Screening Procedures – Intake Specialists in the Hub

• Basic identifying information and household composition. Regular screening criteria applies.
• Other Information needs:
  • Specific description of condition of household – fires? Safety hazards?
  • Squalor like conditions?
  • High degree of adult traffic at home?
  • Drug paraphernalia? Chemicals? (See checklist)
  • Adult Drug abuse? Witnessed and by whom? Exposure to kids?
  • Weapons in the home?
  • Evidence of surveillance equipment?
  • Behavioral description of adult who is abusing drug ( paranoia, abnormal sleeping patterns, aggression, tweaking).
  • Prior law enforcement involvement or contact with family?
  • Location of kids at point of referral and at time of anticipated raid.
  • Adult Employment?
  • How does the referring party have this information, direct observer or was informed and by whom?

• Check all Child Protection priors – assigned or filed for future reference – look for chronic pattern of lack of supervision, neglect complaints, poor school attendance, parental drug abuse, physical abuse and sex abuse
• Drug related criminal offenses as reported in Child Youth and Family database
• Legal Involvement as reported in Child Youth and Family database.

C) Placement considerations, including traditional and non-traditional KIN(family members)

Case Assignor Duties

Screen referrals and forward to appropriate unit and assign worker. Designate response time as further risk assessment. Supervisor determines response time beyond initial case assigning.
Any cases that are filed for future reference, we can call the Larimer County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) phone line and forward information.

Drug Task Force involvement will be determined by Caseworker if cases are assigned.
Assigned caseworker will consult with LCDTF to determine if task force involvement is needed immediately. Response time will be discussed and coordinated with caseworker, their supervisor and LCDTF.

Intake Caseworker

The Larimer County Drug Task Force will take lead on any investigations. Caseworkers will not respond to lab site without the presence of law enforcement. The lab site has to be secured by the task force before caseworkers are allowed to enter. Although caseworkers respond to scene they are required to stay in the holding zone until they’ve been advised to enter. Law enforcement secures the area and removes the children. In a confirmed lab, if a child has been exposed, they have to go through a decontamination process facilitated by law enforcement and are required to be physically examined by a doctor/EMT or emergency room doctor at a hospital. Since their clothing may be contaminated it may be necessary to provide a change of clothing. This process occurs before the child is physically seen by Caseworker. Caseworkers should come prepared with a change in clothing (Child Comfort Supplies). Do not bring any personal possessions from the home environment with the child. Caseworkers are allowed to transport children after they have been decontaminated and released to DHS custody under an "Authorization to place in protective custody form".

Investigation procedures:

• Review Child Protection prior referrals
• Check criminal history including contact/info from LCDTF.
• Consult all caseworkers known to have previous investigations with same suspect(s)
• Staff case with supervisor or leadworker
• Contact Patrol for designated Law Enforcement Agency (decision made on a case – by case basis)
• Contact Drug Task Force and relay pertinent information

All methamphetamine cases require police assistance regardless if they’re suspected or confirmed. First call goes to the LCDTF for screening and determination if they need to respond. Cases appropriate to be referred to regular patrol will be determined at that time.

If there are disagreements between agencies on response times, consult with an intake supervisor. Appropriate steps will be taken by the supervisor.

Coordinate response in consideration of safety of children, adults and DHS staff regarding a confirmed clandestine lab:

Employee safety is of utmost concern in the handling of these cases. Law enforcement takes the lead on this type of investigation. No staff are allowed to enter a crime scene until it has been secured and determined safe by law enforcement. Caseworkers will be advised by Law Enforcement as to the protective gear they would be required to wear to prevent residual contamination. Protective gear will be provided. Caseworkers will not be allowed to enter a crime scene when risk cannot be managed by protective gear. Law Enforcement will continue with investigation and provide necessary information regarding the dwelling to the caseworker. If you’re allowed to enter a dwelling, proceed with the following:

1. Examine home inside and outside, unattached dwellings – take photos and document observations on sight. Observation only, do not physically handle any evidence.
2. Visual inspection of children after they’ve been de-contaminated if exposure is confirmed.
3. Interview children away from adults/parent (determined by caseworker and lead investigator). Timing and location of interviewing children is determined on a case by case basis.
4. Interview adults – separately (determined by caseworker and lead investigator).
   Caseworkers can participate in the interview with the perpetrator at the discretion of the law enforcement investigator. Be sure to inform the investigator of your information needs.
5. Medical assessment of children – follow medical protocol for confirmed labs and medical evaluation on children placed. In confirmed lab cases, an ambulance will be called to the scene. (See attached medical protocol)
6. Emergency placement on all kids when we’ve confirmed a lab – Out of Home Placement criteria applies.

Documentation – evidence gathering

• Document proximity of lab, drugs, drug paraphernalia, chemicals to area child occupies (bedroom, playroom, bathroom, living room or kitchen).
• Take photographs and measure proximity.
• Record direct observations – transcribe into report, audio recording on scene is strongly recommended.

Additional information gathering for case:

• Photographs
• Police Report
• Medical Report
• Drug test findings
• Disclosure Statements
• Child Drawings if applicable

Initial Case Management Services:

• Safety considerations – protective orders
  1. Substance Free – random urinary analysis
  2. Non-threatening/harassing behavior
  3. Supervised visits in controlled setting by C/W and Case Service Aide
• Interim Treatment Plan elements in Dependency and Neglect Petition
• Substance Abuse Evaluation
• Random Urinary Analysis
• Decontamination of home or alternative living arrangements

Case coordination – debriefings with Law Enforcement Agency/District Attorney/Probation and other Treatment collateral's

Please be advised if you are investigating another type of child maltreatment and discover strong indications of a Clandestine Lab, remove yourself immediately and report back to your supervisor. The Larimer County Drug Task Force is to be contacted and appropriate information relayed.