| (a) The purpose of this subchapter is to provide:
(1) requirements regarding the function and administration
of a local children's advocacy center program; and
(2) requirements for contracts between the statewide
children's advocacy center organization and the local children's advocacy
centers.
(b) The following words and terms, when used in this
subchapter, have the following meanings unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise:
(1) Local children's advocacy center--An entity that
is established in accordance with a memorandum of understanding executed
under Texas Family Code §264.403, that operates local children's
advocacy center programs.
(2) Local children's advocacy center program--A local
program that:
(A) assesses victims of child abuse or neglect to determine
needed services and provides the needed services;
(B) provides a facility at which a multidisciplinary
team can meet to facilitate the disposition of child abuse cases;
and
(C) coordinates the activities of governmental entities
in relation to child abuse investigations and the delivery of services.
(3) Multidisciplinary team--A team of individuals composed
in accordance with Texas Family Code §264.406 that works within
a local children's advocacy center in accordance with the protocols
outlined in Texas Family Code §264.4031 to review child abuse
cases with the intent of coordinating the activities of entities involved
in child abuse investigation and prosecution and in the provision
of victim services.
(4) Statewide children's advocacy center organization--The
entity with which HHSC contracts under Texas Family Code §264.409
and §377.207 of this subchapter (relating to Contract with Statewide
Children's Advocacy Center Organization).
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