Section 300.150  Referral for Services

a)         When an investigative worker determines that a report is indicated, the parents or caregivers may be given the opportunity to cooperate with the Department through services provided or arranged for by the Department. When the parents or caregivers are unwilling or unable to cooperate, or when legal custody or guardianship through the Department is necessary to protect the child, the worker may seek court intervention.

b)         When the investigative worker determines that a report is unfounded but the family, including a relative caregiver, may need services, the worker shall:

1)         inform the family of available child welfare services and refer the family for services, if requested; or

2)         provide information regarding other community resources.

c)         If the report is unfounded and the family does not want services, the worker shall make no recommendation for additional services.

d)         The Department may offer services to any child or family, including a relative caregiver, who is the subject of the report of child abuse or neglect prior to making a determination of indicated or unfounded when the family is in immediate need of services or there is an imminent danger to the child's life or health.  However, the child's or family's willingness to accept services shall not be considered in making the determination of indicated or unfounded.

e)         When the State Central Register does not accept a report of abuse or neglect because the sole reason for the report was that a child was left in the care of a relative, the State Central Register shall:

1)         inform the relative of available child welfare services and refer the relative for services, if requested; or

2)         provide information to the relative regarding other community resources.

(Source:  Amended at 19 Ill. Reg. 10522, effective July 1, 1995)