Duties of a DCFS worker

Following, in the department's own words, is a check list of duties a child protection investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services must follow: *

1. Review prior investigations.

2. Review contact and evidence requirements for current allegations.

3. Develop investigation plan.

4. Identify multiple explanations for alleged incident of maltreatment. Do not assume the (child abuse) report information provides an accurate explanation for the injury.

5. Identify and document all relevant information.

6. Develop interview questions before the interview.

7. When necessary, use child advocacy center to interview victims.

8. Assess credibility and motivation of witnesses.

9. Corroborate statements through other witness interviews.

10. Identify and document physical and medical evidence.

11. Assess "factors to be considered" to verify specific allegations.

12. Complete all required assessments.

13. Complete criminal background checks.

14. Thoroughly document all investigative activities.

15. Evaluate all witness statements and other evidence.

* A child protection investigator is the only DCFS employee authorized to immediately take a child into protective custody.

SOURCE: DCFS Web Resource