Now, if you’ve ever been through a 310, or at least heard about one, you know that no investigation is “typical”. There are, however, parameters written by which the general process should (and often does) go.
So once a 310 has been called in on the hotline, the process begins with fact gathering to determine a child’s safety. First off, a report is created to document the allegations. This serves as the initial record and assists DCS in making the determination of whether or not a full investigation or “assessment” is needed. The identity of the person making the call in to the hotline is kept confidential, although the reporters are encouraged to provide their contact information, so DCS can follow up later if they have additional questions; however the individual or individuals who were called in on will not know the identity of the reporter. Based on what the accusation is, however, you might be able to sus out who called it in.
Once the 310 report has been created, DCS does a preliminary investigation to determine if the allegations meet the requirements for child abuse or neglect, or if it’s going to be “screened out” (which means it does not meet the requirements for further investigation. Additionally, at this time, DCS will determine how quickly the investigation will begin- as quickly as within an hour of the report, all the way up to a maximum of 5 days out. This is based upon the severity of the allegations and how much the danger a child is believed to be in.
If it has been determined that the investigation will continue and not be screened out, it is then the investigator’s job is to simply gather the facts. This will mean a variety of interviews in order to get a full picture of what has happened and if the child is in danger. The investigator will visit the child’s home, talk to the child (if possible), and interview others who would be close to the situation; this could include but not necessarily be limited to parents, siblings, teachers, relatives, neighbors, friends or doctors. At this stage of the process, it is all about understanding what has been happening in the child’s environment up to the point and if they are safe. And for you as a foster parent, it might mean multiple interviews. As an investigator hears something from one person, there might be follow up with another. And as difficult as it is, try to be understanding and simply answer the questions. Be honest but do not elaborate on answers or give additional information that was not asked about; sometimes this can be misconstrued and muddy the water that is already cloudy.
Also know that DCS has the right to (and more than likely will) do an inspection of your home, even if the allegations did not take place inside your home. The investigator will make sure you have heat (if it’s the winter) and either AC or fans in the summer. They will check your refrigerator and pantry have enough food. They will make sure you have running water. They will check to see where the child sleeps (do they have their own bed, is the allotment of space appropriate for them, etc.) There are other things an individual inspector may ask to see, based on the allegations; I would encourage you to simply comply, because refusing may seem like you are trying to hide something and this will not end well for you or the children in your care. You could be faced with additional charges in the 310 and the children (even your biological or adopted ones) could be removed from you.
Whatever they choose to look at, just know that they will take pictures of it all. I know this sounds terrifying and believe me, I am completely sympathetic, having experienced this myself, but the more compliant you are, the better things should go for you. But just hang on to this: the investigation process should be closed within 45 days. If it is not, I encourage you to start calling to find out why there is a delay and when it is expected to be closed. If need be, reach out to the supervisor of the inspector.
Once the investigation is complete and filed, you are entitled to a copy of it. In my experience, it will not automatically be sent to you; you will have to make an official request. The request goes through the DCS office of the county who conducted the investigation and they will send you your redacted copy through the mail within a couple weeks.
One other note I’d like to make, and I’ll place it here since I could not find a logical place for it: while there is an open 310 investigation on your home, you cannot take a new placement; this means you’re on a mandatory hold.
Coming up in the next post will be the possible outcomes of the investigation.
Sincerely,
Kris