As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
A group of conditions characterized by difficulty in social
functioning and repetitive behaviors or stereotyped interests.
AVERAGE
The total number of active cases assigned divided by the
number of caseworkers carrying a caseload, calculated on a monthly
basis.
CASE
A report or consolidated reports of alleged child abuse,
neglect and/or maltreatment received by the Department of Social Services.
CASEWORKER
Caseworker, caseworker trainee, senior caseworker or any
other successive title occupied by an employee within Child Protective
Services who is charged with investigating reports made to Child Protective
Services.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS)
The Family and Children Services Administration within the
Department of Social Services or any successive unit or division.
COMMISSIONER
The Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Social
Services.
CPS SPECIAL NEEDS UNIT
A designated unit within CPS consisting of caseworkers, caseworker
trainees and casework supervisors who have completed the requisite
education and/or training process to develop a level of expertise
in handling cases involving children with autism spectrum disorder
and/or other developmental disabilities.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Conditions including but not limited to intellectual disability,
autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, familial dysautonomia, and neurological
impairment (injury, malformation, or disease involving the central
nervous system) or another special condition that may occur anytime
from before a baby's birth, up until the age of 22, which may cause
a child to develop more slowly all along, or to have physical difficulties
and limitations, or have trouble learning and growing like other children
in general.
MANDATED REPORTER
Persons and officials required to report cases of suspected
child abuse, neglect and/or maltreatment as defined in New York State
Social Services Law.
REPORT
Any account of suspected child abuse, neglect and/or maltreatment
received by the Department of Social Services.
SCHOOL
Any institution providing educational instruction as recognized
by the New York State Department of Education.
SUSTAINED PERIOD
A period of four consecutive months, as documented in reports
submitted to the Suffolk County Legislature as required by Resolution
183-2019.