2.15.10 Investigation of Female Genital Mutilation

Legal Authority

The SSW:

Initiates the report within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt unless there are high risk factors that need to be addressed sooner;
Investigates the report jointly with law enforcement:

Conducts interviews relevant to the investigation;
Assesses the child’s safety throughout the investigation;
Investigates whether or not the mutilation occurred in other states or countries, or whether the victim resided in other states or countries;
Completes consultation with the Child Protective Services Branch (502-564-2136 or DCBSChildProtection@ky.gov) as needed for guidance during the investigation and prior to approval of the assessment;
Makes reasonable efforts to keep children with their parent(s), or reunite them with their parent(s);
Makes appropriate service referrals for victims and their family members;
Includes an assessment of the individual who is responsible for the mutilation;
Initiates court activity, as necessary, to ensure the child’s safety;
Completes a familial risk assessment as part of the investigation;
Makes a finding based on the risk assessment and family’s need for services; and
Mails the appropriate findings letters and appeals forms to caretaker perpetrators per SOP 2.13 Notification of Finding and Case Disposition.

When appropriate, the SSW should complete the following tasks:

Notify the child’s attorney that the child may be a victim of female genital mutilation (status offender only);
Contact other states to request courtesy interviews for identified individuals who may have information relevant to the investigation; and
Conduct forensic interviews of child victims at the Children's Advocacy Center jointly with law enforcement (KRS 620.040(6)).

When interviewing non-English speaking individuals, please refer to SOP 1.14 Limited English Proficiency for assistance.