RI DCYF Civil Service Part 2

15 standardized impending dangers

what is the first standardized impending danger?

living arrangements seriously endanger the physical health of the child or children

what is the second standardized impending danger?

one or both parents/caregivers intend or intended to hurt the child and show no remorse for such action/thought

what is the third standardized impending danger?

one or both parents/caregivers cannot or do not explain the child’s current injuries/conditions

what is the fourth standardized impending danger?

a child is extremely fearful of the home situation

what is the fifth standardized impending danger?

the behavior of a child in the home threatens serious/severe harm to themselves or others in the home and the caregiver in unable to manage the child’s behavior

what does it mean for a caregiver to demonstrate impulse control?

they are a person who is deliberate and careful; who acts in managed and self controlled ways

what does it mean for the caregiver to take action?

they are an action-oriented person in general and are focused, motivated, and prepared to face challenges

what does it mean for the caregiver to be self-aware as a caregiver?

they are sensitive to their own thoughts and actions and the effects of these on others

what does it mean for a caregiver to be intellectually able?

they have information and personal knowledge that empowers them to perform and function as an adult

what does it mean for a caregiver to recognize threats?

they have mental awareness and can accurately judge their surroundings, the events around them, and can appropriate respond to what is real

what does it mean for the caregiver to be able to meet their own emotional needs?

they must be able to satisfy their own feelings in reasonable, appropriate ways that are not dependent on others (especially children)

what does it mean for a caregiver to be resilient?

they most be responsive and able and ready to act promptly

what does it mean for the caregiver to be tolerant?

they must be accepting, understanding, and respectful

what does it mean for the caregiver to be stable and able to intervene to protect the child?

they must have managed mental health, high emotional energy, and clear emotional stability

what is the sixth standardized impending danger?

a parent or caregiver is violent and no adult in the home is protective of the child or children

what is the seventh standardized impending danger?

one or both parents’ or caregivers’ emotional stability, developmental status, or cognitive deficiency seriously impairs their ability to care for the child or children

what is the eighth standardized impending danger?

one or both parents/caregivers cannot control their behavior

what is the ninth standardized impending danger?

the family does not have the resources to meet basic needs

what does it mean for a caregiver to set aside his or her needs in favor of a child?

they can delay gratifying their own needs and accept their children’s needs as priority over their own

what does it mean for the caregiver to have/demonstrate adequate skill to fulfill caregiving responsibilities?

they possess and use skills that are related to protecting the children and meeting their basic needs

what does it mean for the caregiver to be adaptive?

the can adjust and make the best of whatever caregiving situation occurs

what does it mean for the caregiver to recognize the child’s needs?

they can see and understand a child’s capabilities, needs, and limitations correctly

what does it mean for the caregiver to understand his/her protective role?

they are aware of their responsibilities and obliglations that they have (personally) to protect the child

what does it mean for the caregiver to plan and articulate a plan to protect the child?

they have the thinking ability to develop a reasonable, well-thought-out plan to protect the child in a variety of dangerous situations

what does it mean for the caregiver to express love, sympathy, and sensitivity toward the child (with specific empathy)?

they show active affection, compassion, warmth, and empathy

what does it mean for the caregiver to be positively attached to the child?

they have a strong attachment that places the child’s interest above all else

what does it mean for the caregiver to support the child?

they are actually and observably sustaining, encouraging, and maintaining a child’s psychological, physical, and social well-being

what does it mean for the caregiver to be aligned with the child?

they can identify with the child and consider their relationship high priority

what is the tenth standardized impending danger?

no adult in the home will perform parental duties and responsibilities

what is the eleventh standardized impending danger?

one or both parents or caregivers have extremely unrealistic expectations

what is the twelfth standardized impending danger?

one or both parents/caregivers have extremely negative perceptions of a child

what is the thirteenth standardized impending danger?

one or both parents/caregivers fear they will maltreat the child and/or request placement

• they are ‘calling for help’

what is the fourteenth standardized impending danger?

one or both parents/caregivers lack parenting knowledge, skill, or motivation, which affects the child’s safety

what is the fifteenth standardized impending danger?

the child has exceptional needs which the parents/caregivers cannot or will not meet