What happens when an In-Home Intervention is Considered?

If the outcome of the Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting was an In-Home Intervention (IHI), the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Specialist will be filing a petition with the Juvenile Dependency Court. With an In-Home Intervention, the child will continue to reside with the parent, guardian or custodian; however, DCS has temporary legal custody of the child. A court date will be scheduled, usually within 21 days. The Judge may make some legal rulings, and confirm the IHI and the services.

An IHI usually lasts about one year. The DCS Specialist will make a recommendation to the Judge to dismiss the case when they have assessed that DCS and the Court no longer need to be involved.

DCS Specialists are required to continually assess if the child can safely remain with the parent. The DCS Specialist, along with their supervisor, will formally evaluate child safety at least every six months; however, as family circumstances change, DCS will evaluate if the child can remain safely with the parent, guardian or custodian.