Suggested First Responders Protocol

• Determine whether children are present at scene
• If so, the first responder will use the FOCUS App to submit the following for each child:
  • Child’s name
  • DOB
  • School
• A process has been established at each agency to ensure the FOCUS Notification is promptly submitted to school district and school of attendance.

Law Enforcement Officers should consider the following:

• If possible, avoid subduing / arresting / interviewing subjects in the presence of children.
  • Conduct health & safety checks on children
  • Present during incident?
  • Relationship to parties
  • Visual Observation: Physically harmed?
• Separate children from care giving parent/guardian
• Speak with the children about the incident
• If applicable, mandated reporting to CPS

Note: If you are wondering if the event had a traumatic effect on the child, always use the FOCUS App to submit a Notification.

 Reference: Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents Training Video