When are we required to notify DCF?

AllisonLP · Apr 18, 2006

With an issue that would take me hours to type out. I just want to know where my responsiblity ends.

I think you need not be concerned with how long it takes to type out or what is NOT your responsibility, if you even suspect a child was hurt and brought in to be treated you should have already done something about it.

Everyone should do their part to stop child abuse.

Allison

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

We report abuse and neglect. Even if the neglect is due to uneducated parents/family. It may be a matter of getting the education or resources to work with a family that may prevent or solve problems.

You have to remember some people even though uneducated still have a sense of self and honor. It may be they feel they cant or shouldnt ask for help, or dont know they actually can get help. Sometimes pride is a BIG stumbling block.

dpipes44 · Apr 18, 2006

Let me add a little so you know where I'm coming from.

I had a minor(17y) that was left at a hotel with an older brother(25y). The father left the day before to go home(another state where they live). The older brother found the younger one smoking and drinking at the bar at the hotel. The older brothers wind up in a fight over the incident. No charges against the older brother. There were issues on where to discharge the child. Both parents are from out of state. The father's brother live in town. The father wants him discharged to the uncle. The mother wants the minor to go to detox. Oh yeah the child lives with the father. Mother says they were to have an intervention (ETOH abuse)for the child at home 3 weeks prior. It was canceled due to child's illness.

I refered it to our Social worker in the ED. Now my question is does my responsibilty end? :uhoh3:

Let me know if you want me to go on.....

AllisonLP · Apr 18, 2006

if you contacted the social worker you did the right thing and they work on it from there but if you're worried about it I'm sure you can follow the case.

Allison

ljds · Apr 18, 2006

I feel that my responsibility ends after the appropriate person was notified; since i work on the floor, for me it is the social worker. This seems like a perfect case for the social worker: obvious ETOH abuse by the minor, family commication deficits; the social worker can set them up with detox program and counselling, and the appropriate outpt mental health and community services. I work nights, so I'm not going to get anything done for the patient! I also am not aware of the resources available, or who qualifies, or how insurance works with this. That is the social worker's realm, at least in our hospital.

I think notifying the social worker was just what you needed to do. Even in our ER, they usually screen the client, then contact our local mental health/community outreach facility and go from there. Sounds to me like you did the right thing.