Section 331.APPENDIX A Types of Unusual Incidents

Section

331.APPENDIX A   Types of Unusual

Incidents

Abuse of a Ward Alleged

A caregiver, parent or immediate

family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any

individual residing in the same home as the child or a paramour of the child's

parent is alleged to have inflicted, caused to be inflicted, or allowed to be

inflicted upon a ward physical or mental injury, by other than accidental

means, which causes death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health,

or loss or impairment of any bodily function to a ward.

Accident Involving a Ward

A child for whom the Department is

legally responsible has experienced an unexpected and undesirable event that

poses a threat to the ward's physical safety and well-being.  Accidents include,

but are not limited to, car accidents, sports accidents, falls within a

facility or during a field trip.

Accidental Injury/Wound

In the case of a wound, a ward has

unexpectedly received an injury in which the skin or other external surface is

torn, pierced, or cut through unintentional means.  An injury can encompass

conditions such as burns, broken bones, severe sprains, etc.  For either a

wound or an injury to be reportable, the child or youth must have required

medical attention.

Aggressive Act or Behavior by a Ward Alleged

A ward has engaged in serious

aggressive physical behavior toward people, animals, property or other objects,

posing a clear and present risk of injury to the child or youth or others.

Alcohol or Substance Abuse by a Ward Suspected

Suspected alcohol or substance

abuse means that a caregiver or other person has reason to believe that a child

or youth has illegally consumed alcohol; used or is using cannabis or a

controlled substance (as defined by the Illinois Controlled Substance Act [720

ILCS 570]) without a physician's prescription; or is using or has used

inhalants or other substances intended to have an intoxicating or

hallucinogenic effect that may result in clinical dependency

ther person has reason to believe that a child

or youth has illegally consumed alcohol; used or is using cannabis or a

controlled substance (as defined by the Illinois Controlled Substance Act [720

ILCS 570]) without a physician's prescription; or is using or has used

inhalants or other substances intended to have an intoxicating or

hallucinogenic effect that may result in clinical dependency.

Assault of a Ward Alleged

As a result of threats, assault,

and/or physical contact, a ward is placed in reasonable fear (apprehension) of

receiving or actually sustaining great bodily harm from another individual

without legal justification, e.g., was held at knife point.

Bribery or Attempted Bribery of a DCFS Employee

Any instance in which a DCFS

employee accepted or is given, offered, or promised something such as money or

favor to influence the employee's judgment or conduct in the performance of

official duties is bribery or attempted bribery.

Crime:  Foster Parent Suspected, Arrested or Convicted

A foster parent or relative

caregiver is suspected of committing a crime or has been arrested or convicted

of a criminal act as defined in the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961 [720 ILCS 5]

(Criminal Code).

Crime:  Employee Arrested, Charged with or Convicted

A Department or purchase of service

(POS) employee has been arrested, charged with or convicted of a criminal act

as defined in the Criminal Code.

Crime:  Ward Detained, Arrested, Charged with or Convicted

A ward has been detained or taken

into custody by law enforcement authorities, charged with committing a crime,

or convicted of committing a criminal act as defined in the Criminal Code.  A

follow-up report is required in the event the ward is convicted.

Death of a DCFS Ward

A child dies while in the legal

custody or guardianship of the Department, regardless of the cause of death and

regardless of whether the child was supervised directly by the Department or by

a POS provider

with committing a crime,

or convicted of committing a criminal act as defined in the Criminal Code.  A

follow-up report is required in the event the ward is convicted.

Death of a DCFS Ward

A child dies while in the legal

custody or guardianship of the Department, regardless of the cause of death and

regardless of whether the child was supervised directly by the Department or by

a POS provider.

Death of a Former Ward

A child for whom the Department was

legally responsible dies within one year after discharge from guardianship or

custody of the Department.

Death of a Non-Ward

A child has died and the Department

has current or prior involvement with the family, or a child has died in a

facility licensed by the Department, such as a foster home or day care center.

Current involvement may include a pending child abuse and neglect investigation

or an open intact family service case.  Prior involvement may include, but is

not limited to, being a subject in a previous child abuse or neglect

investigation, or a member of a closed intact family service case.

Falsification of Credentials or Records

Falsification of credentials means

that a job applicant or a DCFS or private agency employee submits or has

submitted a job application, academic records, employment record, license or

certification, or similar document to establish eligibility for employment or

continued employment, or used in determining the individual's eligibility for

an appointment, reassignment, promotion or leave, or other employment decisions

that falsely states the qualifications or achievements of the individual.

Falsification of records or

statements includes an act of misrepresentation, falsification or omission of

any fact in a written or verbal communication by a Department employee or an

employee of a POS agency.  Records may include client or case records, court

testimony, vouchers, personnel records, and time and attendance records

ely states the qualifications or achievements of the individual.

Falsification of records or

statements includes an act of misrepresentation, falsification or omission of

any fact in a written or verbal communication by a Department employee or an

employee of a POS agency.  Records may include client or case records, court

testimony, vouchers, personnel records, and time and attendance records.

Fire/Natural Disaster Damaged or Affected Facility/Home

Natural disaster means those

situations caused by nature that are a significant threat of harm to the safety

of employees or clients in either a Department or POS provider facility/home.

Natural disasters include tornado, flood, earthquake, severe winter storms.

Utility emergencies such as gas leaks are included in this category.  To be

reported as an unusual incident, customary operations, routines or

relationships at the facility/home must be disrupted.

Firearms − Employee, other than Law Enforcement

Officer, Has Firearms on Premises

A Department employee or employee

of a private agency brought a firearm onto facility property, including parking

lots (other than by a law enforcement officer).  "Firearm" means a

handgun, sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, semiautomatic firearm, machine gun,

rifle, shotgun, spring gun and stun gun and includes other firearms small

enough to be concealed upon the person or in a briefcase or purse, or in a State-owned

or private vehicle.

Hazardous/Physical Condition Discovered at Facility

A dangerous condition exists in a

child-care facility and presents a threat to the physical well-being of

children, staff, or other persons at the facility.  This category usually

pertains to the condition of the physical plant or grounds, or to materials,

implements or weapons stored in or around the facility.

Kidnapping/Abduction of a Ward

A child or youth for whom the

Department is legally responsible was seized and detained unlawfully by a

person without the consent of either the caregiver or guardian

, staff, or other persons at the facility.  This category usually

pertains to the condition of the physical plant or grounds, or to materials,

implements or weapons stored in or around the facility.

Kidnapping/Abduction of a Ward

A child or youth for whom the

Department is legally responsible was seized and detained unlawfully by a

person without the consent of either the caregiver or guardian.

Legal Action By/Against a Child Care Facility Resulting from

a Serious Incident

An incident involving a ward,

employee of the Department or child care facility in which legal proceedings

have been, or may be, initiated against the Department or child care facility

by the ward, employee or facility.

Manual Restraint

See "Restraint of a Ward,

Manual".

Media Involvement/Media Inquiry

Media involvement or inquiry means

any incident that may have media impact and is not part of a planned public

announcement, education or similar effort. Media involvement or inquiries may

focus on a child or youth for whom the Department is legally responsible,

persons served by the Department, child care facilities licensed by the

Department, staff of the Department or a POS provider or on litigation

affecting a POS provider.

Medical Emergency

Medical emergency means any urgent

situation requiring that a child or youth be seen by a physician on-site or

transported to an urgent care clinic, doctor's office or hospital emergency

room for immediate treatment. Immediate medical intervention is required to

address the medical problem or condition that threatens the child's health or

well-being, but does not result in admission to a hospital.

Medical Hospitalization

A medical or health problem or

condition requires admission of a ward to a hospital for examination,

observation or treatment for other than for mental health reasons.

Medication − Adverse Reaction

An adverse reaction is an

unanticipated and negative reaction to a medication.  Symptoms may include

itching, hives, dizziness, abdominal cramping or headache

to a hospital.

Medical Hospitalization

A medical or health problem or

condition requires admission of a ward to a hospital for examination,

observation or treatment for other than for mental health reasons.

Medication − Adverse Reaction

An adverse reaction is an

unanticipated and negative reaction to a medication.  Symptoms may include

itching, hives, dizziness, abdominal cramping or headache. Anaphylactic

reaction is a life-threatening medical emergency as symptoms may include

difficulty in breathing, bleeding, confusion or loss of consciousness.

Medication Dispensing Error

A ward received an incorrect dosage

of a prescription or non-prescription (over the counter) medication, posing a

risk to the child's ongoing health or well-being.

Medication − Ward Refusal

A ward refused to take his/her

prescribed medication and failure to do so may jeopardize the health or well

being of the child.

Misrepresentation of Services or Cost of Services

Misrepresentation of services means

that services were reported as having been provided to a person served by

either the Department or a purchase of service provider when those services were

not provided, or that the services were provided for a period of time or under

conditions other than those reported.  Such misrepresentation may occur in

reports to the Department, the courts, auditors or others acting on behalf of

the Department.

Misrepresentation of the costs of

services means the actual costs to provide service were intentionally inflated

to produce a larger billing or payment than one is entitled to for the services

provided.  Misrepresentation of the cost of services includes deliberately

understating the cost of providing services in order to gain advantage in a

competitive bidding situation.

Neglect of a Ward Alleged

A child for whom the Department is

legally responsible is allegedly not receiving proper or necessary nourishment,

medical care or routine care

nt than one is entitled to for the services

provided.  Misrepresentation of the cost of services includes deliberately

understating the cost of providing services in order to gain advantage in a

competitive bidding situation.

Neglect of a Ward Alleged

A child for whom the Department is

legally responsible is allegedly not receiving proper or necessary nourishment,

medical care or routine care.

Pregnant or Parenting Ward Identified

Parenting ward includes both

females and males for whom the Department is legally responsible, regardless of

whether the ward's child remains in the custody of the ward.

Property Damage of $50 or More by a Ward

An incident has occurred in which

the actions of a ward resulted in damage to the property of others and there is

a potential liability claim against the Department for damages of $50 or more.

Psychiatric Emergency

A psychiatric emergency is a

situation in which behaviors or symptoms arising from an emotional disturbance

or mental illness place a child or youth or others at risk for harm to self or

others.  A psychiatric emergency requires crisis intervention by a psychiatrist

or other mental health professional, in whatever setting, to reduce the risk of

injury to the child or youth or to others.

Psychiatric Hospitalization

An incident or episode has occurred

in which a ward has been admitted to a hospital or psychiatric facility for

examination, observation or treatment for mental health reasons.

Psychotropic Medication – Emergency Administration

Psychotropic medications were

administered on an emergency basis to reduce the risk of harm to the child,

youth or others.  All emergency psychotropic medications must be ordered by a

psychiatrist and be subject to post-approval by telefax or telephone to the consent

line in the Office of the Guardianship Administrator, as described in 89 Ill.

Adm. Code 325 (Administration of Psychotropic Medications to Children for Whom

the Department of Children and Family Services is Legally Responsible)

hild,

youth or others.  All emergency psychotropic medications must be ordered by a

psychiatrist and be subject to post-approval by telefax or telephone to the consent

line in the Office of the Guardianship Administrator, as described in 89 Ill.

Adm. Code 325 (Administration of Psychotropic Medications to Children for Whom

the Department of Children and Family Services is Legally Responsible). In

accordance with Department policies (89 Ill. Adm. Code 325 (Administration of

Psychotropic Medications to Children for whom the Department is Legally

Responsible), emergency medications may not continue for more than 48 hours,

excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.  The use of chemical restraint or

the introduction of medication for the express purpose of restricting a child's

or youth's movement is prohibited.

Report Against DCFS or POS Worker Involving a Ward Alleged

An employee of the Department or a POS

provider is alleged to have put a ward's safety or well-being in jeopardy.  The

direct child welfare services employee license of an individual who is named as

an alleged perpetrator in a pending child abuse or neglect investigation may be

suspended or may not be reinstated, pending the outcome of the investigation.

In accordance with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 412, Licensure of Child Welfare Employees

or Supervisors, if the report is indicated by the Department, the Direct Child

Welfare Services Employee License Board may suspend, revoke or refuse to

reinstate the license of a direct child welfare services employee unless or

until the indication is reversed on appeal or administrative court review.  One

of the other types of unusual incidents  described in this Appendix may also be

deemed appropriate for submission with this type of report

epartment, the Direct Child

Welfare Services Employee License Board may suspend, revoke or refuse to

reinstate the license of a direct child welfare services employee unless or

until the indication is reversed on appeal or administrative court review.  One

of the other types of unusual incidents  described in this Appendix may also be

deemed appropriate for submission with this type of report.

Restraint of a Ward, Manual

The ward was the subject of a

behavior management technique involving the use of physical contact or force,

characterized by arm or body holds to physically restrict the child or youth

and to protect him/her from injuring self or others.  Physical restraint may

only be used as an intervention when a child is a threat of physical harm to

self or others.  (The use of physical restraint is limited to secure child care

facilities, child care institutions, group homes and youth emergency shelters

licensed by the Department.  No other facility licensed by the Department is

authorized to use manual restraint.)  Manual restraint or physical restraint is

further defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 384 (Discipline and Behavior Management in

Child Care Facilities).

Restraint Results in Injury to a Ward

A ward sustained a physical injury

while being restrained by a responsible caregiver.  The injury must have been

accidental and occurred during the course of the restraint.  Physical restraint

is a behavior management technique involving the use of physical contact or

force, characterized by measures such as arm or body holds, to protect a child

from injuring himself/herself or others.  Examples of injuries that are likely

to occur during restraint include broken bones, bruises, bumps, strains and rug

burns.

Robbery/Burglary Occurred on Premises

Both DCFS and POS

facilities must submit an Unusual Incident Report if a burglary or robbery

occurs.  Law enforcement must also be notified

sures such as arm or body holds, to protect a child

from injuring himself/herself or others.  Examples of injuries that are likely

to occur during restraint include broken bones, bruises, bumps, strains and rug

burns.

Robbery/Burglary Occurred on Premises

Both DCFS and POS

facilities must submit an Unusual Incident Report if a burglary or robbery

occurs.  Law enforcement must also be notified.

Runaway/ Missing Ward

A runaway or missing ward must be

reported when a responsible facility representative, a caregiver or law

enforcement becomes aware that the whereabouts of a ward are unknown.

"Missing" means that a

child or youth is absent from the residence of a caregiver or the premises of a

child care facility without the knowledge or consent of the persons responsible

for the child's welfare, the whereabouts of the youth are unknown, and the

intent to run away has not been established.

"Runaway" means a child

or youth who is absent from the residence of a caregiver or the premises of a

child care facility without the consent of the persons responsible for the

child's or youth's welfare, when the whereabouts of the child or youth are

unknown and the intent to run away has been established.

A child or youth must be reported

as missing or having run away as soon as a search of the home or facility is

completed and it is confirmed that the youth has left the home/campus without

permission.  The absence is to be reported even when the child or youth returns

in a short period of time.

School − Ward Expelled

A ward has been barred from

educational classes and the use of school facilities for up to two calendar

years.

School − Ward Suspended

A ward has been temporarily barred

from attending educational classes and access to school facilities or school

bus.  "Suspension" is usually for up to 10 school days, but may be

longer for safety reasons, as determined by school authorities

ol − Ward Expelled

A ward has been barred from

educational classes and the use of school facilities for up to two calendar

years.

School − Ward Suspended

A ward has been temporarily barred

from attending educational classes and access to school facilities or school

bus.  "Suspension" is usually for up to 10 school days, but may be

longer for safety reasons, as determined by school authorities.

Seclusion of a Ward

A child or youth was removed from

an area to a specifically designated room from which egress is restricted.  The

Department, in accordance with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 384, must approve the room

that is designated as a seclusion room.  Seclusion is a behavior management

technique limited in its use to secure child care facilities, child care

institutions, group homes, and youth emergency shelter licensed by the

Department.  No other facility licensed by the Department is authorized to use

seclusion.

Self-inflicted Injury/Wound

A ward has deliberately inflicted

an injury or wound upon himself or herself and direct care of the site of the

injury is needed or required.  Depending on the extent or severity of the

injury or wound, care may be provided by the caregiver, other lay person or a

medical professional.

Sexual Abuse of a Ward Alleged

A child for whom the Department is

legally responsible has allegedly been sexually abused by a parent or

responsible caregiver, immediate family member, other person residing in the

home, parent's paramour, or other person responsible for the child's welfare as

defined by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 300 (Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect).

Sexually Aggressive Behavior by a Ward Alleged

Sexually aggressive behavior means

sexual behaviors that are intrusive or potentially harmful to others.  Sexually

aggressive behavior may involve children/youth who are not peers (not at the

same developmental level) and may be accompanied by pressure or coercion to

participate or the use of force, threat of harm or violence

d Abuse and Neglect).

Sexually Aggressive Behavior by a Ward Alleged

Sexually aggressive behavior means

sexual behaviors that are intrusive or potentially harmful to others.  Sexually

aggressive behavior may involve children/youth who are not peers (not at the

same developmental level) and may be accompanied by pressure or coercion to

participate or the use of force, threat of harm or violence.

Sexual Assault of a Ward Alleged

A child for whom the Department is

legally responsible has allegedly been the victim of a forceful threat and use

of force in submitting to (carrying out) a sexual act by a person who is not

the child's caregiver, immediate family member, other person residing in the

home, parent's paramour, or other person responsible for the child's welfare.

Examples include rape, attempted rape, date rape.

Sexually Problematic Behavior by a Ward Alleged

Sexually problematic behaviors in

children and youth are sexual behaviors that are compulsive, excessive,

persistent and/or inconsistent with the child's age and development.  They may

include masturbation in inappropriate places; simulating sex with other

children, toys, furniture or animals; or, as children become older,

promiscuity, touching or fondling others (outside of play or consensual sexual

activities with peers) or other boundary problems like kissing others on the

lips or unwelcome, unwanted, and intrusive touching.

Suicide Attempt by a Ward

A ward intentionally, but

unsuccessfully, attempted to take his/her own life.

Suicide Ideation/Threat by a Ward

A ward expresses or conveys to a

caregiver or others a mental image of committing suicide.

Threats Against DCFS/POS Staff or Facility, Including Bomb

Threats, Firearms, or Riot/Mob Action

A threat is a communication that

forewarns of the intent to inflict physical, emotional or any other harm to an

individual or to subject an individual to physical confinement or restraint

ion/Threat by a Ward

A ward expresses or conveys to a

caregiver or others a mental image of committing suicide.

Threats Against DCFS/POS Staff or Facility, Including Bomb

Threats, Firearms, or Riot/Mob Action

A threat is a communication that

forewarns of the intent to inflict physical, emotional or any other harm to an

individual or to subject an individual to physical confinement or restraint.

Riot and/or mob action refers to situations in which two or more persons are

gathered with the intent to do harm to a person or persons in a Department or POS

provider building or property.

Violation of a Court Order

An order relating to a ward or

Department client issued by a court, whether juvenile, criminal or civil, was

violated, placing the ward's safety and well-being in jeopardy.  Examples

include violations of Orders of Protection prohibiting contact with wards,

failure to render court ordered services, etc.

Weapon Alleged to be in Ward's Possession

A ward had in his/her possession an

instrument that is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury when

used for its intrinsic purpose, or that has the potential to cause serious

bodily injury or endanger a life because of the way it is used, the way it is

attempted to be used or the force with which it is used.  The term weapon

includes firearms, knives, clubs, and explosive devices.