CPS caseworkers will be randomized to collaborative or comparison practice. For any infant investigated by a caseworker in the collaborative practice, the caseworkers will conduct a standard CPS investigation. Additionally, caseworkers will seek parental permission to contact an identified primary health care provider at two points in the CPS investigation for information sharing related to health needs, social risks, and recommended interventions.

CPS caseworkers will be randomized to collaborative or comparison practice. For any infant investigated by a caseworker in the comparison practice, the caseworkers will conduct a standard CPS investigation.

CPS caseworkers will explain collaborative care to parents, ask parents to allow communication with an infant's primary care provider, and have willing parents sign a release allowing communication with the infant's provider during the investigation. Caseworkers will make at least two attempts to contact identified providers with parental consent. In the first week, caseworkers will contact the provider, identify the infant, and summarize the child maltreatment concerns. The caseworker will ask whether the provider recognizes any additional strengths or vulnerabilities for the infant. Prior to case closure, caseworkers will provide a summary of investigation findings, disposition, and service referrals including placement changes, safety planning, family preservation, and community resources, with a summary letter delivered to the provider after case closure.

Difference in Change in Infant Health Related Quality of Life based on practice arm

Difference in parent perceptions of child welfare and child health care based on practice arm

Proportion of eligible cases investigated that were offered collaborative practice

Proportion of cases offered collaborative practice in which parents allowed practice