Does the policy address the investigation of allegations of maltreatment in foster care as a distinct investigatory process?
Eight of the 16 reporting states distinguish investigations in foster homes from other types of out-of-home investigations. In those states, foster care is defined as a separate placement type and not included with other types of out-of-home care, such as facilities or family day care homes. Specific guidance is given for conducting investigations in foster homes. In six states, foster homes are included in a category with other forms of out-of-home care, but language in the policies gives specific guidance for conducting foster home investigations. Two states include foster care as one of the settings covered under an “institutional abuse” policy, and distinct activities related to investigations in foster homes are not identified. Guidance provided for conducting institutional abuse investigations in those states is much more specifically related to investigations in residential facilities. A number of states provide less direction for conducting investigations of reports of maltreat
