To encourage professionalism and consistency in the investigation
of reports of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as specified
in the Texas Family Code (TFC) §261.310, the Texas Department
of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) adopts the following standards
for individuals who investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, and
exploitation in a child care operation:
(1) Each individual responsible for investigating reports
of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation in a child care operation,
or for conducting interviews during such investigations, must receive
at least 12 hours of professional training every year.
(2) The professional training curriculum for individuals
who conduct investigations or investigation interviews must include
information about:
(A) Abuse, neglect, and exploitation as defined in
Texas Family Code (TFC) §261.001, including the distinction between:
(i) physical injuries resulting from abuse; and
(ii) ordinary childhood injuries;
(B) Abuse involving mental or emotional injury as defined
in TFC §261.001(1) and division 5 of this subchapter (relating
to Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation);
(C) The types of abuse, neglect, and exploitation reported
to DFPS;
(D) Forensic interviewing, including the collection
of physical evidence and advanced training in investigative protocols
and techniques; and
(E) Applicable federal child welfare laws.
(3) All investigatory interviews that are recorded
should be recorded:
(A) Accurately, without interruption, and without alteration;
(B) Should be made on equipment that is capable of
making an accurate recording; and
(C) Should be made by a person that is competent to
make the recording.
(4) Individuals who investigate reports of child abuse
should:
(A) Utilize Children's Advocacy Centers, as appropriate;
(B) Follow protocols to minimize the number of interviews
with a child; and
(C) Coordinate with experts to be thorough and exercise
professional judgment in determining the nature, extent, and number
of interviews, observations, and examinations of suspected child abuse
victims.
(5) All documents generated during investigations must
be maintained according to the Child Care Investigations published
records retention schedule on the DFPS website, including:
(A) Original tape recordings of telephone intakes;
(B) Any recordings of interviews; and
(C) Worker case notes regarding the investigation.
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