Section 441.186.1. Definitions.

“Assessment” means the process by which the department responds to all accepted reports of alleged child abuse. An “assessment” addresses child safety, family functioning, culturally competent practice, and identifies the family strengths and needs, and engages the family in services if needed. The department’s assessment process occurs either through a child abuse assessment or a family assessment.

“At risk” means that potential exists within the family for some level of child abuse or neglect.

“Child” means a person who is under 18 years of age.

“Child abuse assessment” means an assessment process by which the department responds to all accepted reports of child abuse which allege child abuse as defined in Iowa Code section 232.68(2)“a”(1) through (3) and (5) through (10); or which allege child abuse as defined in Iowa Code section 232.68(2)“a”(4) that also allege imminent danger, death, or injury to a child. A “child abuse assessment” results in a disposition and a determination of whether a case meets the definition of child abuse and a determination of whether criteria for placement on the central abuse registry are met.

“Community care” means child- and family-focused services and supports provided to families referred from the department. Services shall be geared toward keeping the children in the family safe from abuse and neglect; keeping the family intact; preventing the need for further intervention by the department, including removal of the child from the home; and building ongoing linkages to community-based resources that improve the safety, health, stability, and well-being of families served.

“Confirmed” means the department has determined that a preponderance of credible evidence (greater than 50 percent) indicates that child abuse has occurred.

“Department” means the Iowa department of human services.

“Family” means the persons comprising the household where the alleged victim of child abuse resides.

“Founded” means the department has determined that a preponderance of credible evidence (greater than 50 percent) indicates that child abuse occurred and the circumstances meet the criteria for placement on the central abuse registry.

“Not confirmed”  or “unconfirmed”  means the department has determined that there is not a preponderance of credible evidence (greater than 50 percent) indicating that child abuse has occurred.

[ARC 1156C, IAB 10/30/13, effective 1/1/14]