CBS 21 News has brought attention to the potential statewide implications of the ChildLine system following the arrest of Adams County employees in connection with the tragic 2020 death of toddler Iris Mummert.
Last year, the 80-caseworker system processed over 200,000 calls, which led to questions about how effective and capable it was.
Upon review, the calls are classified as either Child Protective Services (CPS) reports, for cases where abuse is suspected, or General Protective Services (GPS) reports, for cases that require intervention but do not meet the threshold for abuse.
Upon receipt of a call, it is mandatory for caseworkers to promptly submit a report to the corresponding county.
Counties are granted the discretion to prioritize their actions based on perceived threat levels, especially in non-emergency situations.
According to the regulations, CPS reports require an inspection to be conducted within 24 hours, whereas GPS reports allow for up to 10 days before an inspection is required.
The heartbreaking incident involving Iris Mummert serves as a stark reminder of the potential flaws within the system.
Just eight days before her mother took her life, a ChildLine report had been filed, flagging concerns about the mother’s excessive drinking.
Upon conducting an initial inquiry, it was determined that there was no immediate threat, although it was later confirmed that alcohol was present in the mother’s system.
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