Intake and Investigation
Children Services has a 24-hour, seven-day a week Intake and Investigation operation that screens, assesses and investigates all reports of abuse and neglect within time frames set by law. Citizens are encouraged to report maltreatment to the agency and professionals working with children are legally required to make such reports. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call the Franklin County Children Services 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline at 614-229-7000.
The process of taking a referral is the beginning step in Children Services' involvement with a family. At the Intake level, information is taken, and if the referral rises to the level requiring action, a traditional investigation or an alternative response will begin. The agency evaluates every referral to determine if it meets the criteria for further investigation by utilizing state screening guidelines. Click the flow chart to see how cases are investigated.
If the referral is screened in, state required assessment tools are used to determine the extent of risk and the safety concern for the children involved. The agency also assesses risk and safety concerns for children who may need protection because of unruliness or delinquent behaviors. At the conclusion of the investigation or alternative response, a decision is made on whether or not there is a need to open a case, refer the family for community-based support services, or close out the investigation without further action.
While federal law establishes that a child's safety is paramount, Children Services must protect children in a manner that does not violate the constitutional rights of parents. Honoring families extends to ensuring that the agency is able to appropriately balance a child's safety with a family's right to be free from unreasonable government interference.
