CAPTA and Beyond: Referrals for developmental screenings for children involved with child welfare Introduction to Frequently Asked Questions Online Resource October 19,

CAPTA Work Group Members Eileen Bennett, Assuring Better Child Health and Development Lenita Hartman, Early Intervention Colorado, Office of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Human Services Heidi McCaslin, Preschool Special Education & Child Find, Colorado Department of Education Mary Morin, Child Find Coordinator, San Luis Valley Board of Cooperative Education Services Lorendia Schmidt, CAPTA Administrator, Division of Child Welfare, Colorado Department of Human Services Kay Teel, Strong Start for Families, Former Faculty, JFK Partners, University of Colorado School of Medicine Courtney Holt-Rogers, Prowers County Department of Human Services Jodi Litfin, Rocky Mountain Human Services and Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health 2

Webinar Outcomes Identify cross-sector audience groups for whom this issue is important Define requirements for referral of children under the age of five involved in child welfare for developmental screening Share FAQ resource, demonstrate navigation of resource by sharing content Begin to collect technical assistance requests and needs 3

The Issue: Why screen children involved with abuse and/or neglect ? Child abuse and/or neglect, as well as other forms of toxic stress, can have negative impacts on brain/cognitive development, attachment, and academic achievement. Early intervention can have positive effects that last throughout childhood and into adulthood (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2010). Developmental screening can be an effective way to identify developmental concerns early in a child’s life and connect the child and family to services. 4

Background: Federal Law Birth through Age 2 Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Amended by The Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 [P.L ], (c)(1)(ii)(G): Provisions and procedures for referral of a child under the age of 3 who is involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect to early intervention services funded under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Children ages birth through two: (Federal Regulation) County Departments are required to refer involved child to Early Intervention. In Colorado this means the local Community Centered Board (CCB) for developmental screening. The CCB is responsible for responding to CAPTA referrals from child welfare by contacting families and offering screening or evaluation. Special Education Administrative Units (AU) are responsible for conducting screening and/or evaluation for children ages birth through two to determine if an infant or toddler exhibits a significant delay in one or more areas of development. 5

Background: State Law & Rule Children ages three through four (E) Prior to closing an assessment, county departments shall refer all victim child(ren) under the age five (5) to the appropriate state or local agency for developmental screening when the county makes a finding of founded abuse and/or neglect (F) County departments may refer any child under the age of five (5) to the appropriate state or local agency for developmental screening in a Family Assessment Response (FAR) or Traditional Response Assessment, if a parent consents and the child presents with needs that might benefit from a developmental screening as determined by the county department. County Departments are required to refer the child to an appropriate agency for developmental screening There is not one agency or system responsible for responding to referrals from child welfare for developmental screening of children aged three through four 6

Purpose of the online FAQ Provide guidance to communities throughout Colorado on fulfilling the requirements of federal and state laws regarding developmental screening for children under age five; Acknowledge the misalignment of the child welfare requirements related to referrals for developmental screening and the services available to children ages three through four; Affirm and clarify the developmental screening roles and responsibilities of child welfare caseworkers, early intervention service personnel, parents, Special Education Administrative Unit personnel, entities that conduct developmental screening, and other community stakeholders; and, Provide a tool for further conversation in local communities to ensure collaborative screening and services for children under age five. 7

FAQ Tool Structure Terms and Definitions Frequently asked questions Resources 8

Document Structure and Content Organization Collaboration Referral FAQ Headings Collaboration Referral Consent Screening Evaluation Child’s Age Birth - Age 4 CAPTA - Birth - age 2 only ages 3-4 only Audiences PrimarySecondary 9

Online Document colorado.gov/cdhs/cw/devscreen 10

Highlighted Questions Referral Questions: 2.1 Q. What types of referrals come from child welfare for developmental screening? 2.2 Q. When child abuse and/or neglect is founded on a child under the age of five, what is the child welfare caseworker’s responsibility regarding developmental screening? Consent Questions: 3.1 Q. What is the child welfare caseworker’s responsibility after making a referral for a developmental screening? 3.6 Q. When parental consent is required for screenings and/or evaluations, who is authorized to sign consents for developmental screening and evaluations? Screening Questions: 4.3 Q. What happens when a family chooses not to consent or engage in screening and/or evaluation when a referral has been made from child welfare? 4.4 Q. What is important to keep in mind when screening and/or evaluating children who have experienced child abuse and/or neglect? 4.5 Q. What are the parent(s)’ rights and responsibilities? 4.7 Q. What is the parent(s) or legal guardian’s role in developmental screening and evaluation activities? 11

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- Special education & child find: Heidi McCaslin State Child Find Coordinator, Exceptional Student Services, Preschool Special Education Colorado Department of Education Early Intervention Colorado: Lenita Hartman Program Initiatives Manager, Early Intervention Colorado County departments of human/social services Lorendia Schmidt CAPTA Administrator, Division of Child Welfare If you have questions or wish to request training or technical assistance related to this document, please contact one of the following people: 26 - Primary care providers: Eileen Bennett Executive Director, Assuring Better Child Health & Development Infant Mental Health providers: Jodi Litfin Rocky Mountain Human Services and Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health Families in Recovery & Women’s substance use treatment providers M. Kay Teel Strong Start for Families [Former faculty - JFK Partners, University of Colorado]