SOUTH DAKOTA
Merlin D. Weyer
Program Specialist
South Dakota Department of Social Services
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3227 (605) 773-6834 Fax
Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods
Data are provided by a computerized information system, compiled through worker entries. From December 1994 through August 1995, South Dakota pilot tested a second process for responding to child abuse and neglect reports. The State now has a two-track process of investigation and assessment. The assessment process focuses on the family as a case, rather than on the specific child who has been reported as an alleged victim. As a result, the data are reported differently for 1995. Comparisons with prior years will be influenced by these changes.
Level of Evidence Used To Substantiate a Report
Some credible evidence.
Comments on Specific Items
Whether a report is assigned an investigation or an assessment is based on a number of questions included in the policy manual, including possible criminal charges, prior history, severity, health and safety of the child, and other risk issues. The Child Protective Services Procedures Manual lists the questions that should be addressed in order to decide whether to assign an assessment or an investigation when responding to referrals.
Item 1: There were 8,648 investigations that were child based. There were 173 family-based assessments.
Item 2:The total number of children may be lower because of the change in process and time-frame parameters for termination of investigations.
Item 3: Report sources for substantiated or indicated investigations can be provided. Data on unsubstantiated investigations or assessments are not available.
Item 4: The category "other dispositions" (E) includes dispositions by family for assessments.
Item 5: The number of children includes 8,648 children who received investigations and 415 children who received assessments.
Item 6: No dispositional data are available on children who receive assessments.
Items 7-10: Data are based on 2,526 children who received substantiated or indicated dispositions through the investigation process. Children who received assessments are not included.
Item 15: Data are based on perpetrator relationships to 2,526 children who received substantiated or indicated dispositions through the investigation process. Children who received assessments are not included.
