Page 108 - CFDI Guide

Home scenes, where the child lives, may vary from a single-family dwelling to a multi-family dwelling, and
single-family units (standard home) to multi-family units (apartments). These circumstances are important,

as it may introduce more persons who had been, or could have been, in contact with the child. It also
introduces new environments – from toys and playground equipment, to sleeping arrangements and

standards of care. Most children have multiple caregivers – parents, siblings, other relatives and
extended family, friends, neighbors, schools, daycare, etc. Outside of the home, any of these may be

circumstantially related to the child’s death or injury.

Ancillary scenes are those where the child may be cared for, visit, or learn – daycare, pre-school and
school, and homes of family and friends. Law enforcement should be checking with any known scenes,

particularly if any report of incidents or history of injuries which occurred or were observed on the child.
All persons at these scenes should be interviewed.

At all scenes specific environments and evidence should be searched for, documented, and potentially

collected. This should include clothing, food (including breast milk), medicines, trash – including diapers,
laundry, and anything which may at any time be identified as contributing to the child’s neglected health

or abuse. The general condition, living circumstances, bedrooms and sleeping arrangements, temperature,
and access to any potentially dangerous items – from prescription and illicit drugs to utensils and tools,

should be documented. The absence of anything expected, and missing, should be documented – and

additionally searched for and inquiries made of caregivers and residents.

If the scene has any indications of abuse or neglect, including physical or environmental, these should be

documented. From smells and odors, to presence of insects, mold or other potential health and

environmental hazards which show indirect or unintentional neglect. With this, the background of the
caregivers are important. Were they of sufficient age and knowledge to properly care for a child? Do they

have their own history of abuse and neglect as children or adults?

Case Investigation
The case investigation begins with who was caring for the child and the environment. This progresses to

the circumstances of the care of the child, the incident and injuries, and relevant medical and social history
of the child and caregivers – from family and friends to daycare and schools. Law enforcement will focus

on who was present, and who last saw the child when safe and healthy. Next will be who found and/or
reported the child with the circumstances of death or SBI. The 911 call or other manners of notification are

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