10:129-1.1 Purpose and objectives-child protection investigation

10:129-1.1 Purpose and objectives-child protection investigation

	(a) The purpose of this chapter is to:

		1. Describe how the Department conducts a child protection investigation;

		2. Explain the requirements of a child protective investigator in performing both an initial and a formal investigation; and

		3. Explain what an alleged child victim, caregiver, or parent or guardian may expect during the course of a child protection investigation.

		(b) The objectives of this chapter are to:

		1. Define when an investigation is required;

		2. Identify each allegation of abuse or neglect that constitutes a report;

		3. Establish the time frame for initiating an investigation;

		4. Identify the evidence needed to support a finding;

		5. Define the requirements for an initial investigation, including safety assessment and risk assessment;

		6. Define the requirements for starting and completing a formal investigation;

		7. Define Department actions permitted in performing investigations;

		8. Define each circumstance requiring referral of a report to a medical or other professional, law enforcement officer or prosecutor for specialized assessment;

		9. Set forth guidelines by which Division caseworkers may easily identify cases that must be referred to prosecutors;

		10. Establish procedures for such referrals to prosecutors;

		11. Establish a system through which a Department caseworker may assist prosecutors in determining which cases should be investigated for criminal prosecution and in identifying cases in which criminal investigation or prosecution would be detrimental to the child‘s best interests;

		12. Establish a framework for liaison and improved communication and cooperation between the Department‘s local offices and the prosecutors’ offices in order to further the mutual goals of protecting the child and proper law enforcement;

		13. Identify the requirements for accessing law enforcement assistance;

		14. Establish a requirement for providing services to an alleged child victim or his or her family members;

		15. Identify the standards for removing an alleged child victim from his or her home;

		16. Specify standards for documentation and notification of an investigation finding as well as other notification given at the end of an investigation; and

		17. Specify standards for the expunction of a record.