| (a) An investigation conducted under this subchapter
shall include the following investigative steps unless the allegations
of child abuse and neglect can be clearly ruled-out without taking
one or more of these steps:
(1) Obtain a full statement of the allegation from
the reporter, as appropriate to the case.
(2) Interview and visually inspect each alleged victim,
as appropriate in the case.
(3) Interview any other witnesses or persons who may
have collateral information, including the child's parents or guardian.
(4) Interview the alleged perpetrator, if available.
(5) Obtain photographs, school records, or other pertinent
physical evidence, if relevant to the investigation.
(6) Request that a parent of an alleged victim obtains
a medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of the child
and that the records of such examination be provided to us, if necessary,
to properly investigate the allegations in the case.
(7) Request that the alleged perpetrator submit to
a medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination and that the
records of such examination be provided to us, if necessary, to properly
investigate the allegations in the case; and
(8) Cooperate with law enforcement in the event that
law enforcement is conducting a joint investigation regarding the
allegations.
(b) We will conduct a criminal history background check
on the alleged perpetrator in accordance with Texas Government Code, §411.114,
and §707.511 of subchapter A of this chapter (relating to On
whom do we conduct criminal history records checks during the course
of an investigation?).
(c) The Special Investigator who conducts the investigation
must complete the investigation, reach a disposition for each allegation
made in the report, and submit the investigation report and findings
to a supervisor for approval within 30 calendar days after initiating
the investigation unless an extension of time is approved by the supervisor
due to extenuating circumstances. The supervisor must approve the
investigation or return it to the Special Investigator for further
action within 10 calendar days of receiving the investigative report.
If the tenth day falls on a weekend or state holiday, the supervisor
has until the next working day to complete the required review.
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