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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 29. PUBLIC WELFARE |
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Chapter 29-85. FAMILY ASSESSMENTS IN CHILD WELFARE |
Section 29-8501. FAMILY ASSESSMENT
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8501.1A family assessment is an evaluation, for the purpose of developing a service plan, to determine:
(a) A family’s strengths and needs;
(b) The safety of any children in the home, including assessing whether there exists a risk of abuse or neglect of any child, but excluding a determination as to whether a report of abuse or neglect is substantiated, inconclusive, or unfounded;
(c) A family’s ability to function as a cohesive unit; and
(d) A family’s access to resources.
8501.2The Agency may conduct a family assessment in response to a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, if the report does not involve:
(a) Child fatality;
(b) Suspected sex abuse; or
(c) Circumstances causing the Agency to suspect that a child is at imminent risk of or has experienced abuse or neglect that the Agency determines to be severe.
8501.3 If the Agency determines that a family assessment should be conducted:
(a)The assessment shall begin as soon as possible but no later than five (5) days after the Agency receives the report of suspected abuse or neglect; and
(b)The Agency shall see the child and all other children in the household within five (5) days of receiving the report of suspected abuse or neglect.
8501.4If at any time the Agency determines that the circumstances outlined in § 8501.2 exist, a report referred for a family assessment shall be re-referred to the Agency for an investigation.
8501.5The family’s cooperation with the family assessment shall be voluntary.
8501.6 If the Agency determines that the family needs services, the Agency shall assist the family in obtaining these services.
8501.7 A family’s acceptance of services offered as a result of the family assessment shall be voluntary.