(a) At the first contact with the parent(s) or with
the alleged perpetrator(s), regardless of whether or not the first
contact is in person, the investigator must:
(1) Identify himself or herself; and
(2) Advise the parent(s) or alleged perpetrator(s)
of the complaints or allegations in the report while protecting the
identity of the reporter.
(b) If the first contact is not in person, at the first
face-to-face contact, the investigator must also:
(1) Have the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (DFPS) identification available for inspection;
(2) Explain DFPS's role and legal responsibilities
in the investigation;
(3) Discuss each allegation in the report; and
(4) Ask for a response to the allegations or an explanation
of the alleged victim's situation in light of the report.
(c) Any visit to interview the parent(s) or alleged
perpetrator(s) may be announced or unannounced. The investigator decides
whether to announce the visit based on the nature of the allegations
and the need to protect the child. Prior to the interview of the parent(s)
or alleged perpetrator(s), the investigator must inform the individual:
(1) orally and in writing of his or her right to audio
or video record the interview and receive a copy of the Investigation
program's current recording policy, and that the recording may be
subject to subpoena under a court order; and
(2) in writing of his or her right to an administrative
review of investigation findings if the Investigations program makes
a finding of reason-to-believe against the individual.
(d) If at any point in the investigation we learn that
a parent may be a victim of domestic violence, the investigator will
provide that parent information on available community services available
to domestic violence victims.
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