Here's how the DCFS procedure works in LA County. I'm doing this analysis assuming that they did not have an open DCFS case at the time Jani's burns were investigated.
A call comes in with enough info to suspect neglect/abuse. The statewide hotline assigns it to the local DCFS department. This case should have received an immediate response referral because Jani is special needs, but realistically DCFS probably assigned it a "five-day" response referral. Jani's burns would have been investigated as physical abuse, which requires DCFS to make a cross-report to law enforcement because it's a criminal offense.
The case worker should have assessed both kids for signs of physical abuse (without removing clothes), then interviewed each alone. Susan and Cory shoyld also have been interviewed alone. Jani should have been assessed by a doctor (IIRC Susan had this done before DCFS came over, so it would be considered 'good enough' absent some huge red flag). The Structured Decision Making Safety Assessment, Family Risk Assessment, and Family Strengths & Needs Assessment should have been completed, and then an Initial Case Plan. Because both kids are special needs, the caseworker should have gotten their diagnoses and treatment plans as well, and whether it is being followed.
Safety Assessment: for identifying immediate threatened harm to a child
Family Risk Assessment: estimates the risk of future abuse or neglect and guides in case opening
Family Strengths & Needs Assessment: used for identifying family strengths and needs and assist with case planning
Initial Case Plan: created 45-60 days after investigation has opened.
Right now, DCFS is still investigating, but they are able to request Susan and Michael complete a Safety Plan, which is a voluntary, 30 day plan that must:
- Identify the danger(s) and establish the goal(s) which demonstrate(s) how the child will be kept safe;
- Identify what specifically needs to happen to keep the child safe;
- Identify who will be involved in the plan and what their roles will be;
- Identify who will monitor the plan and how that person will know how the child will remain safe.
If they refuse to sign the plan, consequences include filing a petition in juvenile court to open a neglect/abuse case and/or to remove the children.
Assuming they signed a new one once Bodhi's allegations came in, DCFS may very well have written "follow all doctor recommendations" as a requirement of their safety plan. If so, Susan (and Michael) may be faced with the choice of complying with the forensic assessment or having the children removed/ neglect allegations filed.
I've been up since 3am so please let me know if there's stuff that doesn't make sense here.
Sauce 1|
Sauce 2
