6.9 Notifications in Special Investigations | CWS

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Child Welfare Policy Manual

Chapter:

(6) Special Investigations

Policy Title:

Notifications in Special Investigations

Policy Number:

6.9

Previous Policy Number(s):

N/A

Effective Date:

November 2023

Manual Transmittal:

2023-03

Codes/References

O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5 Reporting of Child Abuse
O.C.G.A. § 49-5-8 Powers and Duties of Department of Human Services
O.C.G.A. § 49-5-40 Definitions; Confidentiality of Records; Restricted Access to Records
O.C.G.A. § 49-5-41 Persons and Agencies Permitted to Access Records

Requirements

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will:

Upon assignment of the special investigation, provide notification to the following:
1. Oversight authorities (as applicable);
  
  CPS Intake Communications Center (CICC) shall provide notifications to the oversight authority upon assignment of a special investigation.
2. Child Placing Agency (CPA) Director/Designee when the case involves a CPA foster or adoptive home;
3. Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) Unit when the case involves a child placed in Georgia in accordance with ICPC;
4. Permanency Social Services Case Manager (SSCM) and Social Services Supervisor (SSS) when the case involves a child in DFCS custody or a foster care kinship placement;
5. Resource Development (RD) SSCM and SSS when the case involves a DFCS foster or adoptive home; and
6. State Adoption Unit when the case involves a child in DFCS custody with a permanency plan of adoption or guardianship.
Provide notification of the special investigation to the military at any point during the case it is discovered that the parent/guardian of the alleged victim child(ren) is on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, and the notification was not completed by CICC.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation to the:
1. Parent(s) of the alleged victim child, if he/she is not the substantiated maltreater, via the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to the Parent/ Legal Custodian Not Alleged as a Child Maltreater.
  
  If the alleged victim child is in DFCS custody and termination of parental rights (TPR) has occurred, notification to the parent(s) is not required.
2. Alleged maltreater, only if the allegations are unsubstantiated via the Notice of Unsubstantiated Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome.
3. Minor (under the age of 18) named as the alleged or substantiated maltreater via the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to a Minor outlining procedure for appeal if he/she disagrees with the decision.
4. Oversight authority (as applicable) via the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School.
5. Director/Designee of a residential or non-residential facility (as applicable) via the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School, when the case involves a residential or non-residential facility.
6. Principal/Designee of a public or private non-residential school (as applicable) via the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School, when the case involves a public or private non-residential school.
7. Mandated reporter (school personnel) who made the report via the Mandated Reporter Investigation Outcome Letter. Send the notification to the school counselor for the school the child was attending at the time of the reported child abuse. If a school does not have a school counselor, send the notification to the principal.
Provide notification to the mandated reporter (non-school personnel) of the special investigation outcome, upon request, regarding the child concerning whom the report was made and disclose only whether the special investigation of the reported abuse is ongoing or completed, and if completed, was substantiated or unsubstantiated.
Provide written notification of the investigation outcome within ten calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation to the substantiated maltreater via the Notice of Child Protective Services Investigation Substantiation outlining procedures for appeal if he/she disagrees with the decision.

This notification does not apply to minors named as the substantiated maltreater as they receive a separate notification.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome within 10 calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation to following:
1. ICPC Unit: when the case involves a child placed in Georgia in accordance with ICPC.
2. State Adoption Unit: when the case involves a child in DFCS custody with a permanency plan of adoption or guardianship.
3. Support Services Provider: when the alleged victim child is in DFCS custody, and the case involves a support service provider.
Upload notifications into Georgia SHINES External Documentation within 72 hours of the occurrence.

Procedures

Upon assignment of the special investigation, provide notification of the special investigation to the following:
1. Oversight authorities, as applicable.
  
  CICC shall provide notifications to the oversight authority upon assignment of a special investigation.
2. CPA Director/Designee when the case involves a CPA foster or adoptive home.
3. ICPC Unit when the case involves a child placed in Georgia in accordance with ICPC.
4. Permanency SSCM and SSS when the case involves a child in DFCS custody or a foster care kinship placement.
5. Resource Development SSCM and SSS when the case involves a DFCS foster or adoptive home.
6. State Adoption Unit when the case involves a child in DFCS custody with a permanency or guardianship plan of adoption.
Provide notification of the special investigation to the military at any point during the case it is discovered that the parent/guardian of the alleged victim child(ren) is on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, and the notification was not completed by CICC. The military notification should be conducted in accordance with 3.25 Intake: Sharing Intake Reports with Law Enforcement, District Attorney or Military.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the parent(s) of the alleged victim child, if he/she is not the substantiated maltreater, within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation:
1. Launch the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome in Georgia SHINES to the Parent/ Legal Custodian Not Alleged as a Child Maltreater, identifying the child by initials only.
2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
3. Send the notice to the parent via first-class mail.
If the alleged victim child is in DFCS custody and TPR has occurred, notification to the parent(s) is not required.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the alleged maltreater when the investigation is unsubstantiated, within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation:
1. Complete the Notice of Unsubstantiated Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome, identifying the child by initials only.
2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
3. Send the notice to the unsubstantiated alleged maltreater via first-class mail.
This notification does not apply to minors named as the substantiated maltreater as they receive a separate notification.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation to the minor named as the alleged or substantiated maltreater:
1. When the alleged victim child is the minor’s biological child:
  1. Complete the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to a Minor, identifying the alleged victim child by initials only.
  2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
  3. Send the notice and the Guide to Child Protective Services Administrative Reviews to the minor via first-class mail.
2. When the alleged victim child is not the minor’s biological child:
  1. Complete the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to a Minor, identifying the alleged victim child by initials only.
  2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
  3. Send the notice and the Guide to Child Protective Services Administrative Reviews to the minor via first-class mail.
  4. Send a copy of the notice and the Guide to Child Protective Services Administrative Reviews to the minor’s parent via first-class mail.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the mandated reporter (school personnel) who made the intake report, within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation via mail, email, or fax.
1. Launch the Mandated Reporter Investigation Outcome Letter in Georgia SHINES.
2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
3. Send the notification to the school counselor for the school the child was attending at the time of the reported child abuse. If a school does not have a school counselor, such disclosure shall be made to the principal.
Upon request, provide notification (verbal or written) to the mandated reporter (non-school personnel) who made the intake report, within five calendar days of the receipt of the request. The notification will include the:
1. Information only concerning the child for whom the report was made;
2. Status of the special investigation (completed or ongoing); and
3. If completed, the special investigation conclusion (substantiated or unsubstantiated).
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the oversight authority (as applicable), within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation.
1. Identify the appropriate oversight authority by reviewing Practice Guidance: Oversight Authorities.
2. Complete the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School, identifying the child by initials only.
3. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
4. Send the notification via email, mail, or fax.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the Residential or Non-Residential Facility Director/Designee when the special investigation involves a residential or non-residential facility, within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation.
1. Complete the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School, identifying the child by initials only.
2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
3. Send the notification via email, mail, or fax.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the School Principal/Designee when the special investigation involves a public or private non-residential school, within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation.
1. Complete the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School, identifying the child by initials only.
2. Obtain supervisor approval and signature on the notice.
3. Send the notification via email, mail, or fax.

Provide notification of the special investigation outcome to the following DFCS units, within 10 calendar days of the completion of the special investigation:

CRRU: when there is a recommendation to close a DFCS foster/adoptive home or foster care kinship placement based on a policy violation.
ICPC Unit: when the case involves a child placed in Georgia in accordance with ICPC.
State Adoption Unit: when the case involves a child in DFCS custody with a permanency plan of adoption or guardianship.
Support Services Provider Unit: when the alleged victim child is in DFCS custody and the case involves a support service provider.

When notifying DFCS units the Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School may be attached and sent in one email to all applicable parties or the DFCS units may be copied on an email notification to Facility Director, School Principal, or CPA Director.

Upload all written notifications into Georgia SHINES External Documentation within 72 hours of the occurrence.

Social Services Supervisor

Upon assignment of the special investigation ensure notification of the special investigation is provided to the appropriate oversight authority, DFCS Units, and/or CPA (as applicable)
Upon the conclusion of the special investigation ensure notifications of the special investigation outcome are provided to the:
1. Parent(s), alleged maltreater, minor (under the age of 18), or mandated reporter (school personnel), as applicable within five calendar days of the conclusion of the special investigation.
2. Appropriate oversight authorities and DFCS Units within 10 calendar day of the conclusion of the special investigation.
Upon request, ensure mandated reporters (non-school personnel) are notified (verbal or written) of the status of the special investigation and/or special investigation outcome within five calendar days of the receipt of a request.
Review the written notifications and ensure:
1. Accuracy;
2. Only the child’s initials have been used as identification; and
3. Upon approval, provide signature on the notification.
Ensure all written notifications are uploaded to Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

Investigation Outcome Notification System (IONS) staff will:

Review information for accuracy upon the notification of a substantiated case of child abuse.
Provide written notification of the special investigation outcome to the substantiated maltreater within ten calendar days of receipt of the conclusion of the investigation:
1. Complete the Notice of Child Protective Services Investigation Substantiation letter.
2. Send the Notice of Child Protective Services Investigation Substantiation and the Guide to Child Protective Services Administrative Reviews to the substantiated maltreater via first class mail.
Upload a copy of the notice into Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

This notification does not apply to minors named as the substantiated maltreater as they receive a separate notification.

Practice Guidance

CHILDREN IN DFCS CUSTODY

Child in the legal temporary or permanent custody of DFCS.

DFCS FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE HOMES

DFCS foster homes provide temporary care for children in foster care. Similarly, DFCS adoptive homes provide care for children in foster care, however, the adoptive parents have formally committed to the adoption of the children. In addition, DFCS kinship foster homes or kinship adoptive homes, share the same corresponding responsibilities and requirements though the caregivers are kin to the children placed in their home. DFCS County Departments are responsible for evaluating, approving, and monitoring DFCS foster or adoptive homes.

CPA FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE HOMES

CPA foster homes provide temporary care for children in foster care. Similarly, CPA adoptive homes provide care for children in foster care, however, the adoptive parents have formally committed to the adoption of the children. CPA foster and adoptive homes are evaluated, approved, and administered by a CPA. A CPA is any institution, society, agency, or facility which places children in foster homes for temporary care or in prospective adoptive homes for adoption. The Office of Provider Management (OPM) and Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL) is the oversight authorities for CPA foster or adoptive homes.

KINSHIP FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS

Kinship foster care placements provide temporary care for children in foster care for whom the caregivers are kin (relative or fictive kin). DFCS County Departments are responsible for evaluating, approving, and monitoring kinship foster care placements.

RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

Residential facilities provide full-time (24-hour) residential care to children and youth, outside of their home.

Child Care Institutions (CCI)

CCIs are residential facilities that provide full-time Room, Board and Watchful Oversight (RBWO) to six or more children through 18 years of age outside of their home environment. CCI may also be transitional living placements (TLP) for youth 16 through 21 years of age who have agreed to Extended Foster Care (EFC) to prepare youth to become socially, emotionally, and personally independent. The OPM and RCCL and are the oversight authorities of CCI.

Children’s Transition Care Center (CTCC)

CCI that provides a temporary, home-like environment for medically fragile children, technology dependent children, and children with special health care needs, up to 21 years of age, who are deemed clinically stable by a physician but are dependent on life-sustaining medications, treatments, and equipment. These children require assistance with activities of daily living to facilitate transitions from a hospital or other facility to a home or other appropriate setting. CTCCs are required to be licensed by RCCL.

Maternity Homes (MH) / Parenting Support Program (Second Chance Homes)

CCI that provides RBWO in a residential setting for adolescents during pregnancy who are 21 years of age and younger. MH provide service to pregnant youth before, during or within two weeks of childbirth through a maximum period of eight weeks following delivery. Second Chance Homes/Parenting Support Programs are licensed MH that provide services beyond the eight weeks following delivery to promote residents’ long-term independence and the well-being of their child(ren). MH are required to be licensed by RCCL.

Specialty Camp / Outdoor Child Caring Program (OCCP)

CCI that provides RBWO along with a variety of outdoor activities taking place in a wilderness or camp environment that are designed to improve the emotional and behavioral adjustment of the children, through the age of 18 participating in the activities. OCCPs are required to be licensed by RCCL.

Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP)

RHYP are residential facilities that provide services to children who have run away or children who are homeless. RHYPs are required to be registered as a RHYP with RCCL. Licensed CCI can also be registered as a RHYP. RCCL is the oversight authority of RHYP.

Independent Living Program (ILP) Placements

ILP Placements are residential facilities that provide youth who are at least 18 years of age through 21 years of age with an alternative living arrangement (i.e., community-based housing). The goal is to prepare youth to become socially, emotionally, and personally independent of social services while connecting them to life-long permanent connections and laying the foundation for the pursuit of educational and career opportunities. OPM is the oversight authority of ILP Placements. In unusual circumstances a youth 17 years or younger may be in an ILP Placement, when this occurs, both OPM and RCCL are the oversight authorities.

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)

PRTF are residential facilities that provide comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment to children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5-21 who, due to severe emotional disturbance, need quality, active treatment that can only be provided in an inpatient treatment setting. Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulations (HFR) are the oversight authorities of PRTFs.

Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDC)

Secure short-term residential facilities centers for youth awaiting trial or waiting to enter a community program or long-term facility. Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is the oversight authority of RYDC.

Youth Development Campuses (YDC)

Secure long-term residential facilities for youth sentenced or committed to DJJ custody by juvenile courts. DJJ is the oversight authority of YDC.

NON-RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

Non-residential facilities provide less than full-time care outside of the home for children under the age of 18 years. Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is the oversight authority for non-residential facilities.

Child Care Learning Centers (CCLC)

CCLC are non-residential facilities that provide programs operated by a person, society, agency, corporation, institution, or group that receives pay for group care. Childcare learning centers care for seven or more children under the age of 18 for less than 24 hours per day, without transfer of legal custody. Bright from the Start: DECAL either licenses or commissions childcare learning centers. Bright from the Start: DECAL is the oversight authority of CCLC.

Early Head Start Programs

CCLC that provide early education and care programs for low-income children ages birth to three years old and their families. It also offers social, emotional, health, mental health, dental, nutrition, and family services as well as special needs requirements to the families it serves. Early Head Start Programs are required to be licensed or commissioned by Bright from the Start: DECAL.

Head Start Programs

CCLC that provide early education and care programs for low-income children ages three to mandatory school age and their families. It also offers social, emotional, health, mental health, dental, nutrition and family services as well as special needs requirements to the families it serves. Head Start Programs are required to be licensed or commissioned by Bright from the Start: DECAL.

Group Day Care Programs

CCLC that provide care and an early learning experiences to support and promote the healthy growth and development of children (i.e., Kids R Kids, Tootie Tots, Discovery Point). Group day care homes are required to be licensed or commissioned by Bright from the Start: DECAL.

Group childcare programs, not operated in a residence, that are not subject to licensure are required to obtain an exemption from Bright from the Start. This will include programs such as Parent’s Morning Out/Night Out; Extracurricular activities: music, swimming lessons; childcare services on site with parents; Tutoring services programs; Programs operated by or affiliated with national member organization: Boys and Girls Club or Boy Scouts. See Bright from the Start: DECAL website at www.decal.ga.gov/CCS/Exemptions.aspx for the type of programs eligible for exemption. If a program is not approved for exemption, it is required to be licensed by Bright from the Start: DECAL.

Pre-K

CCLC that provides educational programs for four year old children with a licensed capacity of 22 four-year-old children. The purpose is to prepare children for success in kindergarten and later school years. Pre-K programs usually operate on the regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day. Programs may be offered at local public schools or through private providers of preschool services. Pre-K programs are required to be licensed by Bright from the Start: DECAL.

Day Camps

Day camps are programs for children five years and older that are operated between school terms, whose primary purpose is to provide organized recreational, religious, or instructional activities. The day camp programs may operate during summer and other school breaks and shall operate for no more than 12 hours per day. Day camps are required to obtain an exemption from Bright from the Start: DECAL. Bright from the Start: DECAL is the oversight authority of Day Camps.

Family Child Care Learning Home / Home-Based Child Care

Family Child Care Learning Home/Home Based-Child Care are programs that operates in a private residential home less than 24 hours per day. It provides care for three children, but no more than six, under the age of 18 for pay. Family Child Care Learning Homes are required to be licensed by Bright from the Start: DECAL. Bright from the Start: DECAL is the oversight authority of Family Child Care Learning Home/Home-Based Child Care.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Overnight camps are programs established solely for recreational and educational programs. Administered by internal policies. No registration, licensing, approval, or oversight authority.

SCHOOLS

Schools are Institutions for educating children.

Private Non-Residential Schools: Administered by internal policies. No requirements for accreditation, registration, licensing, or approval.
Public Non-Residential Schools: Administered by area, county, or independent boards of education (ex: Fulton County Schools, Buford City Schools). Local school districts are supported by Georgia Department of Education (DOE).

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION OUTCOME NOTIFICATIONS MATRIX
	Parent of the Alleged Victim Child	Adult Alleged Maltreater	Minor Alleged Maltreater (unsubstantiated or substantiated)	Director, Child Placing Agency	Director, Residential / Non-Residential Facility	Principal Public/Private School	Mandated Reporter (who made the Intake Report)
DFCS Foster or Adoptive Home	X^*	X^#	X				X^{^}
CPA Foster or Adoptive Home	X^*	X^#	X	X			X^{^}
Foster Care Kinship Placements	X^*	X^#	X				X^{^}
Residential Facilities / Non-Residential Facilities	X^*	X^#	X		X		X^{^}
Schools: Public and Private Non-Residential Schools	X^*	X^#	X			X	X^{^}
NOTES
* When the alleged victim child is in DFCS custody and TPR has occurred, notification to the parent is not required. # Unsubstantiated notifications are sent to the alleged maltreater by the SSCM. Substantiated notifications are sent to the alleged maltreater by the State Office Investigation Outcome Notification Section (IONS). ^ Upon request when the mandated reporter is not the school. The special investigations-oversight authorities-notification matrix is a visual aide provided as additional guidance. Policy requirements must be reviewed to determine if a notification is required based on the circumstances of the case.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION OUTCOME NOTIFICATIONS MATRIX

Parent of the Alleged Victim Child

Adult Alleged Maltreater

Minor Alleged Maltreater (unsubstantiated or substantiated)

Director, Child Placing Agency

Director, Residential / Non-Residential Facility

Principal Public/Private School

Mandated Reporter (who made the Intake Report)

DFCS Foster or Adoptive Home

X^*

X^#

X^{^}

CPA Foster or Adoptive Home

X^*

X^#

X^{^}

Foster Care Kinship Placements

X^*

X^#

X^{^}

Residential Facilities / Non-Residential Facilities

X^*

X^#

X^{^}

Schools: Public and Private Non-Residential Schools

X^*

X^#

X^{^}

NOTES

* When the alleged victim child is in DFCS custody and TPR has occurred, notification to the parent is not required.

# Unsubstantiated notifications are sent to the alleged maltreater by the SSCM. Substantiated notifications are sent to the alleged maltreater by the State Office Investigation Outcome Notification Section (IONS).

^ Upon request when the mandated reporter is not the school.

The special investigations-oversight authorities-notification matrix is a visual aide provided as additional guidance. Policy requirements must be reviewed to determine if a notification is required based on the circumstances of the case.

OVERSIGHT AUTHORITIES

Governmental agencies responsible for the licensure and/or approval of organizations to operate in a certain capacity. This may also include monitoring and supervision of the organization, programs and/or activities.

Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL)

The RCCL unit inspects, monitors, licenses, and registers a variety of childcare facilities. The purpose is to ensure that facilities and programs operate at acceptable levels, as mandated by State Statutes and by rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Board of Human Services. Facilities requiring a license from RCCL include Child Caring Institutions, Child Placing Agencies, Outdoor Child Caring Programs, Children’s Transition Care Centers and Maternity Homes. Send notifications for RCCL to RCCREPORTS@dhs.ga.gov or by contacting RCCL at 404-657-9651.

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)

Bright from the Start: DECAL is responsible for meeting the childcare and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. In Georgia there are approximately 3100 childcare learning centers, 1500 family childcare learning homes and 6500 exempt programs. It supports licensed childcare learning centers and family childcare learning homes through monitoring, technical assistance, and training to assure safe and healthy environments and to improve the quality of services to children. Bright from the Start also investigates complaints of childcare programs and reports of unlicensed childcare operations. Send notifications for Bright from Start: DECAL to CCSComplaints@decal.ga.gov or by contacting Bright from Start: DECAL at 404-657-5562.

Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

The DJJ is a multi-faceted agency that serves the state`s youthful offenders up to the age of 21. DJJ operates 26 safe and secure facilities throughout the state. DJJ employees work diligently to effect justice as well as redirect and shape the young lives in the agency`s care so they can take responsibility for their delinquent conduct as well as become contributing members of society. Send notifications for DJJ to DJJDFACSAlerts@djj.state.ga.us.

Healthcare Facility Regulations (HFR)

Department of Community Health HFR licenses, monitors, and inspects a variety of facilities and services through Health Care Licensing, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, personal care homes and nursing homes. The division investigates complaints and inspects these and other health care facilities. HFR is the state survey agency performing federal certification inspections in health care facilities participating in the Medicare and/or Medicaid programs. Send notifications for HFR using their online HFRD Complaint Form, intake fax line 404-657-8935, or by contacting the HFR Central intake line at 404-232-1717, 404-657-5728, or 404-657-5726.

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

The DBHDD provides treatment and support services to people with mental health challenges and substance use disorders and assists individuals who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Division of Behavioral Health manages programs and services delivered by DBHDD’s community-based behavioral health providers. Send notifications for DBHDD to DBHDDincidents@dbhdd.ga.gov.

Office of Provider Management (OPM)

The OPM contracts with and monitors Child Caring Institutions and Child Placing Agencies provision of RBWO services. OPM employs various data, on-site, records review and collateral report mechanisms to monitor provider’s adherence to RBWO Minimum Standards and contractual obligations which direct performance expectations regarding the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. The foundational objective of OPM is to ensure that children placed in RBWO care are safe from abuse. OPM also provides training and technical assistance to providers to support their ability to meet quality of care and performance expectations. Send notifications for OPM to opmreports@dhs.ga.gov.

OVERSIGHT AUTHORITIES MATRIX

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)

Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)

Healthcare Facility Regulations (HFR)

Office of Provider Management (OPM)

Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL)

CPA Foster/Adoptive Homes

Child Care Institutions (CCIs)

Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

Independent Living Program (ILP) Placements

X^*

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities

Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) / Youth Development Campuses (YDC)

Child Care Learning Centers

Day Camps

Family Child Care Learning Home

NOTES

* Only provide notification to RCCL when the intake report involves a youth 17 years or younger in an ILP Placement.

DFCS foster or adoptive homes, foster care kinship placements, overnight camps, public or private non-residential schools, are not included on the chart due to not having an identified oversight authority.

DFCS Units

Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Unit
The CRRU is responsible for the administration of DFCS’ foster/adoptive parent recruitment and retention. Send notifications to CRRU@dhs.ga.gov.
Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) Unit
ICPC Unit ensures that children placed out-of-state or in the state of Georgia are placed with caregivers who are safe, suitable, and able to meet the child’s needs. It also ensures the child’s safety and well-being by requiring supervision of the child in the approved out-of-state or in Georgia placement. Send notifications to ICPC@dhs.ga.gov.
State Adoption Unit
The State Adoption Unit works with other state office units, local county offices and child placing agencies to provide a continuum of available, accessible, and effective services that enable and support the placement of children in adoptive families. Send notifications to adoption.mic@dhs.ga.gov.
Support Services Unit
The In-Home and Support Services Team works monitors the effectiveness of In-Home and Support Services provided as a part of a safety and/or case plan to ensure families and children are progressing positively toward self-sufficiency. These programs include: Prevention of Unnecessary Placement (PUP), Comprehensive Child and Family Assessment (CCFA), WRAP Around, Early Intervention, Parent-Aide, Homestead, and Paternity Testing. Send notifications to supportservices@dhs.ga.gov.

Forms and Tools

Guide to Child Protective Services Administrative Review
Guide to Child Protective Services Administrative Review (Spanish)
Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to a Minor
Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to a Minor (Spanish)
Notification of Child Protective Services Investigation Outcome to Oversight Authority, Agency, Facility, or School

6.9 Notifications in Special Investigations | CWS

Codes/References

Requirements

Procedures

Social Services Supervisor Manager

Social Services Supervisor

Practice Guidance

DFCS Units

Forms and Tools