Abstract
Child protection intake workers are the initial points of contact for Child Protection Services (CPS). This worker documents reports of suspected child maltreatment and initiates the decision making processes involved when determining if investigative services are needed. In Minnesota in 2010, over 79% of the reports received by these workers were screened out due to a variety of factors. Six child protection intake workers were interviewed in this research. They described that endless work, teamwork, knowledge, emotions, detailed information, evidence, and vague definitions are factors involved that may account for the variability when determining if suspected child maltreatment requires investigation. The findings demonstrate a need for additional trainings to be offered to professionals in the field, as well as a need for making necessary changes to legislative policies.