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PDF1 - University of Maryland School of Law

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BABY DOE COMPARED WITH REGULAR CPS INVESTIGATIONSWe asked CPS respondents how their baby doe procedures differfrom those used when investigating other reports <strong>of</strong> childabuse or neglect. Three major differences were citedconsistently: immediate response, use <strong>of</strong> medical consultantsand State level involvement.1. Immediate ResponseStates report that due to the urgency and potentiallylife-threatening nature <strong>of</strong> baby doe situations, thesereports are considered emergencies and are investigatedimmediately* In general, States require that theinvestigation begin with an immediate call to thehospital liaison where the infant is located to ascertainthe basic facts in the case. In some States, apreliminary report is required within as little as 2hours.2. Use <strong>of</strong> Medical ConsultantsAll States report they have access to medical consultantsto make medical determinations in baby doe cases, statesuse a variety <strong>of</strong> arrangements to insure immediate accessto and availability <strong>of</strong> qualified medical consultants.Those mentioned most frequently were State levelcontracts with medical schools, children's hospitals orprivate pediatricians; and agreements with medicalpr<strong>of</strong>essionals employed by the state (frequently in statehealth or social services departments).182In a few States, local CPS <strong>of</strong>fices are responsible forobtaining medical consultants. Several States haveestablished multidisciplinary teams to investigate babydoe reports. These teams typically consist <strong>of</strong> apediatrician or neonatologist, a social worker and a CPSworker, and could also include other medical specialistsand legal expertise.3. State Level InvolvementAbuse or neglect reports are routinely investigated atthe local level. State CPS <strong>of</strong>fices set policies, provideguidance and monitor the performance <strong>of</strong> local <strong>of</strong>fices,but rarely conduct investigations. Because <strong>of</strong> thesensitivity <strong>of</strong> potential baby doe situations, many Stateshave elevated the level at which these cases are handled.Nine States reported that the initial baby doeinvestigation would actually be conducted by State CPSstaff. Several others require that the State <strong>of</strong>fice benotified immediately when a baby doe report is received;while the initial investigation would be handled locally,the State <strong>of</strong>fice would be kept informed and could step into lead or participate in the case if needed.- 6 -

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