members will be able to let you know the status of your report within one
week once they have called the Department of Social Services Intake Supervisor.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Social services and law enforcement will determine the response time or that no response is
required.
One of your CART members will review all school reports with DSS on a weekly basis by
calling the Department of Social Services Intake Supervisor. You will know the status of your
report within one week (5 working days) of that review. At that time, you will be informed about
the disposition of your report, including:
• whether the report was substantiated or not;
• the risk factor assessed at the time of the investigation; and
• the name of the caseworker, if assigned.
When social services and law enforcement determine response is required, the following
happens:
• The child will be interviewed by social services and/or law enforcement either at the
school or at A Kid's Place;
• All cases of suspected sexual abuse and severe physical abuse will require
transportation of the child to A Kid's Place; and
• A risk factor to assess the child's level of safety will be determined during the
investigation.
Schools do have the right to contact parents when their children are being interviewed by law
enforcement and social services when the parent is not suspected of being the perpetrator. In
other cases, such as a child witnessing an accident or a child being abused by a third party, the
school, using judicious response, may contact the parents of the child being interviewed.
Social services and law enforcement personnel will notify the school building administrator
when an interview will take place on school property. A school representative will be present in
the interview when it is in the best interest of the child and there is mutual agreement among the
school, social services, and/or law enforcement personnel. School personnel present during an
interview are observers only and will not ask questions, make suggestions, or remind the child of
what the child may have told them earlier.
Adopted October 1994
5-7 Revised September 1997
972613
NOTE
If you attend an interview, be prepared to identify yourself to social
services or law enforcement because you become a witness and may
receive a court order to testify in later court proceedings. Do not attend
the interview until you make accurate, specific, written notes with regard to
what the child said to you prior to the interview. These notes must be
preserved because they may be required to be produced in later court
proceedings by court order. DO NOT discuss your observations or any
statements the child may have made to you with other witnesses.
Social services and law enforcement personnel have authority to interview a suspected child
abuse victim on school premises. In cases other than suspected child abuse, social services and
law enforcement personnel will follow building or school district policy and procedures
regarding student contact and interviews on school premises.
School policy cannot require school personnel be present during interviews of suspected child
abuse victims by social services and/or law enforcement personnel. School personnel may attend
an interview of this nature when it is in the best interest of the child and there is mutual
agreement by school and social services and/or law enforcement personnel. When mutual
agreement cannot be reached, law enforcement has the authority to remove the child from school
premises in order to conduct the interview elsewhere.
Keep written documentation files confidential. Notes need to be accurate and include dates,
times, and other relevant information. Notes need to be preserved because they may be required
to be produced in later court proceedings by court order.
In high risk cases, the CART member assigned by the school will notify reporting school
personnel within three working days of the CART member receiving a report status update from
the Department of Social Services. A CART member will be assigned by the school to contact
the Department of Social Services Intake Supervisor to get information about reports made by
school personnel. The assigned CART member will review school reports with the Intake
Supervisor on a weekly basis and provide information to reporting staff as soon as possible.
Parents requesting information pertaining to a report of suspected child abuse will be referred to
the Department of Social Services and/or law enforcement agency investigating the case.
If further abuse of the same child is suspected after a report has been made - MAKE A
REPORT.
Adopted October 1994
5-8 Revised September 1997
972613
If an anonymous caller wants the school to make a report and if the callers' information causes
school personnel to reasonably suspect child abuse may have occurred - MAKE A REPORT.
YOUTH IN CONFLICT. This devision of the Department of Social Services provides services
to children ages 12 - 18 who are involved in some kind of conflict with their family or their
community that does not involve child abuse issues. Parents can request services or the court
orders the department to assist these children to deal with their conflicts. Typically, these
children are involved with the juvenile justice system. The key with this is that the parents must
request the services. A Youth in Conflict caseworker can be reached by calling the Department
of Social Services (352-1923).
THIRD PARTY ABUSE AND NEGLECT BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
Colorado Revised Statutes, 19-3-308(5.7), as amended:
Upon initial investigation of a report alleging abuse or neglect in which the suspected perpetrator
was acting in his official capacity as an employee of a school district, if the Department of Social
Services or the local law enforcement agency reasonably believes that an incident of abuse or
neglect has occurred, it shall immediately notify the superintendent of the school district who
shall consider such a report to be confidential information; except that the superintendent shall
notify the department of education of such investigation
Colorado Revised Statutes, 19-3-308(4.5)(c), as amended:
A teacher, employee, volunteer, or staff person of an institution who is alleged to have
committed an act of child abuse shall be temporarily suspended from his position at the
institution with pay, or reassigned to other duties which would remove the risk of harm to the
child victim or other children under such person's custody or control, if there is reasonable cause
to believe that the life or health of the victim or other children at the institution is in imminent
danger due to continued contact between the alleged perpetrator and a child at the institution.
The school district will take action necessary to protect the child victim or other children at the
school if the school district has reasonable cause to believe the child victim or other children at
the school are in imminent danger due to continued contact between the alleged perpetrator and a
child at the school.
The employee will not be encouraged or ordered to cooperate with local law enforcement by
school district officials during the criminal. investigation. The decision by the employee to
cooperate or otherwise assist local law enforcement during the criminal investigation must be
free and voluntary in accordance to constitutional rights afforded any citizen.
Adopted October 1994
5-9 Revised September 1997
972613
A public employee suspended pursuant to the law shall be accorded and may exercise due
process rights, including notice of the proposed suspension and an opportunity to be heard, and
any due process rights provided under the laws of this state governing public employment and
under any applicable individual or group contractual agreement.
Colorado Revised Statutes, 19-3-308(5.3)(c), as amended:
When the investigation involves a suspected perpetrator who was acting in his official capacity
as an employee of a school district, the local law enforcement agency shall coordinate such
investigation with any concurrent abuse investigation being conducted by the department of
education or the school district to the extent such coordination is possible and deemed
appropriate.
Nothing in the Protocol is intended to limit a school's right to conduct an administrative
investigation of its employees. However, the district attorney and local law enforcement need to
have criminal and administrative investigations separate and distinct to avoid the possibility of
inadmissible evidence in the criminal proceeding.
As a general guideline, information from an administrative investigation must remain separate
and apart from a criminal investigation. However, information from a criminal investigation
may be included and be a part of an administrative investigation. This is necessary because
different legal principles apply in criminal and administrative investigations. For example,
inadvertent disclosure of information from administrative investigations prior to a criminal
investigation being completed may compromise the ability of law enforcement to assess the
accuracy of witness information and/or truthfulness of the alleged perpetrator.
Where reasonably possible, the following procedure is recommended as best practice:
• The criminal investigation will be completed prior to a school district administrative
investigation being initiated or continued.
• The criminal investigation will be conducted expeditiously but in accordance to
generally accepted law enforcement professional investigative standards.
• Investigatory interviews of an alleged perpetrator by law enforcement will occur on off
school premises.
• School officials will be provided a complete copy of the criminal investigative report at
the conclusion of the investigation in accordance with the Colorado Criminal Justice
Records Act.
• The superintendent will be informed of changes in the status of the criminal
investigation including, but not limited to. the case being forwarded to the District•
Attorney's office in order to determine what or if charges will be filed, and when the
criminal investigation is complete.
• The administrative investigation by a school district may commence at the conclusion
of the criminal investigation as school officials deem appropriate.
' Adopted October 1994
5-10 Revised September 1997
972613
CONFIDENTIAL
WELD COUNTY REPORT FORM
When reporting suspected child abuse, mail this form to the Weld County Department of Social Services/Attention: Child Protection
Intake Worker/ 315 North 11th Avenue/P.O. Box A, Greeley, CO 80632 within three working days of the verbal report. Fill this
report out in conjunction with your CART member. Write on back if necessary.
Call to Social Services -
Date
Time Person Taking the Report
Call to Law Enforcement
Date Time Person Taking the Report
Name of Child Birthdate: Sex:
Address: Grade:
Parent(s)/Guardian:
Parent(s) Address Home Phone:
Parent(s) Place of Employment Work Phone:
Sibling(s) & Birthdates:
Abuse occurred at child care, home/center yes no
REFERRAL CONCERN:
Dislocation/Sprains
Twisting/Shaking
Malnutrition
Exposure to Elements
Emotional Maltreatment
Lack of Supervision
Abandonment
Burns/Scalds
Medical Neglect
_Educational Neglect
Physical Neglect
Sexual Abuse
Cuts/Bruises/Welts
Describe visible injuries:
I) Description and child's account of how the incident occurred:
2) Describe the reporter's concern for the child:
3) Note any previous suspected abuse reports that you or other CART members have made on the child or
siblings:
4) Note any other information the child may have disclosed:
5) Note any special needs, i.e..
interpreter
Name of Person Reporting Position
Agency
Telephone No. Date 972613
INVESTIGATING
CHILD ABUSE
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
Investigating Child Abuse
CRITERIA FOR RESPONDING TO REPORTS
WELD COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Response to reports of child abuse cases made directly to any law enforcement agency will occur
based on the severity of the report. If deemed an emergency where protective care of the child
seems probable, response will be in less than 60 minutes or the reporting party will be notified
regarding the delay. Feedback to the reporting party will be provided as soon as possible and
will include when the response will happen.
WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
The Weld County Department of Social Services will review all reports and conduct an initial
assessment. The initial assessment will decide the appropriateness of further investigations.
Social services will accept a report for investigation if it:
• Contains specific allegations of known or suspected abuse or neglect as defined in
statutes and regulations;
"Known" incidents of abuse or neglect would involve those reports in which a child
has been observed being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would
reasonably result in abuse or neglect. "Suspected" reports are those that are made
based on patterns of behavior, conditions, statements or injuries that would lead to
a reasonable belief that abuse/neglect has occurred or that there is a serious threat
of harm to the child;
• Provides sufficient information to locate the alleged victim; and/or
• Identifies a victim under the age of 18.
All reports requiring or not requiring further investigation after the initial assessment follow the
procedure below:
• Documentation on an assessment/intake form;
• Document reasons for or for not conducting an investigation;
• Document the supervisor's approval of that decision; and
• Provide appropriate referral information to the reporting party. (WCDSS#7.402.4)
The Department of Social Services will use a standardized risk assessment process to decide the
priority of response to a report requiring investigation. At a minimum, those factors that shall be
addressed and documented are:
• Age and vulnerability of the alleged victim;
• The specific nature and severity of the alleged maltreatment;
• Prior reports on any family member, child, or alleged perpetrator;
Adopted October 1994
4..
6-1 Revised September 1997
972613
• Parental level of cooperation;
• Stressors; and
• Family violence.
The Department of Social Services shall prioritize the investigation of referrals based upon an
initial assessment of risk of abuse and the current safety of the child. DSS will assign priority in
response time using the following time frames unless there are circumstances that require a
different response. In that event, those circumstances will be documented in the case file.
On all High Risk Referrals: Safety and protection issues will be addressed immediately
and no later than 24 hours after the initial receipt of the report.
On all Moderate orl,ow Risk Referrals (in which the child's safety has not been
secured)• The investigation will be initiated as soon as possible, but no later than 12
hours after receipt of the report.
On Low Risk Referrals in which the child's safety has been secured: The investigation
will occur as soon as possible but no later than four working days after receipt of the
report.
If the information about the child's safety cannot be obtained from the reporting party,
social services will notify law enforcement who will dispatch an officer to determine the
child's level of safety.
STANDARDS FOR JOINT INVESTIGATION
An effective response to child protection requires a cooperative, coordinated,
interactive approach among many agencies in the community.
Cases for Joint Investigation by law enforcement agencies and social services:
• Any death of a child;
• Intrafamilial sexual abuse;
• Physical abuse where there are moderate to severe injuries;
• Severe neglect;
• At the request of law enforcement, any third party abuse or neglect where the
protection and safety of the child is at risk;
• At the request of social services, situations where there are arrests and/or safety
issues;
• If the parent refuses access to the child for investigation and/or medical assessment;
• Upon request by either agency;
• Institutional abuse if it is in a category that would otherwise require a joint
investigation;
• Court order to investigate a case.
Adopted October 1994
6-2 Revised September 1997
972613
PROCEDURES FOR JOINT INVESTIGATION
The agency receiving the report will notify the other agency that a joint investigation is
indicated.
Each agency shall check its agency's records for previous contacts with the family and
suspected perpetrator. This includes a check with the Central Registry and CWEST by
social services and NCIC/CCIC/CBI Suspect File by law enforcement.
The social services caseworker and law enforcement officer who will be conducting the
investigation must communicate to share information and plan the investigation.
A case plan will be developed, including:
• Where interviews are to be conducted, if not at A Kid's Place (NOTE: A Kid's
Place serves all sexual abuse cases, severe physical abuse cases and those cases
likely to lead to felony prosecution);
• The order of interviewing victims, parents, siblings, relatives, teachers, therapists,
• Suspects, and any other witnesses;
• Who will take the lead in interviewing each person;
• Who will video and/or audiotape the interview;
• What interviewing aids are appropriate (such as anatomical dolls, drawings, etc.);
• Determining what CART members need to be contacted, i.e., district attorney,
medical, therapist, etc.; and
• In cases of children with special needs, (i.e., hearing impaired, visually impaired,
developmentally impaired, mentally impaired, non-English speaking), seek an
appropriate person to assist in the interview.
A determination will be made as to whether a medical and/or psychological evaluation
needs to be obtained.
All evidence must be gathered and preserved. This includes:
• Recording all observations accurately and in detail;
• Taking photographs;
• All relevant physical evidence such as the instrument that inflicted the injury, rape kit,
blood and hair samples from the suspect, etc.
Adopted October 1994
6-3 Revised September 1997
972613
WELD COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
PURPOSF
The primary responsibilities of law enforcement municipalities are to conduct investigations of
alleged criminal offenses, gather and maintain evidence, present cases for criminal filing and
assist in the protection of all children involved in alleged child abuse. Not all cases of alleged
abuse are appropriate for prosecution in the criminal justice system. The Colorado Revised
Statutes provide that law enforcement agencies are solely responsible for the coordination and
investigation of all reports of third party abuse or neglect committed by persons ten years or
older.
Local law enforcement agencies may contact the Weld County Sheriffs Office (WCSO) and
request them to take the lead in child abuse and neglect case investigations. This is a request for
assistance and is not a required action on the part of local law enforcement municipalities. This
needs to be done with mutual agreement and preferably within three hours of taking the initial
complaint. Local law enforcement agencies have the option of participating with the WCSO
throughout the investigation, requesting technical investigative assistance or the assumption of
the case by the WCSO. When requesting assumption of the case, the WCSO maintains primary
responsibility of the case and will take the lead in coordinating the investigation.
RECEIVING REPORTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
All reports are to be documented including all available information given by the reporting party.
Disposition of reports will occur depending on the severity of each report. Reports that are
deemed potentially to require protective custody will be responded to in less than sixty minutes
or the reporting party will be notified.
Reporting parties will be provided with the approximate time of response.
NOTIFICATIONS
Law enforcement officials are required to report all suspected cases of child abuse/neglect to the
Department of Social Services - whether or not there is probable cause.
Law enforcement is responsible for filing cases with probable cause to the District Attorney's
office.
Adopted October 1994
6-4 Revised September 1997
9'72613
The Department of Social Services will be notified:
• Of all child abuse and neglect reports, including third -party abuse, and the outcome of
the initial investigation within twenty-four hours;
• With copies of written reports to follow as soon as possible;
• If ajoint investigation is required, social services will be contacted immediately; or
• If it seems likely the child may need protective custody.
In cases of intrafamilial child abuse, law enforcement agencies will notify the Department of
Social Services immediately.
The District Attorney's Office will be notified immediately:
• On all child death cases in which death may be the result of suspected nonaccidental
trauma or severe neglect;
• On child abuse cases in which serious bodily injury has occurred as the result of
suspected non -accidental trauma or severe neglect.
A Deputy District Attorney will be available for phone consultation in all cases of child
abuse.
Medical facilities will be notified when law enforcement intends to transport an alleged
child abuse victim to the medical facility.
A Kid's Place will be available to law enforcement and social services.
When the investigation involves a suspected perpetrator who was acting in his/her official
capacity as an employee of a school district, law enforcement will notify or verify that
notification has been given to the Department of Education and the school superintendent. (19-3-
308(5.3c) & (5.7)).
INITIAL. RFSPONSF
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition
discourages interviews that are unnecessary, duplicative, or otherwise
not in the best interest of the child.
Dispatch a sworn law enforcement officer to make an initial assessment of the facts of
the alleged case.
Protection of the child will be the first priority upon arrival at the location.
Adopted October 1994
6-5 Revised September 1997
972613
Initial inquiry needs to gather only enough information to determine if an investigative officer
needs to be contacted to complete an in-depth interview with the child. Frequently, third -party
corroboration is all that is required in order for an officer to make that determination. This
reduces the need for multiple interviews of the child.
The purpose of the initial assessment is to establish any basis to reasonably suspect an
occurrence of child abuse. When possible, this should be attempted without interviewing the
child but by obtaining information from the source of the report and/or third parties. If the law
enforcement officer reasonably suspects child and/or sexual abuse, further investigation is
warranted.
The officer may observe and/or interview the child involved. When deciding whether or not to
interview the child, keep in mind the child may need to be interviewed again by other
investigative personnel. Factors to consider in evaluating whether or not a child should be
interviewed:
• The child's age and maturity;
• The child's ability to relate what has happened;
• The emotional stability and physical needs of the child;
• The possibility of retaliation by a parent against a child who has "told"; and
• The number of times the child has previously been interviewed, the content of the
interview(s), and who conducted the prior interview(s).
Determine if any emergency medical treatment is necessary. If so, the child should be
transported to a hospital or physician regardless of the hour. Appropriate procedures need to be
followed to preserve physical evidence.
• Obtain medical releases and arrange for all medical reports to be forwarded to the
investigating officer. If the situation is not an emergency, but the child requires medical
attention, get written voluntary permission from the parent/custodian/guardian.
• If written permission for medical services cannot be secured, take the child into custody
so that medical treatment for the child's welfare can be procured.
Depending upon the nature of a sexual abuse incident, physical evidence may be present on the
victim up to 72 hours. A physician with training in physical examinations, collection, and
preservation of evidence from victims of sexual abuse or assault will be contacted to collect and
preserve physical evidence. If sexual abuse of this nature is alleged within the prior 24 hours, the
emergency room staff may perform this function using a standard, rape evidence collection kit.
Colorado Revised Statutes 18-3-407.5:
Any direct cost associated with the collection of forensic evidence from the
victim be paid for by the referring or requesting law
enforcement agency.
Adopted October 1994
6-6 Revised September 1997
972613
• In all cases of sexual abuse, a medical examination is required if the
nature of each incident deems it necessary.
If no medical attention is needed, but the officer deems it unsafe for the child to stay in
the current environment due to risk of repeated abuse, the officer should take the child
into protective custody and make arrangements for foster care/supervision of the child with
social services.
ASSESS THE FACTS
Visual examination or assessment of a child:
• Section 19-3-308, C.R.S., of the CCC states that a thorough investigation be made
immediately upon receipt of a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect.
It further directs that the investigation include a determination of the nature, extent,
and cause of the abuse or neglect; the identification of any child living in the same
place; the identification of the credibility of the source or the report; the identity of
the person responsible for such abuse or neglect; the environment and the
relationship of any children therein to the person responsible for the suspected abuse
or neglect; all other data deemed pertinent; and an assessment of the conditions of
any other children living in the same place.
• It is optimal that physical assessment be determined by a medical professional. At
the initial contact, that isn't always possible. Base the determination on whether
medical care is needed on the child's history, age, developmental level, and the
extent of the current injury.
• To comply with 19-3-308, C.R.S., the officer may need to see the body or the
parts of the body where injury may have occurred for documentation purposes. If
the child does not voluntarily show the injuries, prior to undressing a child, the officer
must have permission by one of the child's parents/guardians/legal custodians era
search warrant. This is often a traumatic experience for all parties involved. It is
advisable that a third person be present in order to reduce the risk of liability.
Examine the child and surroundings for indicators of physical abuse. See Appendix C & D.
Examine the child and surroundings for indicators of physical neglect.
Examine the possibility of sexual abuse.
Examine the possibility of emotional maltreatment.
Examine the possibility of drug/alcohol exposure.
Adopted October 1994
6-7 Revised September 1997
972613
IDENTIFY AND INTERVIEW POTENTIAL WITNESSES
These should include where relevant:
•The reporting party • School personnel
• Outcry witnesses (people • Counselors/therapists
the child initially "told")
• Parents • Siblings
• Guardians • Neighbors
• Baby-sitters • Other relatives
When interviewing these witnesses it is important to address behavioral indicators of abuse or
neglect. The presence of certain behavioral indicators may corroborate that abuse or neglect has
occurred.
• When interviewing outcry witnesses, question them about the behavior and demeanor
of the child victim during the outcry.
• Interview witnesses who know the child victim (i.e., parents, school personnel,
friends) concerning any behavioral changes or unusual behavior exhibited by the child
victim.
• Ask witnesses to describe the relationship and behavior they have observed between
the child victim and the suspect.
Interviewing the child victim is critical (See Appendix B). If this is a joint investigation, prepare
the child for the team interview. If the child is to be interviewed at another location, take the
child into custody and transport the child to the location. i.e., if the child is at school and the
interview needs to take place at A Kid's Place. The interviewer must document the interview
through audiotapes, videotapes or written methods. The interview report must include:
• Date
• Time
• Place of interview
• Duration of interview
• Identification of persons at the interview
• Summary of the information obtained during the interview
• It may be appropriate to have an investigator of the same sex as the child victim interview the
child.
Adopted October 1994
6-8 Revised September 1997
972613
• Be aware of the child's emotional state. When necessary limit the number of interviews and
the duration of the interview(s).
• Observe and document the child's demeanor, as well as the content of the statements.
• Observe and document the behavior of the child victim and the suspect toward each other if
any occurs in your presence.
All witnesses, including siblings and the child victim, should be interviewed separately.
Any potential suspects should be advised of his/her constitutional rights when a
custodial interrogation is conducted.
OTHER CHILDREN IN THE HOME OR ENVIRONMENT
Determine the number and identity of other children in the home or the environment
being investigated.
If other victims are identified, proceed with the investigation of another criminal
episode.
GATHERING EVIDENCE
Collect evidence as would be done in any other criminal case. This includes an
examination of the crime scene. All Fourth Amendment limitations on search and
seizures apply.
Observation:
The officers will record their observations accurately and in detail so they will be able to testify
effectively in subsequent criminal or civil proceedings. Note such things as:
• Physical condition of all children, including their general appearance and any observable
injuries or conditions;
• Safety of surroundings (unprotected open windows, exposed wiring, vermin, human or
animal waste, exposed weapons, caustic fluids or cleaners, drugs or drug paraphernalia,
etc.);
• General condition of the home, including degree of cleanliness and adequacy of sleeping;
• Availability of food and water; washing facilities; and
• Adequacy of heat, light and space.
FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS
Any investigating agency can contact the Weld County Sheriffs Office for technical
investigative assistance.
Adopted October 1994
6-9 Revised September 1997
972613
Photographic and Videotape Evidence
• All photographic and/or videotape evidence should be gathered and should include
photographs taken with and without a scale. Photographs need to be shot with
35mm format whenever possible. All photos are to be collected using appropriate
equipment and training to meet evidence standards;
• Photographs and/or videotapes of physical injuries should be taken as soon as
possible or when bruising is prominent;
• Use extreme sensitivity when photographing or videotaping injuries on children to
prevent alarming the child(ren) any further;
• Photograph fully -clothed body, or when appropriate, naked body and close-ups of
injured areas;
• Photograph and/or videotape areas in the environment where the injury occurred;
• Photograph and/or videotape the general conditions in a home where such things as
soiled bedding, filth, exposed wiring, inadequate plumbing, etc., may exist;
• Properly mark and identify the photographs and/or videotapes;
• Follow-up photos and/or videotapes (i.e., bite marks, bruises, scratches, etc.).
Physical Evidence
• The instrument which inflicted the injury;
• Dangerous instruments/substances found within the reach of unsupervised children.
Evidence of sexual abuse might include, but is not limited to:
• Evidence derived from laboratory tests or physical examination;
• Pubic hair;
• Blood on clothing of the victim or suspect;
• Semen or sperm on mouth, genitalia, or clothing of victim; and
• Sexual aids, pornography, and/or photographs, videos.
When obtaining non -testimonial evidence from a suspect (i.e., blood, pubic hair, etc.) it
may be necessary to obtain a Rule 41.1 court order or consent.
Medical Documentation of Child Abuse or Neglect
• Copies of medical records can be released to the investigative officer upon the victim
signing the appropriate consent for release form;
• If the victim is a minor, the custodial party must sign the medical release.
Adopted October 1994
6-10 Revised Septem$yt le3
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY (HOLD)
Pursuant to 19-3-401,C.R.S., law enforcement officers are the only parties, outside of the courts,
who have statutory power to place a protective hold on a child. (See Appendix E) The law
enforcement officer should consult with the social services caseworker when practical prior to
placing a child in protective custody, except in emergency circumstances. After removal, the
officer shall contact social services for placement.
• Once a law enforcement officer has placed a child in protective custody, social
services will place the child in a temporary facility unless further assessment
determines otherwise;
• In the event that the law enforcement officer decides not to place a hold and the social
services worker decides to request a court order hold, the law enforcement officer
shall assist in enforcing the court order.
• When considering protective custody holds see Appendix?
• When the officer takes a child into protective custody, the officer shall serve,
personally or by posting, a NOTICE OF DETENTION or TEMPORARY
CUSTODY HEARING upon the parent or guardian. The officer shall forward a
copy of the notice to social services.
Strong consideration should be given to placing a protective hold on other children in the
environment in cases of child death, serious physical abuse/neglect, or sexual abuse. The law
enforcement officer should discuss the necessity for a protective hold on other children with the
social services caseworker.
There are certain cases such as domestic violence, drug violations, alcohol violations,
detoxification holds, where child abuse/neglect issues are present. These child abuse or neglect
issues should be identified and investigated. Even though the incident was not reported as child
abuse/neglect, consideration should be given to protective hold(s) in appropriate cases.
Adopted October 1994
6-11 Revised September 1997
9'72R1n
DOCUMENTATION OF THE INVESTIGATION
When investigating a reported child abuse/neglect case, the offense report shall be titled as a
child abuse or child neglect case as appropriate.
Documentation shall be completed whether the abuse/neglect is founded or unfounded.
Upon completion of the law enforcement investigation, forward a copy of the offense report to
social services.
Along with this report, law enforcement may send a recommendation to social services as to
whether a report should be filed with the State Central Registry in order to expedite the filing of
the CWS-59. This recommendation may be made if there is probable cause that a specific person
committed the child abuse offense.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
The Department of Social Services Child Protection Services constitutes a specialized set of
services which are intended to maximize the ability of families to protect and care for their own
children, minimize harm to children and youth, and ensure permanency planning. The goal shall
be to support the structure of families when appropriate through the provision of services aimed
at stabilizing the family situation and strengthening the parents/guardians in fulfilling their
parenting responsibilities to their children. Intervention shall be guided by respect for the
family's integrity, knowledge of the legal basis for action, and sound social work practice.
Social services is responsible for coordinating all intrafamilial abuse or neglect investigations
and for assessing all third -party situations in which the alleged perpetrator is under the age of ten.
In addition, social services coordinates and assesses all reports of institutional abuse or neglect.
Investigations may be conducted independently or with another agency. If conducted by another
agency. its personnel must have appropriate training and skills to assess the immediate danger to
the child. In these cases, social services is responsible for the adequacy of the investigation.
NOTIFICATIONS
Law enforcement will be notified in all appropriate cases.
• Immediately, when there is an indication for a joint investigation.
• Written or telephone notification shall occur in all other cases.
In all cases where a child has died and there is suspicion of child abuse and neglect the Child
Fatality Team at the Colorado State Department of Social Services will be notified within 24
hours.
Adopted October 1994
6-12 Revised September 1997
972613
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Refer to the initial assessment of law enforcement (See Section 7).
Social Services will have staff available 24 hours a day to receive reports of abuse and neglect,
conduct initial assessments of such reports and investigate those reports that are appropriate. (See
Section 7). "Continuously available" means the assignment of a person to be near an operable
telephone, beeper system, or to have such arrangements made through agreements with the local
law enforcement agencies.
There will be a mechanism to ensure that those individuals reporting abuse or neglect after-hours
are directed to the designated agency for response.
The reporting party will receive appropriate referral information in those situations in which
there are inadequate grounds to constitute a child abuse or neglect referral. Either a caseworker
or supervisory staff will inform, whenever possible and appropriate, the reporting party of the
decision not to investigate and the reasons for that decision.
All reports will be reviewed and an initial assessment will be conducted. The initial assessment
will determine the appropriateness of further investigation and will include, but not be limited to:
• Checking the Central Registry;
• Checking CWEST;
• Reviewing agency files; and/or
• Obtaining information from collateral sources, such as schools, medical personnel, law
enforcement agencies, or other care providers.
The following information will be gathered on an intake/report form:
• Family members and birthdates
• Relationships of individuals in the
household
• Identified alleged victims, and current
location
• Presenting problems - specific
allegations
• Collateral agencies and individuals
involved with the family
• Records check - internal & Central Registry
• Date and time intake report taken
• Risk assessment based upon reporter's
information
Adopted October 1994
6-13 Revised September 1997
972613
• Reporter's name, address and phone • Referrals made
number
• Relationship of reporter to family • Decision as to investigation response &
caseworker's name
• Other potential witnesses • Supervisory sign -off
See Criteria for Responding to Reports in Section 7.
Anonymous reports and reports involving custody disputes will be accepted for assessment only
if they meet this criteria. Reports not meeting this criteria will not be accepted.
When appropriate, resource referral information will be provided to the mandated reporting party
in those situations in which there was not adequate grounds to constitute a child abuse or neglect
referral. The mandated reporting party will be informed of the intervention decision and the
reasons for the decision. This decision will be documented utilizing social services' intake
forms.
ASSESSMENT/INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS
Written cooperative agreements with law enforcement agencies will be developed to include:
• Protocol for cooperation and notification between parties on child abuse and neglect
reports and child maltreatment deaths;
• Joint investigation procedures;
• Procedures for independent investigation by either party; and
• Procedures regarding filing of the CWS-59 with the Central Registry.
Social services will document in the investigation summary what prior involvement there has
been with other county departments or law enforcement agencies related to the child, family, or
alleged perpetrator.
Social services will jointly coordinate with law enforcement all investigations of intrafamilial
abuse and neglect, institutional abuse and neglect, and those third -party abuse and neglect
investigations in which the alleged perpetrator is under the age of 10. Investigations may be
conducted independently or with another agency.
The investigation will determine the nature, extent and cause of the alleged abuse or neglect. At
a minimum, investigation of reports will include the following activities:
• An interview and/or observation of the child;
Adopted October 1994
6-14 Revised September 1997
972613
• An examination of the child to include an assessment of the child's overall current
physical, mental or emotional condition;
• Observe and record the behavior of the parents and child(ren) toward each other in
the officer's presence. These behaviors might include nonverbal messages such as:
• Eye contact between family members;
• Facial expressions of love, support, anger, distrust, rejection;
• Tones of voice that communicate various emotions;
• The presence or absence of communication; and
• The willingness to listen, to express feelings, to conceptualize feelings, to
engage in physical closeness.
• A listing of the names and conditions of other children living in the same place;
• An interview of the child's parents or other caretakers, siblings, guardians, or
custodians, as appropriate;
• A consideration of ethnic, religious and cultural issues. However, such issues may not
be accepted when in conflict with the definition of child abuse and neglect;
• An assessment may include a visit to the child's place of residence or place of custody
if:
• home conditions are the subject of the referral;
• information indicates assessment of the home environment or other child/ren in
the home is necessary. If access to the home or child is denied, social
services may seek a court order to obtain access.
• In cases of individuals with special needs, i.e., hearing impaired, visually
impaired, developmentally impaired, mentally impaired, non-English
speaking, seek an appropriate person to assist in the interview;
• A structured risk assessment process to determine risk for future abuse or neglect.
The risk assessment will be documented and will, at a minimum, include:
• Severity of maltreatment;
• Age/vulnerability of the child;
• Prior reports;
• Parental level of cooperation/protection;
• Stressors; and
• Family violence.
Adopted October 1994
6-15 Revised September 1997
972613
The interview with the alleged perpetrator will include the following actions:
• A determination with law enforcement who will first contact and/or interview the
alleged perpetrator;
• Social services will advise the alleged perpetrator that an investigation is being
conducted on a report of allegations of abuse and/or neglect involving specific
children and the alleged perpetrator. Information will be provided as to the
circumstances surrounding the allegations. The name of the reporting party will
not be disclosed by the caseworker. (Note: families have access to police
reports and other records once in court. The reporting party's name may
appear in these records);
• The alleged perpetrator will be advised that the Colorado Children's Code states that
law enforcement agencies and district attorneys will be given access to the county
department's abuse and neglect reports and records;
• After this, the alleged perpetrator is offered the opportunity to respond to the
allegations; and
• If circumstances do not allow for direct contact, then written notification of the
allegations will be provided. If other circumstances prohibit contact, reasons for no
contact will be documented in the case file.
All of the information resulting from the investigation will be documented in the case file as a
summary of investigation findings, along with any specific evidence gathered, such as
photographs or videotapes.
Investigation or reports will include, in addition to those stated above, the following
activities:
• Investigate the possibility of forms of abuse or neglect other than originally reported,
i.e., sexual abuse;
• If necessary, arrange a medical evaluation of the child by health professionals. Refer
to Appendix for guidelines.
• If necessary, arrange a crisis evaluation of the mental and/or emotional condition of
the child by mental health professionals. Refer to Appendix for guidelines.
A minimum of one face-to-face contact will occur with the child(ren) within the time periods
designated in the Criteria For Responding to Reports Section 7-2. If the investigation is delegated
to another agency, the case file will contain documentation of this contact with the child by either
social services or the designated agency.
Reasonable efforts will be made to prevent out -of -home placements, unless an emergency exists,
and to maintain the family unit. Safety plans other than placement will be considered, including,
but not limited to, the provision of in -home services, if appropriate and available; the possibility
of removing the maltreating adult from the home rather than the child; the possibility of the non -
maltreating parent placing child and self in a safe environment; or the availability of a relative
placement.
Adopted October 1994
6-16 Revised September 1997
972613
An emergency exists whenever the safety or well-being of the child is immediately at issue and
there is no other safe way to protect the child. In such circumstances, social services will seek
protective custody so that the child may be removed from his/her home whether or not
reasonable efforts to preserve the family have been made. When placement is necessary,
reasonable efforts shall be made to reunite the family as soon as safely possible.
Upon completion of an investigation, social services will consider a report confirmed if
there is a preponderance of evidence to support an occurrence of abuse.
cot IRT INVOLVEMENT
A court order will be sought when one or more of the following criteria exists:
• A social services caseworker is unable to properly investigate a report of suspected
child abuse or neglect due to the family's unwillingness to cooperate, or access to the
child or to the home is denied for purpose of evaluation of the referral;
• Removal of the child is not necessary; however, the child is threatened and a
dependency and neglect petition is indicated;
• Social services' investigation indicates the need for removal of the child from the
home, and an emergency protection order is necessary to ensure safety;
• The family is already under the jurisdiction of the court and a modification is necessary
to ensure the child's continued safety;
• A permanent placement or termination of the parent -child relationship is indicated as
being in the child's best interest; and
• It is necessary to restrain an individual from having contact with the child or to exclude
an individual from the family home to ensure that the child is protected from physical
or emotional harm that would likely result from such contact.
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
A child will not be removed from the home without police protective custody, a court order, or a
signed voluntary placement agreement (see Appendix E). Before or at the conclusion of the
protective custody placement (72 hours) or police protective hold (48 hours), the child will:
• Be returned home; 4L
• Enter court ordered placement; or
• Continue in placement by virtue of a voluntary placement agreement signed by the
parent(s).
If there are changes in circumstances after a verbal court -ordered hearing has been obtained, the
social services caseworker will notify the county attorney prior to the hearing.
When a child is taken into protective custody the caseworker shall serve a NOTICE OF
Adopted October 1994
6-17 Revised September 1997
DETFNTION/TEMPORARY CTJSTODY HEARING
The type of placement utilized will be the least restrictive and most appropriate alternative to
meet the child's needs. It will further be determined by placement availability and county
financial allocations.
INVESTIGATION OF INTRAFAMITIAI, ARUSF
The investigation of intrafamilial abuse will include:
• All reports in which the alleged perpetrator is a parent, guardian, legal custodian,
relative, sibling, or spousal equivalent or a person who is related to the child in a
familial context;
• All reports in which the alleged perpetrator is in a significant relationship to the parent,
such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, or a relative, even if that person is not residing in the
household, as legally defined in the Colorado Revised Statutes; and
• Social services will assume joint responsibility with law enforcement for the
coordination and investigation of these reports.
INVESTIGATION OF THIRD -PARTY ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Law enforcement personnel will assume the primary responsibility for the coordination
and investigation of third -party abuse by persons ten years or older.
If the law enforcement agency notifies social services that the protection and safety of a child is
at risk, then social services may conduct an assessment of those protective issues.
If the law enforcement agency refers to social services a report of third -party abuse or neglect in
which the alleged perpetrator is under age ten, social services will conduct an assessment to
determine if the child is abused or neglected or needs additional services.
If. before an investigation is completed, a law enforcement agency determines that the assistance
of social services is required for the child or the child's family, then social services will respond
in a manner deemed appropriate.
Social services will review investigative reports of law enforcement regarding third -party abuse
or neglect, and will determine whether the report will be filed with the State Central Registry.
Upon such determination, social services must file the report within sixty days of receipt.
Adopted October 1994
6-18 Revised September 1997
972613
INVESTIGATION OF INSTITIJTIONAT, ARTJSR
Institutional abuse investigations will:
• Include those reports of child abuse or neglect by staff in any private or public
facility that provides out -of -home child care, including 24 -hour care and child care
homes and centers;
• Not include abuse that occurs in public, private, and parochial schools and
preschools operated in connection with those schools, except when those schools
provide extended day services and abuse or neglect occurs during that time.
Those instances will be considered as institutional abuse and investigated
accordingly;
• Be the responsibility of the county social services department in which the facility
named in the report is located; and
• Be conducted in those cases in which an allegation of abuse or neglect is made.
Reports of minor injuries resulting from physical restrains will not, by itself, require
a full investigation unless there are surrounding circumstances that would indicate
abusive or neglectful behavior by the care provider, i.e., patterns of frequent
injuries by the same caretaker or of similar incidents in the same facility.
Social services will coordinate the investigation or reports of institutional abuse. Local law
enforcement agencies will be notified when the investigation warrants law enforcement
involvement.
The initial investigation will assess the need for emergency intervention and evaluate
the safety of the child or other children in the institution.
The State Department of Social Services Licensing Section will be notified if the abuse or
neglect occurred in a state licensed facility.
See Conclusion of Investigation below for specific instructions on closing institutional abuse
investigations.
INVESTIGATION OF MEDICAL NEGLECT OF INFANTS WITH DISABILITIES
This is defined as the withholding of medically -indicated treatment or the failure to respond to
the infant's life -threatening conditions by providing treatment (including appropriate nutrition,
hydration, and medication) that, in the treating physician's reasonable medical judgment, will be
most likely to be effective in improving or correcting all such conditions. The term does not
include, however, the failure to provide treatment to an infant when, in the treating physician's
reasonable medical judgment, any of the following circumstances apply:
Adopted October 1994
6-19 Revised September 1997
972613
• The infant is chronically and irreversibly comatose; and/or
• The provision of treatment would merely prolong dying.
CONCLUSION OF INVESTIGATION
An investigation will be completed within 30 days of receipt of the child abuse and neglect
report, unless there are circumstances which have prevented this from occurring. These
circumstances will be documented in the case record.
Upon completion of an investigation, social services will report the outcome on CWEST
as follows:
• In those cases in which the plan for closure at intake, the case may be left open for up
to 30 days after the last contact with the child or the family for the purpose of follow-
up with relevant individuals or agencies. Such cases will be closed on CWEST by the
end of the month following the month of the last client contact; and
• Cases where services are provided beyond 60 days of the receipt of the report will
remain open for services based on either court involvement or the family's agreement
to accept services.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, social services will notify its local
licensing unit and the Colorado State Department of Social Services Office of Child Care
Services if the abuse or neglect investigation involved a state -licensed or county certified facility.
Special considerations in concluding Institutional Abuse investigations include:
• The facility administrator will be advised regarding the results of the investigation and
provide a verbal report immediately once a determination is made or if the department
is unable to make a determination regarding the alleged perpetrator. This information
is provided to facility directors so they can make decisions regarding the continued
employment of the employee;
• Social services will provide a written report to the facility administrator/director, the
agency with the licensing authority, and the State Institutional Review Team within 60
days._after the initial receipt of the report; and
• The State Institutional Abuse Team will review all investigations of institutional abuse.
CENTRAL REGISTRY OF CHILD PROTECTION
Social services will report all confirmed child abuse and neglect cases to the Central Registry of
Child Protection on form C WS -59 as soon as the investigation is competed, but no later than 60
days after receipt of the complaint.
Adopted October 1994
6-20 Revised September 1997
972613
No unconfirmed reports are to be submitted.
Copies of the CWS-59 will be sent to the local law enforcement agency and the District
Attorney. The original will be kept in a case file. No other entity will receive a copy without a
court order.
The perpetrator will be notified by the Director of the Central Registry that his/her name is
placed in the Registry files. The notice will include information as to who has access to the
Central Registry report, what actions may be taken to expunge that report, and the perpetrator's
legal rights.
The expungement process is two -tiered and includes a review of the case records and a
fair hearing.
• When records are requested for expungement, social services has 14 days from the
receipt of the request to forward this material to the Central Registry. Materials will
include CWS-59, the Child Protection Team Report, intake and all supporting
documents;
• Social services receives a monthly listing of individuals eligible for expungement. The
list is to be reviewed and any objections are to be made in writing to the Central
Registry within 30 days. If no objections are made, the report will be expunged.
CHIT PROTECTION TEAMS
Social services departments receiving 50 or more reports of child abuse and neglect annually will
have a multi -disciplinary team. Weld County does have a Child Protection Team. The Child
Protection Team's responsibilities are focused on individual cases, while CART members and the
Coalition are concerned with system effectiveness. Social services is responsible for the
inauguration, coordination, and maintenance of the Child Protection Team.
This team will review all reports of intrafamilial, institutional, and third -party child abuse and
neglect which have been received by social services. The team will determine whether the
agency's response to the report was timely and adequate and in compliance with the Child
Protection Act of 1987. The team will also provide consultation regarding the diagnosis and
treatment of the cases.
The team will be arranged to review cases within a week of the receipt of the report. No review
will be conducted with fewer than three multi -disciplinary team members present.
Each public agency represented on the team has only one vote. Attorney members of the team
will not be appointed as Guardian ad litym for the child or as counsel for the parents at any
subsequent court proceedings.
Adopted October 1994
6-21 Revised September 1997
972613
The discussion of confidential information regarding the cases will be conducted in executive
session. Following the executive session, the team will publicly state whether the responses
were timely and adequate and in compliance with the law. The team will publicly report non -
identifying information regarding inadequate responses and will indicate the public and private
agencies involved.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF CHILD PROTECTION RECORDS AND REPORTS
According to Section 19-1-307, C.R.S., reports of child abuse and neglect and any identifying
information in those reports are confidential and shall not be public information. Access to
Central Registry reports will be in the manner prescribed in Section 19-3-313, C.R.S.
Any reports given to the Department of Social Services by mental health professionals are to
remain confidential unless social services has secured a release of information from the mental
health professional's client.
YOUTH IN CONFLICT
This division of the Department of Social Services provides services to children ages 12 and
above who are involved in some kind of conflict with their family or their community. Parents
can request services or the court may order the department to assist these children in dealing with
their conflicts. Typically, these children are involved with the juvenile justice system.
A KID'S PLACE
A Kid's Place opened in May 1995. Its mission is to reduce the trauma to children and their
families by creating a child -friendly place to conduct coordinated interviews by law enforcement
and the Department of Social Services of alleged child abuse victims. A Kid's Place was
designed to meet the needs of child victims and their families by providing a supportive and
caring environment. State-of-the-art video and audio recording systems are provided to
investigators for interviews. Training of team members help ensure a team approach, consistent
record keeping, and that medical exams are coordinated within two weeks of the interviews.
A Kid's Place was established to expedite the process of investigation and reduce the number of
interviews. The goal is for no more than two interviews per investigation to occur. A Kid's
Place priorities are all sexual assault cases, severe physical abuse cases and those cases most
likely to be criminally prosecuted. The team efforts and training increase the quality of
information obtained during the interview process.
Adopted October 1994
6-22 Revised September 1997
972613
DISTRICT ATTORNEY PROCEDURES
NOTIFICATIONS,
The District Attorney's Office will notify social services or the appropriate law enforcement
agency immediately on all cases of child abuse and neglect that are initiated by or reported to
that office. In addition to verbal notification, written documentation of the incident will be
forwarded to the appropriate agency within five (5) working days of the verbal contact.
RESPONSE,
Investigators for the District Attorney's Office will adhere to law enforcement
procedures in conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect.
When asked by a law enforcement agency to assist in an investigation, the District Attorney's
investigation will coordinate their efforts with that law enforcement agency unless there is a need
for an independent investigation.
A deputy district attorney will be available at all times for consultation on child abuse
and neglect cases.
PROSECUTION
The District Attorney's Office has established a specialized unit to handle all of the
felony cases of child abuse and neglect where the alleged perpetrator is an adult.
POST -INVESTIGATION COORDINATION
OBJECTIVES
• Coordination between civil and criminal cases.
• Prepare the child victim for court.
• Access the services available in the public and private sectors for medical,
psychological and victim compensation funds.
• Improve communication between the guardian ad litem, foster parents, schools
social services, and law enforcement;
• Improve the coordination between probation supervision and the dependency
and neglect treatment plan;
• Improve the coordination of services among the agencies working with the family;
• Improve the understanding among agencies, families, and the courts.
Adopted October 1994
6-23 Revised September 1997
972Rm _'2
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Law Enforcement Officer will:
• Send a written incident report to the Department of Social Services;
• Inform social services of the disposition of the child abuse and neglect investigation;
and
• Inform the District Attorney of any investigation where the case needs to be filed due
to probable cause.
THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
The Department of Social Services will:
Notify the District Attorney's Office concerning:
• Who the assigned caseworker and court appointed guardian ad litem are once
social services has received notice that a case was filed by the District
Attorney's Office;
• The status of the D & N petition; and
• The treatment plan so that it can be coordinated, when appropriate,with the
sentencing on a criminal case.
Determine if the child is eligible for victim compensation funds and refer the victim, if
appropriate.
Notify the therapist and placement facility of the criminal case status and the status of
the D & N case, including:
• The preliminary hearing, trial, sentencing hearing;
• What is expected from the child in regard to the court process; and
• Whether a plea bargain will occur in the criminal case.
Give the guardian adlitem in the dependency and neglect case:
• A verbal summary of the case upon assignment of the case;
• Pertinent information regarding the safety concerns of the family; and
• A copy of the law enforcement offense report(s).
Give the Court:
• A summary of the case;
• A treatment plan for the child and family; and
Adopted October 1994
6-24 Revised September 1997
4'7^a' '2
• As much specific information as possible at the review hearing as to whether the
family has followed through with the conditions of the treatment plan.
Coordinate services for the child/family.
THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
The District Attorney's Office will:
Notify the appropriate people when:
• A case has been filed by the DA's office (include DSS & GAL when possible);
• A Deputy DA and victim/witness advocate have been assigned to the case;
• Court hearings are scheduled and to advise the caseworker what will be expected
of the child;
• The sentencing hearing is set to obtain input from the caseworker, GAL, therapist,
out -of -home placement facility/home when possible;
• Final sentence has been imposed, including the nature of the sentence actually
imposed: and
• The child is about to testify, (specifically, DSS and the child's GAL) when DSS is
the custodian of the child and when the suspected perpetrator is in a position of trust
for the child.
Provide written information about the court process and community resources available
including victim compensation to the victim and his/her family.
Attempt to keep the victim or the appropriate parental figure apprised of the status of the case.
Assist the victim at any court hearings in which the victim will have to testify by educating the
victim on courtroom procedures.
Provide a victim advocate to be present with the victim throughout any proceedings in which the
child must take part.
Notify the victim when a sentencing hearing is set, and when possible. get input from the victim
and/or parent.
Notify the child victim's therapist of scheduled court hearings and what will be expected of the
child.
Notify the physician who preserved the initial evidence when filing a criminal case.
Adopted October 1994
6-25 Revised September 1997
972613
Third -Party Abuse and Neglect by School Employees_
Colorado Revised Statutes, 19-3-308(5.7), as amended:
Upon initial investigation of a report alleging abuse or neglect in which the suspect perpetrator
was acting in his official capacity as an employee of a school district, if the Department of Social
Services or the local law enforcement agency reasonably believes that an incident of abuse or
neglect has occurred, it shall immediately notify the superintendent of the school district who
shall consider such a report to be confidential information; except that the superintendent shall
notify the Department of Education of such investigation.
The Department of Social Services or the local law enforcement agency will immediately notify
the superintendent of a school district when there is a reasonable belief an incident of abuse or
neglect has occurred by a school employee acting in his/her official capacity.
The school district superintendent shall consider the report from the Department of Social
Services or local law enforcement confidential, except the superintendent shall notify the
Department of Education of the investigation.
Colorado Revised Statutes, 19-3-308(4.5)(c), as amended:
A teacher, employee, volunteer, or staff person of an institution who is alleged to have
committed an act of child abuse shall be temporarily suspended from his/her position at the
institution with pay, or reassigned to other duties which would remove the risk of harm to the
child victim or other children under such person's custody or control, if there is reasonable cause
to believe that the life or health of the victim or other children at the institution is in imminent
danger due to continued contact between the alleged perpetrator and a child at the institution.
The school district will take action necessary to protect the child victim or other children at the
school if the school district has reasonable cause to believe the child victim or other children at
the school are in imminent danger due to continued contact between the alleged perpetrator and a
child at the school.
The employee will not be encouraged or ordered to cooperate with local law enforcement by
school district officials during the criminal investigation. The decision by the employee to
cooperate or otherwise assist local law enforcement during the criminal investigation must be
free and voluntary in accordance to constitutional rights afforded any citizen.
A public employee suspended pursuant to the law shall be accorded, and may exercise, due
process rights, including notice of the proposed suspension and an opportunity to be heard, and
any due process rights provided under the laws of this state governing public employment and
under any applicable individual or group contractual agreement.
Adopted October 1994
6-26 Revised September 1997
c.,,,ra n
Colorado Revised Statutes, 19-3-308(5.3)(c), as amended:
When the investigation involves a suspected perpetrator who was acting in his official capacity
as an employee of a school district, the local law enforcement agency shall coordinate such
investigation with any concurrent abuse investigation being conducted by the Department of
Education or the school district to the extent such coordination is possible and deemed
appropriate.
Nothing in the Protocol is intended to limit a school's right to conduct an administrative
investigation of its employees. However, the district attorney and local law enforcement need to
have criminal and administrative investigations separate and distinct to avoid the possibility of
inadmissible evidence in the criminal proceedings.
As a general guideline, information from an administrative investigation must remain separate
and apart from a criminal investigation. However, information from a criminal investigation
may be included and be a part of an administrative investigation. This is necessary because
different legal principles apply in criminal and administrative investigations. For example,
inadvertent disclosure of information from administrative investigations prior to a criminal
investigation being completed may compromise the ability of law enforcement to assess the
accuracy of witness information and/or truthfulness of the alleged perpetrator.
Where reasonably possible, the following procedure is recommended as the best practice:
• The criminal investigation will be completed prior to a school district administrative
investigation being initiated or continued;
• The criminal investigation will be conducted expeditiously but in accordance with
generally accepted law enforcement professional investigative standards;
• Investigatory interviews of an alleged perpetrator by law enforcement will occur on
off -school premises;
• School officials will be provided a complete copy of the criminal investigative report at
the conclusion of the investigation in accordance with the Colorado Criminal Justice
Records Act;
• The superintendent will be informed of changes in the status of the criminal
investigation including, but not limited to, the case being forwarded to the district
attorney to determine what or if charges will be filed, and when the criminal
investigation is complete;
• The administrative investigation by a school district may commence at the conclusion
of the criminal investigation as school officials deem appropriate.
Adopted October 1994
6-27 Revised September 1997
972613
TREATING
CHILD ABUSE
The Courts and
Treatment Providers
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
THE WELD COUNTY COURT SYSTEM
CIVIL LAW AND COURT
Disputes pertaining to private matters or transactions between people are regulated by civil law.
Civil law applies to matters of negligence (torts), domestic relations, contract disputes, and child
abuse and/or neglect. Civil actions are initiated by "petitioners" or "plaintiffs." The person or
entity a civil action is brought against is either a "defendant" or "respondent" depending upon the
nature of the civil action.
The primary responsibility of the court in civil cases is to provide an impartial means for the
resolution of private disputes. The court serves as a forum for dispute resolution and is
responsible to ensure the dispute is settled in a lawful and peaceful manner. The court also
provides the means to enforce a decision through court orders. Court orders may be enforced
through contempt proceedings. Individuals or agencies that willfully violate court orders may be
required to show cause why the court should not impose a fine, jail sentence, or other sanction.
For the most part, the court relies upon "a preponderance of the evidence" as the burden of proof
in deciding civil disputes. This burden of proof requires the petitioner or plaintiff to present
evidence that is more persuasive or convincing than the evidence presented by the defendant or
respondent. This means the party whose evidence is most likely to be true will prevail. A case
involving the termination of parental rights, however, requires that the evidence presented by the
petitioner be clear and convincing. This means the judge must find the evidence to be "highly
probable and free from serious or substantial doubt" in order to terminate parental rights.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is usually the petitioner in dependency and neglect
(D&N) cases. A D&N action is initiated by petition of the DSS. The petition follows a DSS
investigation of a suspected child abuse or neglect report within a family context. In some cases,
an emergency hearing will be conducted to insure the protection of a child until the DSS has an
opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation. The DSS is represented during this process by
the Weld County Attorney. The Weld County Attorney's role and responsibilities differ from
that of the District Attorney in criminal cases.
The Weld County District Court is committed to concluding dependency and neglect (D&N)
cases within the eighteen months suggested by Colorado Revised Statutes. All D&N cases are
reviewed within six months after a treatment plan has been entered. To assist in this
commitment the judge assigns a court facilitator in difficult D & N cases. Organizations or
individuals involved in post -investigation and treatment plans are sometimes required to
participate in A Family Compass Program by the judge. (See A Family Compass page).
Adopted October 1994
7-1 Revised September 1997
972613
The D&N case process generally is as follows:
Step I: Protective Custody of Child, if necessary
Step 2: Emergency Hearing (within 72 hours) at which time the petition is filed and a GAL is appointed
Step 3: Adjudicatory Hearing (within 90 days)
a) Dismiss or
b) Sustain
Step 4: Dispositional Hearing (within 45 days)
Step 5: Permanency Plan (due 3 days before Permanency Plan Hearing)
Step 6: Permanency Plan Hearing (within 18 months of placement)
Step 7: Review Hearing (every 6 months)
or Emancipation
or Adoption
ACCESS TO THE COURT FOR CHILD PROTECTION
A guardian ad litem (GAL) may be appointed by the court to act in the interests of a child. A
person suspecting child abuse may contact the appointed GAL directly if he/she believes the
initial report to the Department of Social Services and/or law enforcement was inadequately
addressed. Contact with a GAL may be by telephone or in writing.
If child abuse is suspected and the reporting party believes the response was inadequate, the court
may be contacted directly if a GAL is not known or none was appointed by the court. Contact
the court by writing to:
Judge J. Robert Lowenbach
Weld County Courthouse, Div. II
P.O. Box C
Greeley, CO 80632
The court may issue an order to investigate if the court concludes there is sufficient cause to
reasonably suspect child abuse.
CRIMINAL LAW AND COURT
Issues pertaining to the treatment and care of children may involve criminal charges and/or civil
determination of dependency and neglect. These two courses of action are independent of one
another. Depending upon the circumstances of a case, the court may adjudicate a criminal case
only, a civil case only, or both.
A crime is defined by the Colorado Legislature, as conduct contrary to the interests of the People
of the State of Colorado. The People's interest is represented by the District Attorney who is
responsible for the filing and prosecution of criminal cases with the court. The District Attorney
also serves the People's interest in cases of juvenile delinquency. A delinquent act occurs when
someone at least 10 years of age but not yet 18 years of age engages in conduct that would
constitute a crime if someone 18 years of age or older engaged in the same conduct.
Adopted October 1994
7-2 Revised September 1997
972613
Legislation is codified in the Colorado Revised Statutes. Statutes define legal terms, crimes,
articulate specific elements that must be present, and penalties upon conviction. Statutes also
may impose requirements or duties for individuals and may establish specific procedures to be
followed. Because criminal statutes have consequences that may deprive individuals of their
freedom, a criminal case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest burden
of proof applied in the legal system and is defined as a doubt that "would cause reasonable
people to hesitate in matters of importance to themselves."
A criminal act may be a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony. The maximum penalty for a
petty offense is 6 months in the county jail and a $500 fine. The maximum penalty for a
misdemeanor is 2 years in the county jail and a $5,000 fine. Felonies are the most serious of
offenses. A felony is any crime for which a penitentiary sentence may be imposed. Depending
upon the particular felony offense, fines may range from $1,000 to $1 million and terms of
imprisonment from 1 year to life without possibility of parole. Individuals who are convicted of
felonies may be sentenced to probation. intensive supervised probation, residential community
corrections, or imprisonment.
Criminal charges are made against a "defendant" on behalf of the People of the State of Colorado
as "plaintiff." Defendants are usually represented by attorneys. In rare cases, defendants may
represent themselves. In criminal cases, an individual has the right to have an attorney appointed
by the court to represent him/her if they cannot afford one. An attorney from the Public
Defender's Office will usually be appointed in these cases.
Criminal cases enter the court system when charges are filed by the District Attorney. In some
misdemeanor and petty offense cases, a peace officer may file a case directly with the court using
a summons and complaint. A summons and complaint appears much like a "ticket" one would
receive for a traffic violation. The District Attorney files charges using a document called an
"information" in the case of felonies and a "complaint" in the case of misdemeanors.
As a general rule, felony cases with adult perpetrators are adjudicated in the district court while
misdemeanor cases are county court matters. A district court considers juvenile matters
including criminal cases with juvenile perpetrators and civil dependency and neglect (D&N)
cases.
Juveniles found to be delinquent and determined to require incarceration must be held in
facilities where they are separated by sight and sound from adult offenders. Facilities holding
juvenile offenders are called juvenile detention centers. Detention centers must meet standards
of care, supervision, and programming required by the Federal Juvenile Justice Delinquency
Prevention Act and any related Colorado Revised Statutes. Compliance with these regulations is
monitored by site inspections performed by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice.
Detention facilities are operated and/or approved by the State of Colorado.
Adopted October 1994
7-3 Revised September 1997
972613
The District Attorney may file charges and prosecute a case treating a juvenile as an adult
offender when certain criteria are present. These cases are known as "direct file juveniles." A
direct file juvenile may be held in the county jail pending disposition of the criminal charge so
long as they are physically separated from adult offenders. Upon conviction, the juvenile is
housed and treated no differently than an adult convicted of the same crime.
GENERAL COURT INFORMATION
There are a number of preliminary actions or phases that may occur prior to a criminal or civil
case reaching a trial. These actions may gather testimonial evidence under oath, find additional
facts, information, and evidence, determine what evidence will be allowed to be presented at
trial, and seek a resolution to a dispute before trial. These actions may or may not all take place
in the courtroom.
The court or jury considers evidence in order to reach a decision. The evidence may be actual
physical evidence and/or testimony. All evidence is introduced by witnesses to be considered by
the court or jury. Witnesses are compelled to offer testimony and to bring records in their control
by a court order known as a "subpoena" or "subpoena duces tecum."
Subpoenas will be personally served on the person to appear a minimum of 48 hours prior to the
scheduled appearance. Priority is given to service of subpoenas in child abuse cases to avoid
rescheduling delays. Witnesses will usually be contacted by an attorney prior to actually
testifying. The attorney will use that opportunity to discuss what information the witness will
provide during testimony and may give examples of the types of questions a witness is likely to
be asked. While a subpoena compels a witness to offer testimony, it does not require a witness to
speak with an attorney or their investigators representing any interested party in any action prior
to testifying.
As a general rule, a witness can give information only from their personal knowledge. Personal
knowledge would be something a witness personally saw, heard, did, etc. Information that is not
from personal knowledge is known as "hearsay" and usually will not be allowed to be considered
as evidence.
Expert witnesses are people with specialized professional training and experience qualified to
offer opinions. The court will determine whether or not a witness is qualified as an expert from
evidence presented on that issue. In general, a witness will not be allowed to express an opinion
unless he or she has been accepted by the court as an expert.
It is important that witnesses prepare for testimony by reviewing their notes, statements, or other
case material in advance. A witness who is not comfortable testifying without referring to notes
need to contact the attorney asking for his/her testimony before testifying. Witnesses take an
oath attesting to the truthfulness of their testimony before testifying. Someone intentionally
offering false information may be criminally charged for perjury.
Adopted October 1994
7-4 Revised September 1997
972613
Witnesses testify by answering questions directed to them. It is important that witnesses
understand a question prior to responding and should ask to have a question repeated or clarified
if they are unsure what was asked. Occasionally, an attorney may object to the court regarding a
question asked of a witness. A witness needs to stop speaking or not answer the question when
an objection is raised and wait until the court rules on the objection and tells the witness to
proceed. Responses should be direct, honest, on point, and specifically answer what was asked.
Witnesses are encouraged not to volunteer information.
The questioning process continues allowing each side the opportunity to ask questions and
clarify information. When completed, the court will excuse the witness. Unless directed
otherwise by the court, a subpoena to offer testimony is completed when a witness is excused.
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
A Guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed by the court in all dependency and neglect cases to
investigate and formulate an independent opinion concerning the child's best interest. The GAL
does not necessarily represent what a child desires.
The juvenile court expects the GAL to:
• Function as a check and balance within the child protection system by performing an
independent, thorough investigation.
• Provide an independent opinion concerning the child's best interests based upon the
GAL's investigation.
• Present evidence, submit recommendations, and actively represent the child's best
interests before the court.
These expectations require a GAL to weigh recommendations from the Department of Social
Services equally with recommendations from other agencies and individuals involved in a case.
The GAL should have specific training and insight into children's issues because of the
importance of presenting the child's position while making recommendations to the court.
The local 19th Judicial District requires a GAL to:
• Consider all relevant information when formulating and advocating his/her
independent position, including information from, but not limited to, the child, parents,
DSS, and relatives when formulating and advocating an independent position.
• Make a minimum of one observation of the child in placement.
• Interview or observe the child.
• Receive copies of all party pleadings and participate in all dispositions and
negotiations.
• Actively participate and be included in all aspects of litigation.
• File motions for any appropriate hearings including contempt citations of the parents,
the Department of Social Services, or the child.
Adopted October 1994
7-5 Revised September 1997
3726
• Interview parties significant to the child including, but not limited to, teachers,
relatives, doctors, day care providers.
• Provide a telephone number in order to contact the GAL.
• Appear at all court hearings and represent the best interests of the child.
• Continue to follow up the child's placement and progress --adjudication does NOT
terminate the GAL's responsibility.
• Access the child's privileged information through court order or parental releases.
• Comply with the statute giving precedence to child abuse cases.
The 19th Judicial District also strongly recommends a GAL:
• Make a home visit to the parties' homes --particularly if the child home environment is
in question.
• Observe interaction between each parent and the child.
• Discuss the child and child's development with each parent.
• Identify and advocate appropriate community resources according to needs when
necessary, including, but not limited to:
--Drug and alcohol treatment
--Parenting education
--Counseling alternatives
--Programs for special needs children
--Financial assistance for the child or family
WELD COUNTY ATTORNEY
915 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
970-356-4000 Extension 4391
The Weld County Attorney is a position within the Department of Law defined by Article V of
the Weld County Home Rule Charter. The Weld County Attorney is appointed by the Board of
Weld County Commissioners and is assisted by assistant county attorneys as the Board deems
necessary.
The Weld County Attorney exercises all legal and administrative functions of the county
government. One of those functions is representation of the Department of Social Services in
dependency and neglect cases and similar civil case matters.
The Weld County Attorney is responsible to prosecute criminal violations of only Weld County
Ordinances while the Weld County District Attorney is responsible to prosecute criminal
violations of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Two assistant county attorneys are currently
assigned to represent the Department of Social Services in dependency and neglect cases.
Adopted October 1994
7-6 Revised September 1997
972613
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
A defendant or respondent in either a criminal or civil case may be represented or "defended" by
an attorney. A defense attorney is responsible to represent and protect the defendant or
respondent's interests.
In civil cases, the goal of a defense attorney is to offer evidence and arguments to persuade the
court that the position of their client should prevail. The other party in dependency and neglect
cases will be the Department of Social Services. A defense attorney in a civil case may be hired
by a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child in a dependency and neglect case. If a
parent in a dependency and neglect case cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will appoint
one at public expense.
In a criminal case, the defense attorney performs many of the same functions as in the civil case.
In addition, a criminal defense attorney's role is to insure the defendant's constitutional and
statutory rights are accorded to him or her and to attempt to create a reasonable doubt in the mind
of the judge or jury so the defendant is acquitted. A Defendant who cannot afford an attorney,
and who is facing a possible jail sentence, is entitled to be represented free of charge, usually by
a Public Defender.
The Public Defender's Office is a government agency funded by the public to provide defense
counsel to indigent defendants in criminal cases. The court may also appoint an attorney, at
public expense, who is not a member of the Public Defender's Office. The Public Defender's
Office also employs staff and investigators to assist a Public Defender Attorney.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
915 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
970-356-4010 Extension 4706
Fort Lupton:
303-857-3038 Extension 5970
The District Attorney is an elected official responsible to represent the interests of the People of
the State of Colorado as the prosecutor in criminal cases. The District Attorney appoints
Deputies to help represent the People's interests.
Cases of child abuse or neglect are investigated by law enforcement. Results of a law
enforcement investigation are forwarded to the District Attorney's Office and assigned to a
deputy district attorney dedicated specifically to child -victim cases. The deputy reviews the case
investigation to determine if the facts are cause to believe a crime probably occurred and an
individual identified by the investigation probably committed the crime. Once that determination
is made, the deputy district attorney considers a number of factors to determine if criminal
charges should actually be filed with the court to begin the prosecution of a defendant and what
criminal charges are appropriate. The case review process is explained in Section 7, District
Attorney Procedures.
Adopted October 1994
7-7 Revised September 1997
972613
The deputy district attorney may not file criminal charges for many reasons. It is important
everyone understand the decision to not file charges does NOT mean the prosecutor has
decided child abuse or neglect did not occur or that the child victim was not truthful.
The District Attorney plays an important role in sentencing convicted offenders. The primary
objective of criminal sentencing is protection of the community. Other important objectives of
criminal sentencing include punishment of offenders, rehabilitation of offenders, restitution to
victims, deterrence of offenders from future crimes, deterrence of others from similar crimes, and
making the statement our community values the emotional and physical well-being of children.
USEFUL PUBLIC SERVICE
934 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
970-356-4000 Extension 4844
The Useful Public Service (UPS) program is funded by Weld County and administered by the
Chief Probation Officer for the 19th Judicial District. UPS identifies and seeks cooperation of
governmental entities and non-profit corporations to provide public service jobs for persons
sentenced to perform community service as an alternative to incarceration or other sanction.
The largest portion of persons sentenced to UPS involve traffic offenders found guilty of an
alcohol or drug -related driving offense or a class 1 or 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. The
program also accepts juvenile offenders. A UPS sentence usually is imposed with other
conditions including requirements such as alcohol and/or drug education classes.
UPS personnel interview persons ordered by the cowl: to perform community service, assign
these persons to suitable community and public service jobs, and monitor compliance or
noncompliance of these individuals within the time established by the court. A failure to comply
with a requirement for UPS could result in incarceration in the county jail.
CENTENNIAL RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
100 15th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
970-352-8372
The Centennial Residential Facility is operated by the Weld County Sheriff as a non -secure
sentencing alternative to the Weld County Jail for county court sentenced misdemeanors. The
District Court may also sentence some felons to the facility. The facility is the site for 24 -hour
supervision of work release, work -seek release. and electronically monitored in -home detention.
Adopted October 1994
7-8 Revised September 1997
972613
Sentences generally are a minimum of 30 days up to a maximum of two years. Participants pay
fees ranging from no cost to a maximum of $15/day based upon a schedule of gross income and
number ofdependents. The programs are designed to allow or encourage continued employment,
provide supervised case management of personal scheduling, and still sanction through restricted
freedom and privileges. Individuals failing to follow program rules are removed from the facility
and incarcerated at the Weld County Jail for the remainder of their sentences.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
934 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
356-4000 Extension 4589
The Probation Department is organized within the judicial branch of government serving both
misdemeanors and felons from the county and district courts. The Probation Department serves
the court prior to sentencing by conducting and preparing a Pre -Sentence Investigation (PSI)
report for the judge's consideration in sentencing. The Probation Department also serves as a
mechanism for continuing court supervision of persons convicted of criminal offenses.
Probation is an alternative, or works in conjunction with, incarceration in the county jail or state
penitentiary.
The court may order a defendant to do or not do something as a term or condition of being
sentenced to probation. Terms or conditions could involve completion of therapy and treatment
programs or prohibitions from certain conduct or associations. Compliance is monitored by
probation officers at various levels of supervision. Information pertaining to a probationer
misconduct or re -offending needs to be forwarded to the Probation Department without delay.
Supervision could range from documentation indicating a defendant completed the required
hours of useful public service to participation in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP). ISP is
a probation program involving 24 -hour electronic monitoring of a probationer's location and/or
activity, frequent face-to-face contact with specially -trained probation officers, and other highly
restrictive conditions. The ISP program serves as one of the last available alternatives short of
incarceration in the state penitentiary.
The consequence of failing to complete required terms and conditions of probation could result
in revocation of the probation and a sentence to be served in the county jail or state penitentiary.
Adopted October 1994
7-9 Revised September 1997
972613
WELD COUNTY JAIL
910 10th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
970-356-4015 Extension 4665
The Weld County Jail is maintained and supervised by the Weld County Sheriff. The county jail
initially receives and holds persons arrested within Weld County for violations of the Colorado
Revised Statutes until the court orders otherwise. The jail holds persons convicted of crimes
classified as petty offenses or misdemeanors for a minimum of one day up to a maximum of 2
years.
Generally, persons convicted of felony crimes are sentenced to the state prison operated by the
Colorado Department of Corrections. Persons convicted of municipal ordinance violations may
be sentenced to the county jail with permission of the Board of County Commissioners.
Otherwise, municipal offenders must be housed in municipal jails. Municipalities currently
contract with Weld County for municipal jail space as there are no municipal jails in Weld
County.
PAROLE DEPARTMENT
800 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
970-356-0839
The Parole Department is organized within the executive branch of government. As a general
rule, individuals on parole have been sentenced to the Colorado Department of Corrections, or
other state institutions for felony crimes and are no longer under continuing supervision of the
court. The State of Colorado may also locally supervise parolees from other states because of an
intrastate compact agreement.
The Division of Adult Parole provides parole officer supervision of convicted felons within the
terms and conditions established by a parole authority. An example of typical conditions for
parole are in Appendix H. In Colorado, the parole authority is a parole board. The primary
concern of supervision is assuring public safety. To that end, parolee or misconduct or a re -
offense by the parolee needs to be reported to a supervising parole officer without delay. The
other objective of supervision is to assist the parolee in his/her re -integration into the community.
Parole officers are trained and certified as peace officers by the State of Colorado. They will
frequently engage in law enforcement activities. i.e.. investigations, searches, and arrests, in the
interest of public safety. Officers also work with a parolee's individual needs and provide case
management. This often translates into working closely with family, friends, treatment
providers, and other service agencies.
Because of these contacts, a parole officer may become involved in the identification of child
abuse or neglect issues. These issues may also emerge during development/implementation of
various treatment plans involving children related to. or closely associated with, the parolee. A
parole officer is responsible for making many critical decisions that have direct and indirect
influences on children within the community.
Adopted October 1994
7-10 Revised September 1997
372613
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
800 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-8963
The community corrections program is governed by a seven -member Board. The Board is
composed of three standing members from the District Attorney's Office, probation department,
and the chief judicial district court judge. The remaining four members are appointed by the
Board of Weld County Commissioners. One of these four members specifically represents local
law enforcement.
The Board monitors and enforces standards for the operation of community corrections programs
in compliance with state and local standards, approves or disapproves the establishment and
operation of community corrections programs, and accepts or rejects offenders referred for
placement. Offenders are convicted felons referred by the Colorado Department of Corrections,
Department of Parole, or directly sentenced by the District Court. Community corrections
programs include education and treatment components administered in both secure and non -
secure residential and day reporting settings.
VICTIM ADVOCATE SERVICES
Victim Advocate services are those programs in the community that assist, support, and provide
information to victims of child abuse and their family members. In Weld County these
responsibilities are shared among several programs/agencies.
This listing is not exhaustive. In individual cases, therapists, school personnel, physicians, and
others may advocate on behalf of child victims. Furthermore, although categorized by the type
of case. phase of system involvement, and role of the program, each victim requires different
degrees of support. Therefore some victims and their family members will access all of the
services available to them, while others may choose not to access any.
These are commonly accessed victim advocate services in Weld County. Note: This chart
represents advocacy during the D & N or Criminal Child Abuse case process --NOT official
involvement in the investigative or court process.
Dependency & Neglect
Reporting Process
c.a.r.e.
SASI
A Woman's Place
Investigation
c.a.r.e.
A Kid's Place
Court Involvement
c.a.r.e.
Criminal Child Abuse
Reporting Process
c.a.r.e.
SASI
A Woman's Place
stve_stigation
A Kid's Place
Greeley Police Victim Services
South County Victim Services
(Platteville)
Adopted October 1994
7-11 Revised September 1997
372613
CASA of Weld County
SASI
Court Involvement
Victim/Witness Program --
District Attorney's Office
*The length of time victims utilize individual programs will be variable, thus these categories
should be regarded as somewhat fluid.
**A representative of each of these groups will be asked to be a CART member and listed on the
CART list.
VICTIM ADVOCATE SERVICE PROVIDERS
A Kid's Place
A Kid's Place provides audio/video recording of interviews of child victims of severe
physical and sexual abuse in a child -friendly environment. A Kid's Place provides the
coordination of related investigative and support services, such as medical examinations, and
information and referral services to community resources.
A Woman's Place
A Woman's Place provides a residential facility for women and children victims of
domestic violence. In addition, they provide legal advocacy, counseling, and group support
services for women and their children.
c.a.r.e. (Child Advocacy Resource & Education. Inc.)
c.a.r.e. provides parent education programs providing a diverse group of classes for
parents and families, a family advocate program that works in -home, teaching parenting and life
skills education with families who are referred through social services, and community education
programs to educate the community on issues of parenting, abuse and neglect resources available
in the community. In general, c.a.r.e. does limited crisis management in terms of helping
families access appropriate resources in the community. c.a.r.e. will support families with parent
education as the families learn to provide safe and nurturing environment.
CASA of Weld County
The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program trains community volunteers
to advocate for safe. permanent homes for abused children involved in the dependency and
neglect court system. A CASA volunteers is assigned to the children in one case to monitor the
case for timely court resolution, and to provide factual information about the children's
conditions to the court prior to each court hearing. Most important is the CASA volunteer's role
in ensuring that all decisions regarding the children are in their best interests. CASA volunteers
are expected to retain those roles throughout the life of the case.
Adopted October 1994
7-12 Revised September 1997
972613
Greeley Police Department Victim Services
The role of Victim Services is to provide support and information to non -offending
parents or care -givers of children suspected of being abused. Advocates are available from the
time the incident is reported until the parents feel there is no longer a need for their support.
Support may include someone to listen to concerns or answer questions. Information provided
may be referrals to other agencies or help in understanding the justice system. The Greeley
Police Departmen's Victim Services Unit also works in cooperation with police departments in
Evans, Kersey, Windsor, LaSalle, Johnstown, Milliken, and Eaton.
Sexual Assault Survivors. Inc. (SASI)
Sexual Assault Survivors, Inc. provides advocacy services, emotional support,
information and referrals to victim/survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. SASI's
services are free and available 24 hours per day. If SASI receives initial contact in a known or
suspected child sexual assault or abuse case, SASI will immediately refer the reporting party to
law enforcement or DSS. If SASI's victim advocate is able to get sufficient information, SASI
will report directly. SASI's victim advocates are available to provide information and emotional
support to non -offending parties where requested and appropriate.
Victim/Witness--District Attorney's Office
The Victim/Witness service of the District Attorney's Office provides notification of
impending court dates to victims of crime. In addition the office provides some limited
information and referral services as well as support throughout a trial process.
Adopted October 1994
7-13 Revised September 1997
972613
TREATMENT PROVIDER INFORMATION
Several groups of professionals are involved in the child protection system. Because of the
services they provide, professionals may be involved in initial reporting, case investigation, and
the court process. Only those professionals most frequently involved are listed in this Protocol at
the present time.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Treatment providers will follow the reporting procedures outlined in Section 5.
Exceptions for alcohol and drug counselors and mental health professionals are listed in their
specific sections.
NOTIFICATIONS
Treatment providers are to notify the following of significant changes or concerns about a child
or a family:
• The Department of Social Services on -going caseworker
• The child's Guardian ad litem
• The child's or family's mental health provider
DOCUMENTATION
Treatment providers need to complete the Reporting Form in Appendix G and send it to the
Department of Social Services within three days of making a verbal report. Most treatment
agencies require a copy of this report be made and kept in a confidential file within the agency
administration.
REI EASE OF RECORDS
Treatment providers are encouraged to use the Authorization for the Release of Confidential
Information form in Appendix G in order to share information with other agencies.
POST -REPORTING PROCEDURES
Client authorization is needed to release information between appropriate individuals and
agencies. Treatment providers are often working with the court and are called upon to provide
documentation by a court order. Though each agency provides various services, the court
encourages and allows the following information to be reported to the court in these cases:
• A description of the services offered including general and specific treatment goals
Adopted October 1994
7-14 Revised September 1997
972613
• The level of participant attendance;
• The quality of the participant's involvement in the services;
• Test scores or results of evaluations administered by the provider.
Treatment providers may attend appropriate staffings with the Department of Social Services,
A Family Compass, and other treatment providers.
Any new case of abuse or neglect needs to be reported as outlined in Section 5. If an on -going
caseworker is assigned, the on -going caseworker should be notified of the new report, but the
notification is not a substitute for reporting. New allegations of third -party abuse or neglect by a
perpetrator ten years of age or older should be reported directly to law enforcement.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Medical professionals provide a variety of services including examinations and medical
treatment to children within the child protection system. Medical professionals are involved with
reporting suspected abuse and neglect. They are also involved in the investigative phase
following a report by collecting evidence and providing a professional medical opinion to law
enforcement and/or the Department of Social Services regarding the nature of injuries or physical
condition of a child.
Client rights related to confidentiality and privacy or privileged communication impact medical
professionals. Privacy is the right of someone to control both the amount of information
divulged and the disposition of information that has been divulged to a physician in a
professional capacity. These client rights mean information cannot be revealed by a medical
professional without the prior consent of the client.
Confidentiality relates to how private information is handled once the information has been
divulged. Confidentiality requires information is administered in such a manner to ensure no
harm will befall the client as a result of having disclosed information to the medical professional.
Typically, confidentiality assures that client information is not used for personal gain or curiosity
and is shared with other professionals involved in the care of the client only after obtaining a
proper authorization to release information.
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is an exception to client rights to confidentiality and
privacy or privileged communication. The exception is specifically mandated within the
Colorado Children's Code (see following Reporting section.)
Adopted October 1994
7-15 Revised September 1997
972613
Medical professionals are responsible for the following:
• Emergency medical treatment;
• Medical examinations and collection of forensic evidence;
• Medical examination performed by professional with training in physical examination,
collection, and preservation of evidence from victims of sexual abuse or other physical
assault;
• Completing rape evidence collection kit at an emergency room in certain sexual assault
cases perpetrated less than 24 hours prior to the offense;
• Completing rape evidence collection kit with medical professional trained in physical
examinations, collection, and preservation of evidence related to sexual assault in
certain cases perpetrated more than 24 hours but less than 72 hours prior to the offense;
• Appropriate patient documentation;
• Court testimony;
• Medical direction and collaboration in the development and review of Weld County
Child Abuse Coalition projects, when requested.
REPORTING
A medical professional is mandated, by law, to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Reporting should follow procedures specified in the Section 5, Reporting Child Abuse.
Emergency cases of suspected abuse or neglect and/or third party abuse need to be reported
directly to local law enforcement. Suspected cases of intrafamilial abuse should be reported to
the Department of Social Services.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
A patient's condition may dictate emergency medical treatment without request of either of these
agencies. Emergency treatment would be provided through the emergency health care system
most proximate or where best could be provided in the best interest of patient care. In Weld
County, a majority of emergency medical care would be accessed at the North Colorado Medical
Center.
Forensic medical examinations not related to emergency care will be requested by law
enforcement or the Department of Social Services. Authorization for these examinations will
generally be approved by a parent, guardian, or pursuant to an order of the court. The requesting
agency will coordinate with the medical professional performing the examination in advance.
Adopted October 1994
7-16 Revised September 1997
972613
Pre -examination coordination is essential to minimize the number of interviews and
trauma for the child yet maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the examination.
Examination coordination is one of the services available through A Kid's Place staff. Pre -
examination coordination would typically include clarification of the following issues:
• Treatment authorization;
• Medical records release documentation and to whom information may be released;
• Background information defining the nature of what forensic and/or corroborative
evidence may be present;
• A brief medical history of the patient;
• What examination documentation will be produced, i.e., photographs, witnesses, etc.
The medical protocol for an examination of this nature should be consistent to provide the
highest quality of physical evidence, yet minimize further trauma to the child. With the
exception of procedures specific to emergency care, general medical information such as blood
pressure, pulse, respiration, height, weight, infant head circumference, and completed growth
chart appropriate for the child's age and sex should be documented as appropriate. Part of
NCMC Emergency Room procedure includes referral of the child/family to an appropriate
physician or agency.
The initial phase of the examination should focus on establishing rapport with the child and
attempting to minimize feelings of guilt or fear the child may have. This phase should be used to
reassure the child that every attempt will be made to protect him/her from further abuse.
Results will not be shared with suspected perpetrators who are also parents or guardians of the
child. Even when parents or guardians are not suspected perpetrators, only information
necessary to the child's safety or medical needs can be released when the examination was part of
an on -going criminal investigation. This is necessary to avoid the potential of compromising the
criminal investigation. If further treatment or hospitalization is needed, the medical professional
is able to inform the child (if applicable) and the parents or guardian of the need and the medical
reason for this recommendation.
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Mental health professionals provide a variety of services including assessment of individuals and
families and emotional and psychological support. Mental health professionals include clinical
psychologists, psychiatrists, caseworkers, licensed professional counselors, and marriage/family
therapists. Mental health professionals maintain a safe and private environment for clients as an
important objective.
Adopted October 1994
7-17 Revised September 1997
972613
The 1986 Protection and Advocacy Bill for Mentally Ill Individuals is a guiding document
regarding client rights. The scope of this legislation includes access to records without prior
consent, protection from abuse and neglect, and client rights related to confidentiality and
privacy or privileged communication impacting medical professionals.
Privacy is the right of someone to control both the amount of information divulged and the
disposition of information that has been divulged to a mental health provider in a professional
capacity. These client rights mean information cannot be revealed by a mental health
professional without the prior consent of the client.
Confidentiality relates to how private information is handled once the information has been
divulged. Confidentiality requires information be administered in such a manner to ensure no
harm will befall the client as a result of having disclosed information to the mental health
professional. Typically, confidentiality assures that client information is not used for personal
gain or curiosity and is shared with other professionals involved in the care of the client only
after obtaining a proper authorization to release information.
Mental health professionals must consider an ethical concept of "best interests of the child." This
ethical concept requires a mental health professional to consider what actions, in their
professional judgment, would be in the best interests of the child. The ethical consideration may
complicate the mental health role in the child abuse and neglect arena.
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is an exception to client rights of confidentiality and
privacy or privileged communication. The exception is specifically mandated within the
Colorado Children's Code.
Mental health professionals are responsible for the following:
• Therapy to children and adults;
• Assessment, testing, and evaluation of individual and family interaction, home
situation, and emotional/psychological state;
• Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect;
• Service coordination with the Department of Social Services and other agencies
working with the family;
• Providing information to the Child Protection Team;
• Assistance in development and completion of treatment plans;
• Attending appropriate staffings for children/families; and
• Contact with the Guardian ad litem.
Adopted October 1994
7-18 Revised September 1997
972613
REPORTING
Information disclosed in counseling sessions may lead the mental health profession to reasonably
suspect child abuse or neglect has or is occurring. A mental health professional is mandated, by
law, to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting should follow procedures specified in
Section 6, Reporting Child Abuse. Mental health professionals working for Weld County School
Districts need to refer to Section 5, Reporting Procedures for Weld County Schools.
An oral report will be followed by a written report to the Department of Social Services within
three working days. The written reporting form is contained in Appendix G. A copy of the
completed written report should be included in the client's chart as documentation.
A mental health professional will encourage and facilitate reporting by a client/reporting party by
being present with the client when the report is made. The mental health professional will need
to take a more active role to enable the investigation if there is an immediate danger to the
client/reporting party. This may include having the client remain at the provider's office until the
Department of Social Services or local law enforcement responds to investigate the report.
Emergency cases of suspected abuse or neglect and/or third -party abuse need to be reported
directly to local law enforcement. Suspected cases of intrafamilial abuse should be reported to
the Department of Social Services.
RELEASE OF RECORDS
The written report sent to the Department of Social Services may also be released to local law
enforcement. Other case information specific to the incident giving rise to the report will be
shared jointly between the Department of Social Services and mental health professionals if it
relates to the provision of care, treatment, or supervision to the child. However, a specific
release must be obtained for information not specific to the alleged incident of abuse or neglect.
REFERRALS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
It is very important to clearly state the purpose for any referral or requested services. This is
necessary as services are managed differently.
Crisis Intervention Services
Providers may interact with persons in crisis. These individuals may express suicidal ideation,
gestures, self -mutilation, attempt, or make statements intending to do self -harm or commit
suicide. Their behavior may be out of control or they cannot be calmed or consoled and, for
those gravely emotionally disabled, may be out of contact with reality, hallucinating, etc.
Adopted October 1994
7-19 Revised September 1997
972613
Depending how imminent a threat is to safety, crisis intervention services may be accessed in any
one of the following ways:
1. Calling local law enforcement or dialing 9-1-1
2. Going to the emergency room of a local hospital
3. Contacting North Range Behavioral Health
Note: A person in crisis may have an on -going relationship with a mental health professional.
Mental health therapists participating in the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition Protocol will
provide 24 -hour access for ongoing clients and referrals should be made to therapists in these
cases.
Therapy Services
Requests for child or family therapy in child abuse or neglect cases are given priorities for
assignments. Needs for specialized intervention should be outlined when the referral is made.
Therapy service referrals from the Department of Social Services should be coordinated prior to
services being provided. Coordination should involve the mental health professional,
caseworker, and the referred family. Coordination affords an opportunity for roles and
responsibilities to be clarified and improves overall delivery of services and communication.
Investigative Assistance
Law enforcement or the Department of Social Services may request assistance when
interviewing a child victim or witness in a child abuse or neglect investigation. Mental health
professionals will make every effort to provide assistance. Assistance may require a mental
health professional to go to A Kid's Place to be part of the interview team.
Assessment and Evaluation
A range of assessments and evaluations are available upon request or by court order. Examples
include, but are not limited to, custody evaluations/home studies, parent -child interaction
evaluations, psychological evaluations, and projective testing.
ON -GOING TREATMENT
Mental health professions are often involved in on -going treatment plans for children and
families within the child protection system. Treatment needs to be integrated into an overall
service provider team approach and significant changes in the condition of the child or family
need to be shared with appropriate agencies involved to the extent privacy, confidentiality, and
best interests of the child allow.
Adopted October 1994
7-20 Revised September 1997
972613
This information is important to the Department of Social Services caseworker, guardian ad
litem, and the foster parent/out-of-home placement facility staff. Significant changes would
include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Changes to, or additional information about, a child's factual allegations;
• The child's mental condition; or
• The family's attitude toward the child.
The mental health professional should obtain client authorization to release information between
appropriate individuals and agencies when it is in the client's best interest and appropriate at any
point during the client's treatment and/or evaluation. If the child client is less than 15 years of
age, a release to share information regarding the child client is not necessary to share information
with:
• The child's guardian adlitem; and
• The Department of Social Services IF it has legal custody of the child
Note: The child client must sign a release if he/she is 15 years of age or older.
Any new information about intrafamilial child abuse or neglect divulged during the course of
treatment needs to be reported as an initial report to the Department of Social Services. If a
caseworker is already assigned, the mental health professional should also notify the caseworker
of the new report to the DSS. If the new information involves a third -party perpetrator over the
age of ten, the report should be made directly with local law enforcement and subsequently
shared with an assigned caseworker.
North Range Behavioral Health
North Range Behavioral Health has specific procedures related to reporting and the release of
client information in addition to the information contained in this section. Therapists working at
North Range Behavioral Health should also do the following:
• A new child abuse report to the Department of Social Services for an open child client
should be documented as case management activity in the child's chart;
• A copy of the child abuse report is sent to the Director of Children and Family Services
Program to be maintained in a central file for these reports;
• Copies of child abuse reports or report cover letters should not be in the client's file;
and
• North Range Behavioral Health must have a signed release before client information is
released to anyone except a custodial. biological or adoptive parent of a child under 15
years of age, unless the release of information is required by law.
Adopted October 1994
7-21 Revised September 1997
972613
ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS
Alcohol and drug treatment professionals provide a variety of services, including assessment of
individuals and families and emotional and psychological support. Alcohol and drug treatment
professionals maintain safe and private environments for clients as an important objective.
Federal law and state licensing pertaining to client rights strictly control matters of privacy,
confidentiality, and the release of information. Access to records without prior consent,
protection from abuse and neglect, and client rights related to confidentiality and privacy, or
privileged communication are impacted by law and licensing.
Privacy is the right of someone to control both the amount of information divulged and the
disposition of information that has been divulged to an alcohol and drug counselor in a
professional capacity. These client rights mean information cannot be revealed by an alcohol and
drug counselor without the prior consent of the client.
Confidentiality relates to how private information is handled once the information has been
divulged. Confidentiality requires information be administered in such a manner to ensure no
harm will befall the client as a result of having disclosed information to the alcohol and drug
counselor. Typically, confidentiality assures that client information is not used for personal gain
or curiosity and is shared with other professionals involved in the care of the client only after
obtaining a proper authorization to release information.
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is not an exception to client rights of confidentiality
and pnvacy or privileged communication even though the exception is specifically mandated
within the Colorado Children's Code. Federal law regarding confidentiality and privacy
supersedes state requirements. For this reason, reporting suspected child abuse by alcohol and
drug treatment professionals is anonymous and no information regarding the client or source for
the report will be revealed.
Alcohol and drug treatment professionals are responsible for the following:
• Therapy to children and adults;
• Assessment and evaluation of individuals;
• Service coordination with the Department of Social Services and other agencies
working with the individual/family; and
• Contact with the guardian ad litem.
Adopted October 1994
7-22 Revised September 1997
972613
REPORTING
Information disclosed in counseling sessions may lead the alcohol and drug treatment
professional to reasonably suspect child abuse or neglect has or is occurring. The alcohol and
drug treatment professional will inform the client of his/her responsibility to report, even though
this information about client responsibility was given to the client during intake. The alcohol
and drug treatment professional will also inform the client of the professional's responsibility and
intent to contact appropriate authorities and encourage the client to report to the Department of
Social Services in the presence of the alcohol/drug treatment professional. An alcohol or drug
treatment professional will not identify himself or herself as an alcohol or drug treatment
professional when reporting suspected child abuse. The alcohol and drug treatment professional
must exercise special care to not disclose information about an individual who is an alcohol or
drug treatment client. Suspected child abuse or neglect reports will be made to the Department
of Social Services anonymously as concerned citizens or service providers. The report will be
limited to facts and details that do not compromise confidentiality of the alcohol/drug treatment
client.
Emergency cases of suspected abuse or neglect and/or third -party abuse need to be reported
directly to local law enforcement. Suspected cases of intrafamilial abuse should be reported to
the Department of Social Services.
REPORT DOC!JMENTATION
Alcohol and drug treatment professionals will document the nature of the circumstances giving
rise to the report of suspected child abuse in the client's chart. The time, date, and name of the
person making the report will also be documented.
RELEASE OF RECORDS/INFORMATION
Release of records and/or information will be in accordance with federal confidentiality
standards.
POST -REPORTING
Refer to Treatment Provider section 6. Alcohol and drug treatment professionals follow the
same guidelines with the exception of written authorization for release of information being
required in the cases of a guardian ad litem and the Department of Social Services.
FOSTER PARENTS
The foster parent functions as part of a team involved with the foster child and birth parents. The
purpose of the team concept is to maximize benefits of the foster care experience and minimize
stress for the child involved. Working as a team allows adoption of mutual goals and directs
various tasks toward achieving these goals.
Adopted October 1994
7-23 Revised September 1997
972gi Q
The foster parent role in the team includes providing 24 -hour care for a child, including food,
clothing, shelter, and support services. Support services may include, but not be limited to,
transportation to activities and medical and psychotherapy appointments, preparing life books,
assisting providers in speech, occupational, and psychotherapy, monitoring of school
performance, coordination with school personnel, and problem -solving.
Foster parents need to model appropriate parenting behaviors for foster children and birth
parents, provide advocacy for the child/birth family, and coordinate general care of the child.
The foster parent may assist the social services caseworker by gathering and providing
information about the child and family.
Characteristics which enhance foster parent effectiveness are as follows:
• Flexibility in scheduling and lifestyle;
• Ability to identify and access community resources;
• Good parenting skills;
• Sense of humor and positive self-esteem to effectively deal with child personality;
• Ability to blend their family and foster child;
• Good time -management skills;
• Not judging and having positive attitude toward birth parents;
• Effective communication with caseworkers, other professionals, and in court
testimony when required; and
• Ability to provide emotional attachment for child yet let go in a way not detrimental to
the child in the future.
SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS
School counselors, social workers, psychologist, and other qualified school personnel
may act as a liaison between the primary treatment provider and the child and their family
in the school setting.
Adopted October 1994
7-24 Revised September 1997
972613
EVALUATING THE
PROTOCOL
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
37261:
EVALUATING THE PROTOCOL
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition's Protocol Advisory Committee will meet to review and
revise the Protocol annually and recommend changes to the Coalition for their consideration.
Due to the changing statutes in the Colorado Children's Code and Criminal Code, the
committee will revise the protocol as needed. The committee meets quarterly in order to follow
the success, note any areas of change or concern and coordinate training. A written evaluation is
sent to CART Members yearly. Feedback from the evaluation is used in Protocol revision and
training design.
Adopted October 1994
8-1 Revised September 1997
972613
GLOSSARY OF
TERMS
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Adjudicatory Hearing,
A hearing to determine whether the allegations of a petition in dependency and neglect are
supported by the evidence.
Adult
A person eighteen years of age or older, unless that person is under the
continuing jurisdiction of the court.
CCC = Colorado Children's Code
CRS = Colorado Revised Statutes
Counsel
An attorney -at -law who acts as a person's legal advisor or one who represents a person in court.
Central Registry
An information system which tracks confirmed incidents of child abuse and neglect throughout
Colorado. Information is tracked by victim, perpetrator (if known), and what happened to the
child. All confirmed incidents of child abuse and neglect are to be filed with the Central Registry
by the Department of Social Services. The form used is called a CWS-59.
Child
For the purposes of the criminal child abuse statute (Section 18-6-401, C.R.S.), a child is a
person under the age of sixteen years. For purposes of the Children's Code and civil cases, a
child is a person under the age of eighteen years.
Child Protection Team
A multi -disciplinary advisory team consisting, where possible, of a representative of a local law
enforcement agency, a representative of the Department of Social Services, a representative of a
mental health clinic. an attorney, a representative of a public school district, a physician, a
representative from a public health department, a representative of the juvenile court or the
district court with juvenile jurisdiction, and one or more representatives of the lay community, at
least one of whom shall be a person who serves as a foster parent in the county. Each public
agency may have more than one participating member, but each agency will have only one vote
in procedural or policy matters. In no event shall an attorney member of the child protection
team be appointed as guardian ad litem for the child or as counsel for the parents at any
Adopted October 1994
9-1 Revised September 1997
972613
subsequent court proceedings, nor shall the child protection team be composed of fewer than
three persons. When any racial, ethnic, or linguistic minority group constitutes a significant
portion of the population of the jurisdiction of the child protection team, a member of each such
group shall serve as an additional lay member of the child protection team. At least one of the
preceding members of the team shall be chosen on the basis of representing low-income families.
Confidentiality
Reports of child abuse or neglect and the name and address of any child, family, or reporting
party or any other identifying information contained in such reports shall not be made public
information. Only the following persons or agencies shall be given access to such reports:
A. Law enforcement agencies;
B. District attorney;
C. Department of Social Services investigating a report of abuse or neglect or treating a
child or family which is the subject of such a report;
D. A physician who has before him/her a child whom he/she reasonably suspects to be
abused or neglected;
E. An agency having the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or
supervise a child who is the subject of a report or record, or a parent, guardian, legal
custodian, or person who is responsible for the child's health or welfare; this includes
but is not limited to schools, guardians ad litem, foster parents, placement facilities,
etc.
Disclosure may be permitted when authorized by a court for good cause. Disclosure shall not be
prohibited when there is a death of a suspected victim of child abuse or neglect and the death
becomes a matter of public record, or there is an arrest or formal criminal filing by a law
enforcement agency.
Confirmed
Any report that is supported by a preponderance of the evidence.
County Attorney
Represents the Department of Social Services in civil actions of dependency and neglect.
Criminal Child Abuse and Neglect I,aws
In addition to the civil definition of "child abuse and neglect" , there are many criminal laws that
define various types of child abuse and neglect. Those most often used are listed in the Colorado
Revised Statutes in Section 18-6-401.
Adopted October 1994
9-2 Revised SeptembJ 6' 3
Custodian
A person who has been providing shelter, food, clothing, and other care for a child in
the same fashion as a parent would, whether or not by order of the court.
DSS = Department of Social Services in Weld Coun y
Dependency and Neglect Action
Civil action in which the court determines the status of a child as abused or neglected.
Detention/Temporary Custody Hearing
A court hearing that is required by law to be held within forty-eight hours after a child is
removed from the home and placed into protective custody.
Dispositional Hearing
A hearing to determine what order of disposition should be made concerning a child
who is neglected or dependent. This may be part of the adjudicatory hearing.
District Attorney
Prosecutes criminal cases of child abuse and neglect.
Guardian ad litem
A person who is appointed by a court to act in the best interests of the child. Such person must
be an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Colorado.
Intrafamilial Abuse
Any case that occurs within a family context by a child's parent, stepparent, guardian, legal
custodian, or relative, by spousal equivalent, or by any other person who resides in the child's
home or who is regularly in the child's home for the purpose of exercising authority over or care
for the child. This does not include any person who is regularly in the child's home for the
purpose of rendering care for the child, if the person is paid for rendering care and is not related
to the child.
Institutional Abuse
Any case of abuse or neglect that occurs in a public or private facility in the state that provides
child care out of the home, supervision, or maintenance. This includes reports regarding day care
homes, centers, and twenty-four hour child care facilities. School settings shall not be viewed as
institutional abuse. The Department of Social Services shall be responsible for the coordination
and investigation.
Adopted October 1994
9-3 Revised Septembg 97613
J egal Custody
The right to the care, custody and control of the child; and the duty to provide food, clothing,
shelter, ordinary medical care, education and discipline for a child and, in an emergency, to
authorize surgery or other extraordinary care. "Legal Custody" may be taken from a parent only
by court action.
Neglect
Any case in which a child is in need of services because the child's parents, legal guardian, or
custodian fail to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care,
or supervision that a prudent parent would take.
Physical Child Abuse
Any case in which a child exhibits evidence of atypical skin bruising, unexplained bleeding that
raises suspicion, malnutrition, failure to thrive, bums, fractures of any bone, subdural hematoma,
soft tissue swelling, or death and either: such condition or death is not justifiably explained; the
history, given concerning such condition is at variance with the degree or type of such condition
or death; or the circumstances indicate that such condition may not be the product of an
accidental occurrence.
Protective Supervision
A legal status created by court order under which the child is permitted to remain in his/her home
or is placed with a relative or other suitable person and supervision and assistance is provided by
the court. Department of Social Services, or other agency designated by the court.
Respondent
A parent, guardian or legal custodian who, in a dependency and neglect action, is alleged to have
abused or neglected a child.
Sexual Abuse
Any case in which a child is subjected to sexual assault or molestation, sexual exploitation, or
prostitution.
Shelter
The temporary care of a child in physically non-restrictive facilities pending court disposition or
execution of a court order for placement.
Adopted October 1994
9-4 Revised September 1997
972613
Spousal Equivalent
A person who is in a family -type living arrangement with a parent and who would be a
stepparent if married to that person.
Unfounded
Any report which, after investigation, is not supported by a preponderance of the
evidence.
Unsubstantiated
Any report which, after investigation, is inconclusive as to whether or not the abuse or
neglect did or did not occur.
Adopted October 1994
9-5 Revised September 1997
972613
CART MEMBERS
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
Department of Social Services
311 N. 11th Ave
Greeley, Co. 80631
Child Protection Caseworkers and Supervisors
Main Phone Number: 352-1923
INTAKE
Gloria Romansik, Supervisor ext. 6230
Kelly Krause, Screener ext. 6211
Stacy Wagner, Backup Screener ext. 6211
Natasha Smrekar, Caseworker ext. 6221
Sherry Martinez, Caseworker-Ft.Lupton 857-3051 ext. 5961
Shannon Copeland, Caseworker-Ft.Lupton 857-3048 ext. 5958
Lynn Small, Supervisor ext. 6218
Lori Whitman, Caseworker ext. 6219
Chris Snodgrass, Caseworker ext. 6235
Terril Rector, Caseworker ext. 6234
Tim Nava, Caseworker ext. 6231
ONGOING
Chris Karl, Supervisor ext. 6250
Carolyn Bidwell, Caseworker ext. 6254
Linda Larson, Caseworker ext. 6282
Barb Mayfield, Caseworker ext. 6256
Rhonda Behring, Caseworker ext.6234
Lore Reubesam, Caseworker-Ft.Lupton 857-3047 ext. 5957
Desire Flores, Caseworker-Ft.Lupton 857-3047 ext. 5959
Frank Aaron, Supervisor ext. 6210
Adam Trujillo, Caseworker ext. 6233
Elisabeth Braun, Caseworker ext. 6238
Jim Figueroa, Caseworker ext. 6251
Jacque Box, Caseworker ext. 6257
Barbara Schwabe, Caseworker ext. 6255
Andrea Lee, Caseworker ext. 6208
Dee Burton, Caseworker ext. 6253
YOUTH IN CONFLICT
Al Arriesseco, Supervisor ext. 6265
Charlene Giggy, Caseworker ext. 6268
Kelli O'Brien, Caseworker ext. 6270
Kyle Ragland, Caseworker ext. 6284
Joyce Hause, Caseworker ext. 6445
Tracy Trujillo, Caseworker ext. 6260
Cindi Harper, Caseworker ext. 6260
Julie Kloxin, Caseworker ext. 6272
Penny Axton, Caseworker ext. 6267
Kim Geist, Caseworker ext. 6269
Cynthia Howard, Caseworker ext. 6271
Tamy Ingram, Caseworker ext. 6266
WHEN THE OFFICE IS CLOSED, PLEASE CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
AND 350-9600 FOR ALL OTHER ABUSE OR NEGLECT SITUATIONS.
Adopted October 1994
10-I Revised September 1997
972613
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Weld County Communication's Department is central dispatch for all law enforcement entities in Weld
County (Except Ft.Lupton and Erie) 350-9600
Eaton Police Department 454-2212
223 1st Street
Eaton, CO 80615
Rod Hawkins
Evans Police Department 339-2441
3700 Golden St.
Evans, CO 80620
George Roosevelt, Officer
Gary Kessler, Detective
Greeley Police Department 350-9600
919 7th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Rusty Keller, Investigator
Sargent Steve Holman
Captain Jack Statler
Milliken Police Department 587-2772
1107 Broad Street
Milliken, CO 80543
Sargent Darrell Salberg
Platteville Police Department 785-2215
311 S. Salisbury Avenue
Platteville, CO 80651
Eli Rodriquez
UNC Police Department 351-2245
UNC Police
Greeley, CO 80639
Anthony Antuna
Weld County Sheriffs Department 356-4015
910 10th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Rick Dill - Ext. 4631
Al Price - Ext. 4648
Vince Johnson - Ext. 5907
Robbie Korgan-Reed - Ext. 4117
Terie Rinne - Ext. 4140
Rick Bauer - Ext. 4660
Adopted October 1994
10-2 Revised September 1997
972613
WELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS
AULT HIGHLAND RE -9
Tom Pannell, Superintendent 834-1345
PO Box 68
Ault, CO 80610-0068
Myrna Fagerberg, Nurse K -I2 834-1345
PO Box 68
Ault, Co 80610-0068
Highland Elementary 834-2853
101 2nd Street
Pierce, CO 80650
Kristen Bernstein, Counselor
Highland Middle School 834-2820
215 S. 1st Street
Ault, CO 80610
Mary Fotter, Counselor
Highland High School 834-2857
208 W. 1st Street
Ault, CO 80610
Andrea Tribelhom, Counselor
BRIGGSDALE RE -l0
Roger Brenner, Superintendent 656-3417
PO Box 125
Briggsdale, CO 80611
EATON RE -2
Jerry Walseth, Superintendent 454-3402
36 Cottonwood Ave
Eaton, CO 80615
Galeton 454-3421
24750 3rd Street
Galeton, CO 80622
Ken Sudduth, Principal
Janeen Easley, Counselor
Mary Jo Kinoshita, Nurse
Eaton Elementary School 454-3331
25 Cheyenne
Ee i, CO 80615
Oren Nero, Principal
Mary Jo Kinoshita, Nurse
Frances Vetters, Psychologist
Janeen Easley, Counselor
Adopted October 1994
10-3 Revised September 1997
972613
Eaton Middle School 454-3358
225 Juniper Avenue
Eaton, CO 80615
Walt Jeffers, Principal
Jim Danley, Counselor
Marge Rice, Teacher
Mary Jo Kinoshita, Nurse
Eaton High School 454-3374
114 Park Avenue
Eaton, CO 80615
Gene Huser, Principal
Clark Shaw, Counselor
FORT LUPTON RE -8
Dr. Anita Salazar, Supterintendent 857-6291
301 Reynolds Street
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Butler Elementary School 857-2714
Peggy Reynolds, Principal
411 S. Mckinley Avenue
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Nancy Webber, Nurse
Fran Keriotis, Counselor and Psychologist
Fort Lupton Middle School 857-6205
John Hoag, Principal
201 S. McKinley Avenue
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
John Diebold, Assistant Principal
Gil Madrid, Counselor / Karna Counter, Counselor
Nancy Weber, Nurse
Fort Lupton High School 857-2713
Scott Mader, Principal
530 Reynolds
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Fred Wilson, Assistant Principal
Nancy Webber, Nurse
Steve Woodruff, Counselor / Freida Dietrich, Counselor / Gil Madrid, Counselor
Twombly Primary School 857-6201
Rosalie Martinez, Director (Principal)
1600 9th Street
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Guy Gladden, Assistant Principal
Nancy Weber, Nurse
Fran Keriotis, Counselor and Psychologist
Adopted October 1994
10-4 Revised September 1997
972613
GILCREST RE -1 737-2403
Dave Seiler, Superintendent
PO Box 157
Gilcrest, CO 80623
Beth Gay, District Psychologist
Gilcrest Elementary 737-2409
1175 Birch
Gilcrest, CO 80623
Bernie Haley, Principal
Marsha Goetch, Counselor
Pete Mirich Elementary 284-5513
300 1st Ave
LaSalle, CO 80645
Paul Larson, Principal
Lisa Maddox, Counselor
North Valley Middle School 785-2271
2nd Ave and 3rd Street
LaSalle, CO 80645
Nancy Sebring, Principal
Nancy Sarchet, Counselor
South Valley Middle School 785-2205
1004 Main
Platteville, CO 80651
Donna Johnson, Counselor
Platteville Elementary 737-2409
PO Box 427
Platteville, CO 80651
Lisa Maddox. Counselor
Valley High School 737-2494
PO Box 158
Gilcrest, CO 80623
Dave Lemish, Counselor
Irma Whitman, Counselor
JOHNSTOWN-MILLIKEN RE -5J
Jack E. Pendar, Superintendent 587-2336
PO Box G
Johnstown, CO 80534
Virginia Bules, Nurse
Letford Elementary
Dennis Thompson, Principal 587-4605
Johnstown, CO 80534
Susy Ruof. School Psychologist
Adopted October 1994
10-5 Revised September 1997
972613
Milliken Elementary
Rick Baldino, Principal 587-4667
300 Broad Street
Milliken, CO 80543
Katy McPike, counselor
Milliken Middle School
Vaughn Griswold, Principal 587-4341
66 S. Irene Avenue
Milliken, CO 80543
Roosevelt High School
John Bruce, Principal 587-4633
616 W. North Second
Johnstown, CO 80534
Susan Tennesen, counselor
DISTRICT RE -3J
Dennis Disario, Superintendent RE -3J 732-4844
Marvin Wade, Assistant Superintendent
Brigette Gustafson, District Psychologist
Linda Gingerich, District Nurse
95 West Broadway
Keenesburg, CO 80643
Weld Central . . . . .. 732-4254
Jerry McVicker, Principal
Roger Ellis, Assistant Principal
P.O. Box 269
Keenesburg, CO 80643
Hudson Elementary 536-4491
Betsy Dumph, Principal
P.O. Box 278
Hudson, CO 80642
Larry Lockwood, counselor
Keenesburg Elementry
99 W Broadway Avenue
Keenesburg, CO 80643
James Matthews, Elementary Principal 732-4291
Weld Central Junior -Senior High
4977 WCR 59
Keenesburg, CO 80643
Dale Fleming, Secondary Counselor 732-4254
Sharon Rossow, Elementary/Secondary Counselor 732-4291
PAWNEE RE -12
Gary Reins, Superintendent 895-2222
P.O. Box 220
Grover, CO 80729-0220
Adopted October 1994
10-6 Revised September 1997
972613
PLATTE VALLEY DISTRICT RE -7 352-6177
Platte Valley Elementary
Platte Valley Jr/Sr. High
510 Clark
Kersey, CO 80644
Ellie Behrmann, Platte Valley Nurse 352-6170 x 314
Linda Bunting, Jr./Sr. High Counselor 352-6168 x 324
Tracy Adams, Platte Valley Elementary Counselor 352-6170 x310
Loyd Maskell, Platte Valley Jr/Sr High Principal 352-6168 x320
Bill Edwards, Platte Valley Elementary Principal 352-6170 x 307
Kimberly Hankey School Psychologist 352-6170 x 311
PRAIRIE RE -II
Dr. Bill Nelson, Superintendent 437-5386
P.O. Box 68
New Raymer, CO 80742-0068
ST. VRAIN SCHOOLS:
Dr. Richard Webber, Superintendent 776-6200
Noelle Ranch, Dir. of Elem. lnstr 682-7328
Dr. Maria Goodloe, Dir. of Secondary Instr.
395 South Pratt Pkwy
Longmont, CO 80501
Erie Elementary 828-3395
Rose Lucero, Principal
4137 E. County Line Road
Erie, CO 80516
Erie Sr. High School 828-3391
William Davis, Principal
650 Main
Erie, CO 80516
Frederick Elementary 833-2456
Joe Martinez, Principal
555 8th
Frederick, CO 80530
Frederick Sr. High School 833-3533
John Grauberger, Principal
600 5th
Frederick, CO 80530
Mead Elementary 535-4488
Nat Kinlund, Principal
520 Welker Avenue
Mead, CO 80542
Mead Middle School 535-4446
Keith Carmichael. Principal
520 Welker Avenue
Mead, CO 80542
Adopted October 1994
10-7 Revised September 1997
972613
UNC LAB SCHOOL 351-2321
University of Northern Colorado Bishop Lehr Hall
Greeley. CO 80639
Kathleen Milligan, Principal
Julie Wheeler. Assistant Principal
Donna Gonzales. High School Counselor
Jane Weber, Elem./Secondary Counselor/ Nurse
Joyce Best. Hearing Impaired Program
WINDSOR RE -4 686-7411
Brian Lessman. Superintendent
PO Box 609
Windsor. CO 80550-0609
Laura Richardson. Director of Pupil Services
Joni Heiden. School Nurse
Sara Hoff. Elementary Counselor
Skyview Elementary 686-9676
Gene Ramey. Principal
1000 Stone Mountain Dr
Tozer Elementary 686-7409
Kathy Lewis. Principal
501 Oak
Mountain View Elementary 686-7419
Pat Carlson. Principal
810 3rd Street
Windsor Middle School 686-7496
Doug Englert. Principal
900 Main Street
Windsor High School 686-7406
Kay Drake. Principal
1100 Main Street
BOARD OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 867-8297
821 W Platte Ave
Ft. Morgan. CO 80701
Numa Gillmore. Director of Special Education
Joan Zack, Special Education 867-8263 x 424
300 Dule St
Fort Morgan
WELD BOCES
339-2592 .346-1618
204 Main
LaSalle. CO 80634
Dale McCall. Director
Lori Donaldson
284-6975
Adopted October 1994
10-9 Revised September 1997
972613
SCHOOL DISTRICT #6
Mary Young, Administration 352-1543 x233
811 15th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Cameron Elementary 352-2790
1424 13th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Rhonda Richer, Principal
Peg Hoover, Nurse
*Sandra Taylor, SCF
Centennial Elementary 339-5320
1400 37th Street
Evans, CO 80620
Joanne Andrade, Principal
Cindy VonTersch, Nurse
*Andrea Kendall, SCF
Rita Erland, Counselor
David Miller, Administrative Intern
Dos Rios Elementary 330-5957
2201 34th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Helen Elliott, Principal
Ann Teague, Nurse
*Libby Nellsch, SCF
Kristin Draper, Counselor
East Memorial Elementary 352-5418
614 E 20th Street
Greeley, Co 80631
Lucille Gallegos-Jaramillo. Principal
Peg Hoover, Nurse
Silvana Carlos, SCF Intern
Patricia Gibbs, SCF Intern
Pat Martens, Counselor
*Steve Sandoval
Jackson Elementary 352-3757
2002 25th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Barry Shelofsky, Principal
Judy Frank, Nurse
*Ann Obrzut, SCF
* CART Liaison #SCF - School Community Facilitator
Adopted October 1994
10-9 Revised September 1997
972613
Jefferson Elementary
1315 4th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Pat Montoya, Principal
Ann Teague, Nurse
*Tom McMahan, Counselor
Holly May, SCF
Madison Elementary
24th Avenue and 6th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Sue Anschutz, Principal
Betsy Hen -era, Nurse
*Joan Novak, SCF
Kristin Draper, Counselor
352-3654
353-2636
Billie Martinez Elementary 352-1867
341 14th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Virginia Guzman, Principal
Paul Urioste, Asst. Principal
Liz Clark, Nurse
* Sherry Schenk,
Silvana Carlos. SCF
Molly Geil, SCF Intern
Shawna Doron, Counselor
McAuliffe Elementary 353-4110
600 51st Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Bruce Gorze, Principal
Betsy Herrera, Nurse
*Arby Burkhardt, SCF
Meeker Elementary 330-9344
2221 28th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
John Reimers, Principal
Judy Frank, Nurse
Diane Hoerig, SCR
*David Patterson
Monfort Elementary 330-2138
2101 47th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Mark Thompson, Principal
Judy Frank, Nurse
*Mike McKay, SCF
*CART Liaison #SCF- School Community Facilitator
Adopted October 1994
10-10 Revised September 1997
9'7261.3
Scott Elementary 353-2751
3000 13th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Greg Voelz, Principal
Peg Hoover, Nurse
*Jeff McClure, SCF
Shawsheen Elementary 356-9193
4020 W 7th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Jim Elliott, Principal
Betsy Herrera, Nurse
*Brett Nelson. SCF
Core Knowledge Charter Academy
David Thorton, Head Master
Mike Gunning, SCF Intern
Brentwood Middle School 330-2556
2600 25th Avenue Ct.
Greeley, CO 80631
Sharon Germes, Principal
Judy Frank, Nurse
*Cathleen Carsner, SCF
Ed Smith, Assistant Principal
Mike Gunning, SCF Intern
Chappelow Middle School 330-5330
2001 34th Street
Evans, CO 80620
Dan Lere, Pricipal
Ann Teague, Nurse
*Joe Manzanares. SCF
Cassie Parra, Assistant Principal
Franklin Middle School 353-0727
818 34th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
Al Aguayo, Principal
Betsy Herrera, Nurse
*Kristie Mann, Counselor
Steve Vail, SCF
Donna Newton, Assistant Principal
Maplewood Middle School 352-4663
1201 21st Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Maureen Bowen, Principal
Peg Hoover, Nurse
*Paola Eberhard, SCF
Jeff Angus. Assistant Principal
*CART Liaison #SCF - School Community Facilitator
Adopted October 1994
10-11 Revised September 1997
9726.
Heath Junior High 353-1750
2223 16th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Dale Krueger, Principal
Liz Clark, Nurse
Mike Grigg, Assistant Principal
Sheryl Solberg, Assistant Principal
Susan Likiak, SCF
*Matthew Frey, Counselor
Joyce DeCamp, Counselor
Pre -School 352-1543 X264
811 15th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Mary Meersman, Director
*Jean McCarthy, Nurse
John Evans Junior High 353-5165
2900 15th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Linda Tuck, Principal
Cindy VonTersch, Nurse
Kerry Putnam, Assistant Principal
Tom Delgado, Assistant Principal
Judy Rodriquez, Counselor
Deb Cooper. Counselor
Dennis Gardner, SCF
*Susan Lidiak
Greeley Central High School 352-9325
1515 14th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Jon Helwick, Principal
*Liz Clark, Nurse
Sharryl Norris, SCF
Betty Cordova, Counselor
Dale Zech, Counselor
Mike Hurtado, Counselor
Irma Zappanti, Counselor
Greeley West High School 330-5303
2401 35th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80634
Erik Fredell, Principal
Cindy VonTersch, Nurse
Duane Nelson, Counselor
Shirley Henry -Lowe, Counselor
Barb MacGillivray, Counselor
*Kathy Clemons, SCF
*CART Liaison #SCF - School Community Facilitator
Adopted October 1994
10-12 Revised September 1997
972613
Trademark Learning Center 353-1611
1401 22nd Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Joe Vickarelli, Consultant
Liz Clark, Nurse
Julie Murphy, Night School Principal
Mark Romero, Counselor
*Joan Rhodes, SCF
Adelante Middle Level Alternative Program 352-7643
801 8th Street
Suite 150
Greeley, CO 80631
Joe Vickarelli, Consultant
Cindy VonTersch, Nurse
*Joan Rhodes, SCF
Carson Children Center 304-0372
3807 Carson Street
Mike Hoover, Coordinator
*Cindy VonTersch, Nurse
*CART Liaison #SCF - Scool Community Faciliatator
PHYSICIANS
Rick Budensiek 353-9011
3211 20th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Don Cook 352-9043
The Monfort Children's Clinic
947 I st Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Orest Dubynsky 356-2600
Cottonwood Pediatrics Clinic
1620 25th Avenue
Greeley. CO 80631
Lee Johnson 352-9043
The Monfort Children's Clinic
947 1st Street
Greeley. CO 80631
Adopted October 1994
10-13 Revised September 1997
HOSPITAL
Northern Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
John Hurst 350-6240
Emergency Room
Deb Nolan 350-6810
PRIVATE MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
Joyce Ackerman 353-3373
1750 25th Avenue
Suite 101
Greeley, CO 80631
Carmen Jimenez (Bilingual) 353-3373
1750 25th Avenue
Suite 101
Greeley, CO 80631
Russell Johnson 352-1056
PsychCare
928 12th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Lori Kochevar 353-3373
1750 25th Avenue
Suite 101
Greeley, CO 80631
Adopted October 1994
10-14 Revised September 1997
972613
19th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Judge J. Robert A. Lowenbach 351-7300 x4544
PO Box C
Greeley, CO 80632
Judge Jonathan W. Hays 351-7300 x4534
PO Box C
Greeley, CO 80632
Judge Roger A. Klein 351-7300 x4578
PO Box C
Greeley, CO 80632
Magistrate David Melusky 351-7300 x4548
PO Box C
Greeley, CO 80632
Barbara Bosley 351-7300 x4941
Family Compass Coordinator
PO Box C
Greeley, CO 80632
DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Al Dominguez, District Attorney 356-4010
Marcello Kopcow, Deputy District Attorney
915 10th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
GUARDIANS AD LITEM
Gayla Lindquist 353-6040
71011th Avenue, Ste 300
Greeley, CO 80631
Carolyn Olson 352-8869
1024 8 St.
Greeley, CO 80631
Troy Hause 351-6711
710 11th Avenue, Ste 205
Greeley, CO 80631
Gladys L. Sexton 351-6025
1750 25th Avenue, Ste 203
Greeley, CO 80631
CASA of Weld County 353-4300
Teresa Huizar-Humes, Coordinator
814 9th St
Greeley, CO 80631
Adopted October 1994
10-15 Revised September 199797261,3
AGENCIES
A Kid's Place 353-
4300
814 9th St
Greeley, CO 80631
Teresa Huizar-Humes. Coordinator
North Range Behavioral Health 353-3686
1306 11th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Dale Peterson. Executive Director
Dan Dailey. Director Children and Family Sevices
Laura Sullivan. Director Integrated Service Access System
James Jordan. Director Ft. Lupton Office 857-2723
Island Grove Treatment Center 356-6664
PO Box 5100 351-6678
Greeley. CO 80631
B.J. Dean. Executive Director
Kristen Arnold Adolescent Counselor
Bob Keenan. Family Services Program Manager
Health Department 353-0639 x2297
1517 16th Ave. Ct.
Greeley. CO 80631
Kristina Embree. RN. BSN. RN Community Health Nurse
Kathleen Shannon. BSN. RN- Nursing Supervisor
c.a.r.e 356-6751
814 9th Street
Greeley. CO 80631
Jennifer Penner. Director
Gwen Schooley
Kathy Brady
Cecilia O'Farrell
Jill Andre
Holly DeSaillan
Pamella Roper
Carissa Losey
Cherri Wall
Jennifer McDowell
CDSI
1050 37th Street
Evans. CO 80620
Mary Lu Walton
339-5360
Adopted October 1994
10-17 Revised September 1997
972613
A Woman's Place (AWP) 351-6950
PO Box 71
Greeley. Co 80632
Sharon Mitchell. Director
Eleanor Dominguez. Prog. Sup. and Woman's Counselor
Audra Montoya. Children's Program
Partner's 353-0700
1212 8 St
Greeley. CO 80631
Nomie Ketterling
Dawn Farrington
Adopted October 1994
10-18 Revised September 1997
972613
APPENDIX
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
n OC4 fl
APPENDIX A
WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE PROTOCOL HISTORY
In September, 1989, an association of agencies and individuals was formed out of their concern
and compassion for the welfare and protection of children. The Weld County Child Abuse
Coalition strives to create a judicial and multi -agency service delivery system accountable to the
needs of families and the safety of children. To date, this group moves closer to attaining their
vision.
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition's Mission
To create a judicial and multi -agency system more responsive to and
effective in protecting children and in delivering services to families
caught in the web of abuse and neglect.
Placing the collective vision of the system over their individual agency goals, subcommittees
have been established to develop a uniform team approach to reporting, investigating, and
treating child abuse and neglect in Weld County.
To accomplish their mission, the Coalition members unanimously voted to establish:
• A county -wide Protocol, including training and evaluation;
• A Kid's Place to coordinate interviews and physical examinations; and
• A Family Compass to coordinate the communication around specific court -referred
child abuse cases.
Agencies involved in reporting, investigating and treating children and families will sign
an agreement that supports these three projects. Thereby creating:
• a more responsive system - one that is consistent, timely, and accountable;
• effective, coordinated communication among all agencies; and
• cooperative, complementary decision -making about cases.
This Protocol is for the use of participating agencies and does not apply in any criminal or civil
proceeding. The Protocol should not be construed as a creation of a higher level standard of
safety or care with respect to any civil claim or criminal matter. Noncompliance to sections of
this Protocol will only form the basis for further discussion and coordination among the members
of the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition.
The Purpose of the Written Agreement
is not to tell an agency how to do its job, but to define a structure of steps
to be followed by all agencies when reporting, investigating and treating
incidences of child abuse and neglect.
Adopted October 994
11-1 Revised September 06 "
Establishing areas of responsibility and defining agency roles through these written agreements
enables the health, safety and emotional well-being of children and families to remain the first
priority for all involved. The intent of a written agreement adopting the Protocol is to define a
structure for agencies to follow in reporting, investigating, and treating child abuse - not to tell
each agency how to do its job.
The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition and all entities signing this Protocol share a
commitment to children and families. That commitment includes prevention as well as quality
services to all families regardless of the disposition of their case.
the following individuals serve on the Protocol subcommittee of the Weld County
Child Abuse Coalition and assisted in writing the draft. document:
Rick Dill, Chair
Weld County Sheriffs Department
Dan Fowler
Weld County Department of Social Services
Kathy Brunson
United Way of Weld County
Susan Tennessen
Child Advocacy Resource & Education. Inc.
John Cooke
Weld County Sheriffs Department
Al Price
Weld County Sheriffs Department
Gloria Romansik
Weld County Department of Social Services
Josie Alm
Greeley Police Department
Todd Taylor
Weld County Deputy District Attorney
Pat Raine
Weld County School District 6
Dan Dailey
North Range Behavioral Health
Nancy Sarchet
Weld B.O.C.E.S.
Judy Kron
United Way of Weld County
The following individuals served on sub -committees and assisted in drafting sections of the
protocol:
Rik Clark
Kersey Police Department
Jeff Borden
University of Northern Colorado
Bill Gillenwater
Weld County School District 46
Jonathan Hays
19th Judicial District Guardian ad Litem
Steve Holmon
Greeley Police Department
Chris LePore
University of Northern Colorado
J. Robert Lowenbach
19th Judicial District
Gayla Lindquist
Adopted October 994
972613
11-2 Revised September 1997
Paul Sacco
Attorney
Carol Gerard
Therapist
Rick Budensiek
Physician
Don Cook
Physician
Shauntel Frisk
University of Northern Colorado
Jim Pope
Department of Social Services
Joel Hayes
Attorney
Marilee Smith
Therapist
Bill Crabbe
North Range Behavioral Health
Keith Rangel
Physician
Brian Shaha
Public Defender
Joyce Ackerman
Therapist
Orest Dubynsky
Physician
Rick Hawkins
North Range Behavioral Health
Kathie Miner
University of Northern Colorado
Carolyn Olson
Attorney
Pam Shaddock
Attorney
Russ Johnson
Psychiatrist
Carol Venetti
Physician
Adopted October 994
972613
11-3 Revised September 1997
APPENDIX B
GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWING A CHILD
If there is a joint investigation, social services and law enforcement workers are strongly
encouraged to meet prior to an interview to determine a plan of action, i.e., who should conduct
the interview, who should take notes, whether a parent or other guardian's presence would be
helpful or a deterrent, the environment in which the interview is conducted and the time and
location.
In cases of children with special needs, i.e., hearing impaired, visually impaired, developmentally
impaired, mentally impaired, non-English speaking, seek an appropriate person to assist in the
interview.
Interview the child separate from any potential witnesses and suspects.
Attempt to gain the child's confidence by creating a comfortable and non -threatening atmosphere
and building rapport.
Do not take sides, or indicate horror, disgust, anger, approval or disapproval in response to the
child's statements.
Conduct the interview in language that the child clearly understands. Particularly in cases of
sexual abuse, the officer should accept and use whatever terms for genitals and sexual acts the
child uses while also asking for clarification and eliciting specific information regarding what
has occurred.
Permit the child to tell about the incident in his/her own way. Remember: the child may have
difficulty being specific about dates and locations of alleged offenses. Whenever the child has
difficulty verbalizing details, visual aids should be considered and may be of use.
Question the age and origin of every injury on all children.
To ensure that other victims are identified and that items of evidentiary value are seized, question
the child about other victims, pornography. photographs, movies, sexual aids, alcohol, drugs,
medications, birth control, or any other items used during the assault.
Make only promises that you can fulfill.
Close the interview in an appropriate manner. i.e., thanking the child, acknowledging the .
feelings or concerns the child has expressed, assuring the child that he/she has shared important
information.
Adopted October 994
97261.3
11-4 Revised September 1997
APPENDIX C
GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVATION OF INJURIES
To lessen the trauma, the following procedure has been found to be useful:
• Parents or guardian's permission or a search warrant is required, unless an
emergency situation is suspected.
• Prior to undressing the child, it is important to tell the child and the parent what you
are going to do. It is also important to enlist the help of the parent whenever possible
and especially when working with a small child. This gives the parent something to do
with their anxiety and allows him/her some control in the process.
• Older children can be asked to remove their own clothing as directed.
• Begin at the top of the head and work down to the bottom of the feet looking
for any signs of abuse and/or neglect.
• The removal of the child's clothing may be necessary. However, in order to allow the
child to maintain a sense of dignity, at no time during the process should the child be
undressed completely.
• The location, size and color of all injuries, including old injuries or scars, must
be documented.
Adopted October 994
1 1-5 Revised Septembe41913
APPENDIX D
CRITERIA FOR MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Any injury to a child under three years of age must be checked by a health care professional.
The only exception is where the injury is extremely minor (i.e., a bruise that is isolated to one
area without any swelling or a small scratch) and the explanation fits the injury.
Any injury to the head or face on any child must be checked by a health care professional,
especially where force is involved.
Any other injuries that are not minor in nature and may result in health problems or
complications if not checked out by an appropriate health care professional should be checked.
This includes, but is not limited to, fractures, lots of bruising, welts, injuries with swelling and/or
tenderness.
Where there is a y allegation of sexual abuse, the victim must be checked by an appropriate
health care professional who has expertise in the areaof sexual abuse. If the allegation involves
sexual penetration or sexual intrusion within the past seventy-two hours, an examination shall be
done immediately by a health care professional who is proficient in the use of a "rape kit". If the
allegation is of sexual contact only, and there is no reason to suspect that penetration or intrusion
has occurred, or the assault occurred more than seventy-two hours prior to the outcry, an
examination shall be done as soon as reasonably possible.
If a child appears ill (i.e., running a fever, open wounds, etc.) or complains of any pain or
tenderness. he/she may be referred to a health care professional for a medical evaluation.
If a child does not appear "normal" physically, developmentally or emotionally, the child must be
referred to a health care professional for a medical evaluation.
If there is any history of significant force used on the child, especially in the head, chest and
abdomen area, a consultation with a health care professional is appropriate to determine if there
are any internal injuries.
REMEMBER YOU NEED NOT DECIDE WHETHER THE CHILD ACTUALLY NEEDS
MEDICAL TREATMENT, ONLY WHETHER A PHYSICIAN SHOULD SEE THE CHILD.
Adopted October 994
97261.3
11-6 Revised September 1997
APPENDIX E
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY/HOLD
The following guidelines are suggested for consideration in placing a protective hold:
• The maltreatment in the home, present or potential, is such that a child could suffer
damage to body or mind if left there.
• Although a child is in immediate need of medical or psychiatric care, the
parent/stepparent/legal custodian/guardian refused to obtain it.
• A child's physical and/or emotional damage is such that the child needs an
alternative environment as approved by social services.
• Evidence suggests that the parent/stepparent/legal custodian/guardian is torturing the
child, or systematically resorting to physical force which bears no relation to
reasonable discipline.
• The physical environment of the home poses an immediate threat to the child.
• Evidence suggests that anger and discomfort with the investigation will be directed
toward the child in the form of retaliation against him/her.
• Evidence suggests that the physical condition of the parent/stepparent/legal
custodian/guardian poses a threat to the child.
• The family has a history of hiding the child from law enforcement or social services.
• The family has a history of prior incidents or allegations of abuse or neglect.
• The parent/stepparent/legal custodian/guardian is completely unwilling to cooperate in
the investigation or to maintain a contact with law enforcement or social services and
may flee the jurisdiction.
• The parent/stepparent/legal custodian/guardian is a suspect in an alleged abuse and the
spouse is unable and/or unwilling to protect the child(ren) from the suspect.
• The parent/stepparent/legal custodian/guardian abandons the child.
• The parent/stepparent/legal custodian/guardian's explanation of injuries is inconsistent
with the findings of the investigation.
• Any other circumstances which the law enforcement officer believes would
demonstrate that the child(ren) would be in jeopardy if left in the environment.
972613
Adopted October 994
11-7 Revised September 1997
APPENDIX F
FURTHER DEFINITION OF GUARDIANS AD LITEM
ATTORNEY OF RECORD
The GAL assumes a pivotal professional role in litigation. As an attorney of record in the case,
the GAL is entitled to be treated professionally with respect and courtesy.
The GAL shall be included with all other parties of record on all settings, certificates of mailing
and hand delivery. The GAL shall receive copies of all parties' pleadings and shall participate,
where appropriate, in all depositions and negotiations. The GAL shall be given notice of all
hearings, depositions, staffings and settings.
LITIGATION
The GAL has the right to and should actively participate and be included in all aspects of litigation.
When the court appoints a GAL, the court shall enter a written order authorizing the GAL access,
without further release, to all privileged information regarding the child. The authorization shall include,
but not be limited to: psychiatric records, psychological treatment records, drug and alcohol treatment,
medical records, evaluations, law enforcement records and school records.
• Discovery The GAL shall recognize the representation of the best interests of the child
a role independent from all other parties. Thus, the GAL should pursue independent
discovery, which may be informal or as provided by the Rules of Civil Procedure,
Rules 30 to 37.
• Pleadings Practice: The GAL shall file written motions, responses or objections when
necessary to protect the best interests of the child. For example:
* Mental or physical examinations
* Custody and/or visitation evaluations in domestic cases;
* Suspension of contact or restrictions on visitation;
* Contempt for non-compliance;
* Termination of parent -child legal relationship in dependency and neglect
proceedings;
* Child support;
* Protective orders concerning the child's privileged communications, care or
property; and
* Any other pleadings which address the best interests of the child.
• Settlement Negotiations: The GAL has the right to participate in all settlement
negotiations. The GAL should seek expeditious resolutions when appropriate. A GAL
should be knowledgeable of the effect of continuances and delays on the child and
advocate accordingly.
• Court Appearances: The GAL shall attend all hearings and participate in all telephone
conferences with the court unless the court waives such appearance/participation.
Adopted October 994
97261.3
11-8 Revised September 1997
• The GAL may request authority from the court to pursue issues on behalf of the child
not specifically arising from the court appointment. For example:
* Child support
* Delinquency matters
* SSI
* Custody
* Guardianship
* Paternity
* Personal Injury
* Protection of property
* Tax matters
• Jury Selection: The GAL should participate in jury selection and drafting instructions;
• Presentation of Evidence; The GAL should develop and present relevant evidence to
the Court. The GAL shall prepare for hearings and subpoena and present witnesses
and exhibits when necessary to protect the best interests of the child. The GAL shall
advocate a legal position on behalf of the child rather than use litigation as an
investigative tool. The GAL shall seek to admit telephone testimony when necessary;
• Presentation of Witnesses: The GAL shall present witnesses in person or by telephone
appearance. In deciding whether to present witnesses in person or by telephone, the
GAL should consider the time, cost, and impact of those alternatives. It may be
prudent for the GAL to present factual information through other witnesses if feasible
and economical. However, the independent investigation of the GAL may reveal
crucial information which is impractical to present to the Court other than through the
GAL's personal testimony or report,
• GAL_as Witness: The law and commentaries are unsettled on the issue of whether the
GAL. as a general rule, can, should, or must testify;
• It is the GAL's choice to present evidence through other witnesses, by testifying
personally, or by filing a report. If the GAL chooses to present evidence which has not
otherwise been presented to the court, due process requires that the GAL be available
for cross-examination. If the GAL presents evidence only through other witnesses, the
GAL should not testify or submit to cross-examination. The GAL, like other counsel,
is free to comment on the evidence;
• If other parties seek to discover the GAL's file or to call the GAL as a trial or
disposition witness, the GAL must determine whether such disclosure or testimony
would serve the child's best interests;
• Appeals: The GAL shall participate in all appeals unless the GAL is excused by order
of the court or a substitution of GAL is court ordered. The GAL should initiate and
zealously pursue appellate issues on behalf of the child.
Adopted October 994
972613
11-9 Revised September 1997
INVESTIGATIONS
The GAL will conduct a thorough and independent investigation. The GAL shall meet with the
child. The GAL shall develop and present relevant evidence to the court. The GAL should
conduct interviews with other relevant people and review exhibits as the GAL deems
appropriate. Other parties should fully cooperate with the GAL as the investigation is conducted.
The GAL will conduct a thorough, timely and independent investigation that may
include:
• Preview of the court file. Department of Social Services' records, prior custody or
psychological evaluations and medical records and directives;
• Contact attorneys of record for background information;
• Obtain permission for the GAL to contact and meet with the child's parents, other
caretakers, and other parties; and
• Obtain necessary releases, and interview other professionals, service providers, and
school personnel.
The GAL should conduct interviews with potential witnesses and shall review relevant
exhibits and reports.
• The GAL shall have access to the child's privileged information through a court order
or parental releases;
• The GAL should conduct interviews with social workers, therapists, counselors, school
personnel, medical and mental health professionals. If any injuries or abuse have
occurred or are alleged, the GAL should review photographs and video or audiotapes
(when available) and contact hospitals and/or health care providers;
• Other information may be obtained from homemakers and parent and health aides,
neighbors, ministers, child care providers, foster parents, and relatives;
• The GAL shall obtain reports from treatment, placement and attend school staffings
concerning the child;
• The GAL should identify appropriate community resources and advocate for such
resources when necessary. For example:
* drug & alcohol treatment;
* parenting education;
* counseling alternatives;
* programs for special needs children
Adopted October 994
972613
11- I 0 Revised September 1997
RECOMMENDATIONS
The GAL should formulate an independent position after considering all relevant information,
including, but not limited to, the desires of the child, parents, and relatives.
Recommendations should result from a independent investigation. which serves the child's best
interests. The child's wishes should be considered by the GAL, but need not be adopted by the
GAL unless doing so serves the child's best interests. Unless there are compelling reasons
concerning the child's welfare, the GAL shall communicate the child's desires to the court or
arrange for the child to do so directly. When appropriate, the GAL should recommend that the
court appoint counsel advocate the child's point of view.
The cases in which the GAL becomes involved usually evoke strong feelings in the parties and
their family and friends. The GAL should attempt to understand the emotional dynamics of the
situation and should not be unduly influenced by concern that the recommendation is
objectionable to one side, or by pressure or threats from anyone. The GAL is not required to
tolerate harassment, assault, or other criminal behavior.
The GAL should avoid even the appearance of bias or impropriety. The GAL has a
responsibility to begin from a neutral posture. At some point in the proceedings, the GAL must
form an opinion concerning the child's best interests and attempt to persuade the court to that
view. To do so does not indicate bias.
The GAL should make clear recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of the
child at every stage of litigation, including all placement decisions.
The GAL need not file written reports or recommendations unless required by law or court order,
but may do so if it will promote the best interests of the child.
If a written report or recommendation is to be filed, due consideration should be given to the
timing of the report. In some cases, clear recommendations to the parties by the GAL in advance
may promote settlement in the child's best interests. However, it is inappropriate for the GAL to
make recommendations if information will be developed in a hearing which will be in the child's
best interests and that information is not available to the GAL until the evidence is presented.
EDUCATION
GAL practice is unique and complex and, as such, requires special education, training, and
experience concerning the needs of children.
Because children are special classes of clients, and do not hire or fire their GALs, inexperienced
attorneys who apply for appointment as GALs must complete and document a minimum of eight
(8) hours of accredited training (live or by tape) on the role of the guardian adlitem.
An attorney unable to obtain this training must associate with a mentor and complete the training
within three (3) months of appointment. This requirement may be waived upon proof of one
year experience as a GAL in another jurisdiction.
Adopted October 994 11-11
972613
Revised September 1997
The prospective GAL must also review the applicable statutory code, case law and local practice
in the area of law the GAL wishes to pursue, such as juvenile, domestic relations, or probate.
If there are experienced GALs in the jurisdiction, it is encouraged that a mentor program be
established to make experienced GALs available for consultation.
A minimum of ten (10) hours of specialized training or self -education shall be required of all
practicing GALs during each three-year professional training period.
Such specialized training should focus on the area in which the guardian practices. Such
topics would include:
• Child development
• Sexual abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Geriatrics
• Mental health
• Criminal law and sentencing standards
• Ethical considerations which are unique to the GAL practice
• School law
• Resource availability, i.e., financial assistance, service programs, etc.
• Substance abuse
• Effect of divorce on a child
• Custody/visitation
• Guardianship/conservatorship law
• Capacity to execute wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives
• Competency to give consent
• Any other topic which the GAL may select as helpful to a given case load.
Adopted October 994
972613
11-12 Revised September 1997
APPENDIX G
TREATMENT PROVIDERS
AND
FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAMS
t Adopted October 994
972613
11-13 Revised September 1997
TREATMENT PROVIDERS
ACKERMAN AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.
1750 25th Avenue, Suite 101
Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-3373 FAX 970-3374
Available Services:
• Psychotherapy --individual, adult, couples or family for adults and children;
• Extensive victim -related experience;
• Referral for medical support by psychiatrist or primary care physician as needed;
• Family preservation services including intensive mediation to settle disputes;
• Treatment of alcohol and drug -related issues on an intensive out -patient basis,
Eligibility: Available to any patient on a fee for service or managed care basis.
Cost: $75 to $90 per hour for individual sessions. Most third -party payment
mechanisms are welcomed including Medicare, FBP, Northcare, and other
medical insurance
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Treatment available in Spanish by fluent, licensed provider.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 9am-8pm; Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturdays, by
arrangement.
Emergency Number: 970-353-3373 (24 hr. on -call system).
CENTENNIAL DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, INC
1050 37th Street, Evans, CO 80620
970-339-5360/970-330-0152; FAX 970-330-2261
Services Available:
• Early intervention service to developmentally delayed/disabled children and their
families;
• Integrated before and after school programs for children with special needs through
age 15 and their families.
Eligibility: Varies by program
Cost: Varies according to service provided. Financial assistance may be
available
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operation: Monday -Friday, 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Emergency Number: 970-356-6751
Adtipted October 27, 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
CHILD ADVOCACY RESOURCE AND EDUCATION, INC (c.a.r.e.)
814 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
970-356-6751
Available Services:
• Parenting classes including basic behavior mangement parents of teens, divorce
workshops and coordinating programs for children
• Teen program including home -based parent education and school -based pre -
parenting classes
• Child abuse and neglect community awareness
• Children's Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Program --Safe Touch
Programs
• Intensive, Home -based Parenting Program
• Parent Helpline
Eligibility: Varies by program
Cost: Sliding scale fee
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes; monolingual Spanish parent education
Hours of Operation Monday -Thursday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, Friday 9:00am-4:00pm, evening and
weekend classes
Emergency Number: 970-356-6751
ISLAND GROVE REGIONAL TREATMENT CENTER, INC
1140 M Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Detox/Residential 970-356-6664
Administration 970-356-2422
Outpatient/Counseling/Domestic Violence
970-351-6678
1513 11 th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
Available Services:
• Family and individual counseling
• Drug and alcohol treatment including detox and residential
• Certified domestic violence program for men and women
• Specialized programs for pregnant and postpartum women using drugs and/or alcohol
Eligibility: Varies by program
Cost: Graduated by income level
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operation: Administration--Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Outpatient--Monday-
Friday, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Sat 9 am - 2 pm Residential--Monday-Friday,
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Emergency Number: 970-356-6664
Adopted October 27, 1994
Revised September 1997
972613
A KID'S PLACE
814 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-4300 (United Way of Weld County)
Services Available:
• Audio/video recording of child victims of severe physical and sexual abuse in child -
friendly environment
• Play area and supervision of victim siblings and/or family during interview in
supportive setting
• Interview facility scheduling & coordination of related investigative and support
services
Eligibility: Participating local law enforcement agencies and Department of
Social Services
Cost: None for victims and families
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: No
Hours of Operation: By appointment or participating local law enforcement on emergency
basis
NORTH COLORADO MEDICAL CENTER
1801 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 352-4121
Services Available:
• 24 -hour comprehensive emergency services
• In and out patient psychiatric and counseling services for all ages and gender
• Case management services with referrals
• Consultant and education services
• Comprehensive medical and surgical services
Eligibility: No restrictions
Cost: Fees based upon services provided
On Bus Route: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Emergency Phone Number: (970) 350-6244
Adopted October 27, 1994
Revised September 1997
972613
WELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
1517 16th Avenue Court, Greeley, CO
970-353-0639
Services Available:
• Comprehensive well -child physical exam and interview for ages birth to eleven
Immunizations
• Health Care Program (HPC) for children with special needs including resources
referrals, case management, and financial assistance
• Representation on Child Protection Team
• Information and referral for parenting concerns
• Home visits for appropriate referrals when staffing allows
Eligibility: Varies by program
Cost: Graduated by income
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operation (Clinic): Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8:30 - 1:00 am & 1:00 pm 4:00 pm;
Tuesday 8:30 -1:00 am only. Other clinic services available
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Emergency Number: 970-352-4121 (North Colorado Medical Center)
WELD COUNTY PARTNERS
1212 8th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
970-351-0700
321 Denver Avenue
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
303-857-1102
Services Available:
• One-on-one mentor programming matching adults with at -risk youth
• Advocacy, role modeling
• Life skills workshops
• Volunteer education and support groups (SPO's)
• Group sessions for COA
• Esperando Program for youth awaiting one-on-one match
Eligibility:
Cost:
Youth ages 8 through 18. Must be referred by another youth -serving
entity. Targeted youth include delinquents, at -risk of out -of -home
placement including detention placement, victims of child abuse, youth at
risk of substance abuse and school failure, youth meeting Juvenile
Diversion Program criteria
Free to youth or families
Adopted October 27, 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Emergency Number: 970-351-0700
NORTH RANGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
1306 11th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-3686
612 Fifth Street, Fort Lupton, CO 80621
303-857-2723
Services Available:
• Individual, group, and family psychotherapy for children and adults
• Psychotropic medication management
• 24 -hour emergency service
• Services for chronically mentally ill
• Family Preservation Services Access to inpatient psychiatric services
• Case management
• Consultant and education services
Eligibility: All Weld County residents; specific criteria required for some programs
Cost: $5-$65/hr on graduated scale by income; Medicaid, Medicare, Medical
insurance accepted
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operation: Monday -Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; 24 hour
emergency service available
Emergency Number: 970-353-3686
A WOMAN'S PLACE
P.O. Box 71, Greeley, CO 80632
Business 970-351-6950
Crisis 970-356-4226
Fort Lupton 303-851-2642
Services Available:
• Parenting skills
• Residential facility for women and children victims of domestic violence
• Counseling for women and children
• Family Preservation Services
• Children's Program
• Assessment of abused children
• Legal advocacy, support group, case management, and outreach services
Adopted October 27, 1994
Revised September 1997
97261.3
Eligibility: Any women or child victim of abuse related to domestic violence
Cost: Fees based upon length of residential stay
Public Transportation: Yes
Bilingual Services: Yes
Hours of Operations: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 9:00
pm 24 hour emergency service available
Emergency Number: 970-356-4226
SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS
School counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other qualified school personnel may act
as a liaison between the primary treatment provider and the child and their family in the school
setting.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY CONTACTING WELD
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL (WIRS) AT 970-352-9477 OR 1-800-559-5590
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
97261.3
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97261.3
APPENDIX H
FORMS
Release of Information, Parole Agreement, Facilitation Agreement & Reporting
Form
Adopted October 994
972611.9
11-14 Revised September 1997
WELD COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
I DOB authorize to
release the following information for the purpose of service coordination, collaboration, continuity of care and case management
activity.
(circle yes or no and initial each response)
YES NO Treatment information to include history, diagnosis, progress in treatment, prognosis, treatment
approaches/plan/goals, medication intervention and prescriptions, status at discharge.
YES NO Treatment attendance.
YES NO Psychological evaluation and testing summaries.
YES NO Clinical evaluation/assessment summaries.
YES NO Alcohol and drug treatment information.
YES NO other (specify)
I authorize the use of this information regarding myself and/or the following persons:
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
DOB
DOB
DOB
DOB
DOB
To be discussed with:
Name of person/agency
Name of person/agency
Name of person/agency
Name of person, agency
Name of person/agency
I also do/do not (circle one) authorize the above listed agency/agencies/persons. to release the information identified above regarding myself and/or
the persons listed above
to
for the purpose of service coordination, collaboration, continuity of care and case management activity. I understand that my records and/or those of
any individuals listed above are protected under federal and state confidentiality regulations. This information cannot be disclosed without my -
written consent. unless otherwise specifically provided for in the regulations. I understand that I may revoke in writing this consent at any time.
Copies of this form may be used in lieu of the original. I understand and agree that this release form may/may not (circle one) be sent to the entities
identified above.
Executed this
This consent expires on . 19
(365 days maximum)
day of . 19
(Client Signature) Parent/Guardian Signature
Witness Signature Printed Name of Witness
Minor Signature
972613
TO: The COLORADO STATE BOARD OF PAROLE in session
at on considered your application for parole and, believing
that you can abide by the conditions of your parole agreement, hereby orders your parole agreement, hereby
orders your parole to become effective . Your parole will discharge on
unless sooner terminated by order of the Board on the motion of your Parole Officer or the Parole Board.
PAROLE AGREEMENT/ORDER
Parolee will be abide by all conditions of parole set forth in this agreement and any additional conditions and
directives set forth by Parole Officer, consistent with the laws of the State of Colorado. Any violation of this
agreement and/or any conditions thereof, can lead to the revocation of parole.
CONDITIONS OF PAROLE
1. Release: Upon release from the Institution, Parolee shall go directly to Weld County, Colorado. as
designated by the Board of Parole and report upon arrival to Paul Leavitt, 800 8th Avenue, Room 121
Greeley, Colorado 80631 Phone: (970) 356-0839 in person or as directed.
2. Residence: Parolee shall establish a residence of record and shall reside at such residence in fact and on
record; shall not change this place of residence without the consent of his Parole Officer; and shall not leave the
area paroled to nor the State paroled to without permission of the Parole Officer.
3. Conduct: Parolee shall obey all State/Federal laws and Municipal ordinances. Parolee shall follow the
directives of the Parole Officer at all times.
4. Report: Parolee shall make written, and in person, reports as directed by the Parole Officer; and shall permit
visits to his place of residence as required by the Parole Officer.
a. Parolee further shall submit urinalysis or other tests for narcotics or chemical agents upon the request of the Parole Officer,
and is required to pay for all tests.
b. Parolee further agrees to allow the Parole Officer to search his person, or his residence, or any premises under his control, or
any vehicle under his control.
5. Weapons: Parolee shall not own, possess, nor have under his control or in his custody, firearms or other
deadly weapons.
6. Association: Parolee shall not associate with any person with a criminal record without the permission of
the Parole Officer.
7. Employment: Parolee shall seek and obtain employment, or shall participate in a full time educational or
vocational program, unless waived by the Parole Officer.
8. Alcohol/Drugs: Parolee shall not abuse alcoholic beverages, or possess and/or use illegal drugs.
9. Child Support: Parolee shall comply with any court or administrative order to pay child support.
10. Additional Conditions: (a) Parolee shall have no contact with any person under the age of Eighteen years of
age. (b) Parolee shall participate in Parenting Classes. (c) Parolee shall have no alcohol intake.
I agree to abide by all of the conditions of my parole heretofore set forth, and 1 do hereby waive extradition to
the State of Colorado from any state or territory of the United States or from the District of Columbia, and agree
that I will not contest any effort to return me to the State of Colorado at any time before the expiration of my
maximum sentence.
I have read the foregoing document or have had it read to me and I have full and intelligent understanding of the
contents and the meaning thereof: and I have received a copy of this document.
I hereby affix my signature of my own free will and without reservation or coercion.
FOR THE COLORADO STATE BOARD OF PAROLE
Date:
Distribution: PBD/DF/WR/Inmate/Time-Release
SIGNATURE OF PAROLEE
Witness
9'7282
FACILITATION AGREEMENT
Case Name Case No
TERMS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS
The Participants agree:
1) To freely and willingly enter discussion with the Facilitator with the intention of mutually and equitably
arriving at a resolution.
2) To be willing and able to discuss the issue(s) with each other.
3) To provide complete and honest disclosure to each other, and to the Facilitator, of all relevant and
pertinent information, specifically the information and documentation usually available through the
discovery process in a legal proceeding.
4) To acquire the appropriate releases of information in a timely manner.
5) To abide by the terms of his/her Code of Professional Responsibility.
The Participants understand:
I) That individual communication with the Facilitator should not be construed as ex parte
communication with the court.
2) That the Facilitator is a neutral person whose role is to assist the participants to reach their own
resolution. The Facilitator will not tell the participants what to do or make decisions about "right" or
"wrong".
3) That the Facilitator does not offer legal advice, provide legal counsel or therapy.
4) That the Facilitator will not be called as a witness in any legal or administrative proceeding about this
dispute unless the evidence is not available through any credible source.
5) That the participants hereby agree to waive their rights to subpoena or demand the production of any
records, notes, or work products from the Facilitator in any legal or administrative proceeding about this
dispute unless the evidence is not available through any credible source.
signature date
signature date
signature date
signature date
signature date
signature date
signature
date signature
date
972613
CONFIDENTIAL,
WELD COUNTY REPORT FORM
When reporting suspected child abuse, mail this form to the Weld County Department of Social Services/Attention: Child Protection
Intake Worker/ 315 North Ilth Avenue/P.O. Box A. Greeley, CO 80632 within three working days of the verbal report. Fill this
report out in conjunction with your CART member. Write on back if necessary.
Call to Social Services -
Call to Law Enforcement
Name of Child
Address:
Parent(s)/Guardian:
Parent(s) Address
Date
Time Person Taking the Report
Date
Time Person Taking the Report
Birthdate: Sex:
Grade:
Home Phone:
Parent(s) Place of Employment Work Phone:
Sibling(s) & Birthdates:
Abuse occurred at child care, home/center yes no
REF ERRAL CONC ERN:
Dislocation/Sprains Lack of Supervision
Twisting'Shaking Abandonment
Malnutrition Bums/Scalds
Exposure to Elements Medical Neglect
Emotional Maltreatment
Describe visible injuries:
Educational Neglect
Physical Neglect
Sexual Abuse
Cuts/Bruises/Welts
1) Description and child's account of how the incident occurred:
2) Describe the reporter's concern for the child:
3) Note any previous suspected abuse reports that you or other CART members have made on the child or
siblings:
4) Note any other information the child may have disclosed:
5) Note any special needs, i.e., interpreter
Name of Person Reporting
Position
Agency Telephone No
Date
972613
WELD COUNTY CHILD ABUSE COALITION
ADOPTION OF PROTOCOL AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between the agencies and individuals involved in the child
abuse and neglect system in Weld County and the members of the Weld County Child Abuse
Coalition.
The purpose of this agreement is to enhance the ability of agencies, organizations, and individuals
to implement coordinated efforts in dealing with children and families involved in child abuse and
neglect. The Weld County Child Abuse Coalition Protocol is for the use of participating agencies
and does not apply in any criminal or civil proceeding. The Protocol should not be construed as a
creation of a higher level standard of safety or care with respect to any civil claim or criminal
matter. Deviations from this Protocol will only form the basis for further discussion and
coordination among the members of the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition.
Therefore, it is acknowledged and agreed that:
• All parties are responsible for the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect
in Weld County.
• All parties understand this Protocol adheres to the Colorado Children's Code and the
Colorado Criminal Statutes.
• All parties desire to cooperate and will follow the Protocol to the best of their ability.
• All parties consider the protection of children a priority and all reasonable efforts will
be made to facilitate the reporting, investigation and treatment of children.
All parties understand this agreement, in no way, shall be construed to:
• Limit law enforcement's authority to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect;
limit the Department of Social Services, authority to assess, respond, and investigate
reports of child abuse and neglect, nor limit DSS, authority to make all subsequent
decisions on behalf of children placed in protective custody;
• Mandate the activities of respective agencies, but rather, is an indication that parties
shall use best efforts to comply with the intent of this agreement;
• Impose or imply financial responsibility on any agency for programs of the Coalition.
Given the above understanding, all parties shall comply with and require employees to comply
with this Protocol.
This agreement is effective September 11, 1997 until revisions require new agreements, all parties
terminate this agreement and/or any party terminates their participation with this agreement. Any
intent to terminate this agreement should be given in writing to the Coalition ninety (90) days
prior to termination of participation.
Adopted October 1994 Revised September 1997
972613
Weld Coty Board of Commissioners, Sage Baxter
y District
County Uniti, Jeannine Truswell
heriff, E. ordan
Greeley Chief of Police, Paul Branham
12/15/97
Date
!/ av q7
ate
IktiVcrl
Date
/2io?7
Date
Date
Ev ns hief of Police, Mike Guthrie Date
19tFAJudicial Court,
'Age J. Robert Lowenbach
bath
Date
19th Judicial Court, Judge Jonathan Hays Date
Weld County Foster Parents, Karena Malcom Date
Guardians ad li m, Gayla Lindquist
e., Jennfr Penner
0/47
Date
9- II -97
Date
972613
2_9,4
1/— /* 97
Donald Cook, MD Date
11011).ilaleA ?it- 97
North Range Behavioral Health, Dale Peterson' Date
Island Grove Center, BJ Dean Date
A Women's Place, Sharon Mitchell
Community Representative, Sue Alkire
Mca/14 T7CAJ
Parole Department, Paul Leavitt
/,?-/o_ 77
Date
Date
Date
nobation Deppmerit, Nancy Kroll 'Date
NCMC
Date
Date
Date
Date
972613
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