§3 ch4: Implementing the Written Service Agreement
Attachment F: Death of Child in Open FCS Case
Death of Child in Open Case
The following are special procedures the FCS Case Manager will follow when a child residing in the household of an open FCS case dies:
Immediately assure the safety of any other household children.
- Complete a safety re-assessment, as necessary.
- Contact law enforcement at once if there is a reason to believe any children are in immediate danger.
Notify the Supervisor immediately that a fatality has occurred in an open case. This will include any sudden or unexpected death, as well as a foreseeable death due to illness.
Obtain sufficient information to file a report with CANHU for investigation, if a report is warranted, and if one has not already been made pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 210.115.
Cooperate with the Children’s Division CA/N Investigator assigned to the investigation, if a report was received.
- Provide any information available that may assist in the investigation, including access to the case record.
- Inform your supervisor that the fatality is being investigated.
When any critical event occurs, a CS-23 shall be completed by the Children’s Service Supervisor as soon as he/she becomes aware of the critical event. The CS-23 must then be forwarded to Central Office, via email at DSS.CD.CriticalEventReport with a carbon copy sent to the Circuit Manager and Regional Director within:
- Three hours (or by 9 a.m. the following business day for reports alerted after hours).
- Any case receiving media attention
- Un-Concluded prior CA/N at time of fatality
- Open FCS Case
- Child currently in CD custody (open A/C case)
This three hour timeframe does not preclude the necessity for immediate notification of the event to the CD Director/Designee.
- 24 hours for CA/N fatalities
- Any new CA/N incident in which child abuse/neglect has been alleged as a factor in the fatality, where no prior CD involvement exists
- Any case with past CD involvement (CA/N, FCS. A/C)
Complete a risk re-assessment, as indicated.
Consult with the Supervisor for the need to re-visit and modify the Written Service Agreement with the family as a result of the child’s death. Continue to work with the family as directed by the Supervisor.
Monitor the family closely for any changes of behavior due to stress from the recent loss.
- Continue to assure the safety of any other child.
Provide supportive services and referrals as necessary to assist the family with grieving or other issues.
Update the SS-63 and Computer Information System to remove the child from case.