CT SB00183

Establishes a Family Assessment Response (FAR) program allowing child abuse and neglect reports to be referred to community providers for family assessment and services instead of investigation, provided an initial safety assessment and criminal background checks are completed.

Requires the department to conduct comprehensive family assessments including safety and risk assessments, home environment evaluations, and interviews with the child and caregivers before referring cases to community providers.

Prohibits FAR referrals for sexual abuse, abuse in out-of-home placements, cases resulting in death or serious injury, or cases where the child is determined to be unsafe; all FAR referrals must be approved by a case supervisor or manager.

Requires community providers to develop plans of care in consultation with families, maintain ongoing contact through in-person meetings and home visits, and immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect to the department.

Mandates the department submit annual reports to the legislature beginning July 1, 2016, detailing FAR program statistics including number of referrals, case dispositions, track changes to investigations, and demographic breakdowns by race and ethnicity.