(Revision. 6/1/18)
AS 47.10 Children in Need of Aid;
AS 47.17.064 Photographs and x-rays
To provide clarification under what circumstances an OCS worker will take investigative photographs of children, and provide direction on how to take an investigative photograph.
The department or a practitioner of the healing arts may, without the permission of the parents, guardian, or custodian, take the following actions with regard to a child who the department or practitioner has reasonable cause to suspect has suffered physical harm as a result of child abuse or neglect:
take or have taken photographs of the areas of trauma visible on the child; and
if medically indicated, have a medical or radiological examination of the child performed by a person who is licensed to administer the examination.
The department or a practitioner of the healing arts shall notify the parents, guardian, or custodian of a child as soon as possible after taking action under (A) of this section with regards to the child.
OCS will provide mobile devices to staff who have a business need to use them. Personal devices will not be used for state business unless an employee has a waiver with the Department of Family and Community Services.
OCS will notify the parents, guardian, or custodian of a child as soon as possible when taking a photograph of a child.
Before photographing a child, the Protective Services Specialist (PSS) will determine if the case meets the requirements for a referral to a Child Advocacy Center (listed in CPS manual section 2.2.2 Multi-disciplinary Child Protection Teams). If the case does not meet the Child Advocacy Center criteria, and an investigative photograph is necessary to document trauma or an injury to a child, follow the policy and procedures in this chapter.
The PSS will use state-issued cameras or mobile phones to take a photograph(s) of a child. The use of personal mobile devices and smartphones are prohibited.
Photographs should include a ruler or measurement tool when possible. The PSS will label the photographs identifying the child, date, and name of the person who took the photo. Maintain the photograph in the physical case file.
OCS will follow all applicable state and federal laws and regulations while respecting the client’s right to privacy regarding the child’s need for health and safety. Protect Personal Information at all times.