Access

Access is a crucial stage for early identification of Indian children. It is the responsibility of the access worker to inquire whether the reporter has any knowledge of the child’s tribal affiliation and/or heritage. The access worker should examine case record history to determine if the child has already been identified as an Indian child. If a child is an Indian Child and you know which tribe they are affiliated with, you must notify the appropriate tribe of all CPS Reports received, regardless of the screening decision, within 24 hours. This policy is outlined in DSP numbered memo 2012-08.

CPS Report to Tribal Agent and the Indian Child Welfare Screened Out Report
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The CPS Report to Tribal Agent and the Indian Child Welfare Screened-Out Report can be found in the Options drop-down menu in the Access Report. The CPS Report to Tribal Agent should be utilized when an Access Report is Screened In. Use the Indian Child Welfare Screened-Out Report for those screened out. These documents must be created prior to sending the Access Report for screening.


What if I do not know which tribe the child is a member or eligible for membership?

  • Do not send notice of the Access Report
  • If the report is screened in, proceed with determining if the child is an Indian Child (See Identification tab)

 

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