¶ … CPS Investigation Into Sexual Abuse Allegations

First and foremost, the initial telephone call should be used as a way to begin to gather information for the case at hand. This means conducting a full investigative interview with the party reporting the alleged abuse. Accordingly, the Child Welfare Information Gateway reports that "the interview with the reporter should include an exploration of what the child has said or done that the reporter thinks indicates possible sexual abuse, his/her reactions to this information, and the reporter's knowledge of any other parties with relevant information." (CWIG, 1) As we proceed toward direct engagement with the family, it is of essential importance that we do so with a reliable body of information that might alert us to problematic family dynamics, the possible threat of violence from a family member and any other unique qualities of a household which have made it unsafe for the child in question.

Once prepared for a direct confrontation with the family, the session should proceed according to an appropriate sequence. First and foremost, response in the event of sexual abuse allegations should truly be within the first 24 hours so as to intervene immediately where these allegations may be substantiated. This means conducting an immediate interview with the child, followed by an interview with a spouse of the accused where such may exist, followed by an interview with the accused.

Of crucial importance and distinction in cases where sexual abuse within the family has been alleged is the understanding that the state will not seek reconciliation but will seek the immediate and long-term removal of the child from the household. Inter-familial sexual abuse is rarely viewed from the perspective of Child Protective Services as being treatable insofar as mitigating the threat to the child.

Works Cited:

Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG). (2009). Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse. eNotAlone. Online at http://www.enotalone.com/article/9940.html