Forensic Assessment Center Network (FACN) 0003981
Module 2
|
The Navigation options listed below will be used throughout the Computer Based Training (CBT) units. The CBT TOPIC MENU option (at top) allows you to view the topics in this CBT and to navigate to specific topics when needed. You are required to view ALL topics; but, at your own pace. |
These arrows are hyperlinks and are located at the top of each page.
The left arrow will move you to the Previous page.
The right arrow will move you to the Next page.
These hyperlinks are located at the bottom center of each page.
|
You may navigate to any part of the lesson for review. |
Upon completion of this training individuals will be able to:
Identify types of FACN cases and determine whether or not to make a FACN referral.
Explain the role of the Regional Nurses.
Explain which FACN results need to be documented.
Explain why documentation is important to the process of getting a more informed decision about the potential child abuse or neglect.
Caseworkers may make a referral to FACN when they need additional clarification on abuse or neglect cases to address child safety decisions or to ask general ongoing medical questions.
A caseworker or supervisor can decide when it is appropriate to make a referral.
A caseworker does not need approval from any of the following people to request an FACN consult:
• The child's parent
• The attorney representing the child or parent
• The child's primary care physician or other health care practitioner
Caseworkers MUST make a referral in the following circumstances:
• There does not appear to be any reasonable explanation for an injury, or the explanation is not consistent with the injury
• A child requires an in-person forensic assessment examination
• Assistance is needed to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred
• There is a difference of opinion between a medical professional and DFPS regarding whether abuse or neglect occurred, or about the seriousness of an injury or condition, and clarification is needed
• There is evidence of medical child abuse (also known as Munchausen syndrome)
• The caseworker has an additional question about abuse or neglect that a medical professional may be able to clarify
• Child is under 11 years of age and has a diagnosed Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and there is not a preponderance of evidence that abuse led to the STD
• Near-fatality cases when the treating physician is not a child abuse pediatrician
A caseworker should not make a referral for a child in the conservatorship
of the Department who needs routine medical care or medication services.
Additionally, when both of the following criteria are met caseworkers generally do not need to make a referral to FACN:
• The child has already been seen by a local physician who is certified as a child abuse and neglect specialist.
• There are no additional questions or concerns.
This Knowledge Check is designed to reinforce the materials you have learned in this lesson.
Knowledge Checks help you prepare for the final graded assessment.
The caseworker must immediately contact the FACN by phone (1-888-TX4-FACN).
This contact is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for acute cases.
If the caseworker and supervisor decide to make a referral to FACN for a non-acute case,the caseworker must enter the basic referral information into the FACN system (www.facntx.org) or by phone (1-888-TX4-FACN) within 2 business days during regular business hours.
This X-ray shows a 4-month old with spiral fracture to the femur.
The explanation is the child's leg was caught in the slat of the crib.
This is an 11-month old with multiple bruises to the face, back, arms and thighs.
The explanation is the baby is starting to walk and falls a lot.
This child in DFPS conservatorship needs his/her initial 30 day medical checkup.
A teenager in the conservatorship of the department needs to have his/her psychotropic medications reassessed.
You receive a referral for neglect of a 3-month old infant.
You receive the growth chart from the infant's pediatrician who voices no concerns.
This Knowledge Check is designed to reinforce the materials you have learned in this lesson.
Knowledge Checks help you prepare for the final graded assessment.
The consultation will be based on the information you upload and document into the FACN system, so make sure the physician has what they need to accurately assess the injury or situation.
It is important that you gather very detailed information regarding the child's injury.
You should request any necessary documents pertinent to the case.
It is also helpful for you to provide this very detailed information and documents to FACN.
You will want to provide to FACN any medical records obtained, witness statements, affidavits, pictures, etc.
This Knowledge Check is designed to reinforce the materials you have learned in this lesson.
Knowledge Checks help you prepare for the final graded assessment.
When gathering information in your case, you want to ensure you ask the right questions to get the most critical information.
Here is some information you want to gather and provide to FACN.
What kind of injury was sustained?
Where did the incident occur?
What do the collaterals, parents, alleged perpetrator, siblings and victim, if verbal, say about the injury?
What was happening when the child was injured?
Was the child seen by a medical professional?
What does that medical professional say about the injury?
*This is not an exhaustive list of questions.
The Regional Nurse Consultant in each DFPS region is responsible for communicating with the FACN regarding:
• Training Requests.
• Assistance with interpreting FACN findings pertaining to a referral.
*You can locate your Regional Nurse Consultant on the Safety Net.
There are three determinations FACN physicians use when explaining if the injuries reported are related to abuse or neglect of the child.
These three determinations include:
• Substantial – Based on the medical evidence and information provided for the case, the finding(s) cannot be reasonably explained by anything other than maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, supervisory neglect, medical neglect, Munchausen's Syndrome by proxy or another factitious disorder).
• Concerning – Based on the medical evidence and information provided for the case, there is concern for maltreatment.
• Non-specific - Based on the medical evidence and information provided for the case, the injuries or medical concerns may result from abuse or neglect, but accidental/natural explanations are also possible.
Most Important To Remember
|
There are three different types of response times for a FACN referral.
Each referral has a different timeframe.
Seven Days - Routine referrals
Three Days - Emergency referrals
Complex Timeframe - Complex referrals
For critical cases, you may receive feedback more quickly.
Seven Days
For a routine referral, you should have feedback within 7 calendar days.
Routine is defined as: Any referral that is not an emergency or complex.
Three Days
For an emergency referral you should have feedback within 3 calendar days.
DFPS makes the decision to designate the case an emergency. Examples include but are not limited to:
• A child that is not expected to live
• A child that is in intensive care
• A child that is in immediate risk of serious physical injury or sexual abuse
• When a written assessment is needed to support the removal of a child from the home
Complex Referral
For a complex referral, a mutual agreement between DFPS and FACN determines the time frame for feedback.
• A case involving multiple records spanning several months.
• A case involving numerous children who have suffered serious injuries or prolonged neglect.
Other medical conditions that mimic child maltreatment or increase the risk of misdiagnosis of child maltreatment.
The caseworker must request an extension if unable to submit the investigation to the supervisor for approval within 45 calendar days from intake.
If an extension is needed, the caseworker uses the extension code Medical.
See 2291.6 Extension Request.
|
However, if both the physician who conducted the physical examination and the FACN physician agree that abuse or neglect occurred, then both opinions may be used for an emergency removal. |
This Knowledge Check is designed to reinforce the materials you have learned in this lesson.
Knowledge Checks help you prepare for the final graded assessment.
This Concludes Module 2
You have reached the end of this lesson.
|
Your next step is:
|
|
Return to the Course Page. Complete Module 3 of this course: |
You may navigate to any part of the lesson for review, select Print All, or select Ctrl + W to close this window to continue to the next section of the course.
