| (a) We only investigate an individual as a possible
perpetrator of child abuse or neglect if the individual is:
(1) At least 10 years old; and
(2) A member of the family or household.
(b) The overall role for a person at the end of the
investigation is the finding of the person's involvement in the abuse
or neglect that was investigated. After we have given a disposition
to all allegations, the roles for the persons involved in the abuse
or neglect are derived. The following are the roles that can be derived
at the end of an investigation of child abuse or neglect:
(1) Designated victim. Based on a preponderance of
the evidence, we conclude that the child has been abused or neglected
as defined in Texas Family Code (TFC) §261.001(1) and (4).
(2) Designated perpetrator. Based on a preponderance
of the evidence, we conclude that the individual is responsible for
abuse or neglect of a child for whom that person has responsibility
for care, custody, or welfare as defined in TFC §261.001(5)(A)-(C).
(3) Designated victim/perpetrator. Based on a preponderance
of the evidence, we conclude that the individual:
(A) Is a child, age 10 years or older;
(B) Is a victim as described in paragraph (1) of this
subsection and has also abused or neglected other children who are
in the family or household; and
(C) Is named in the same investigation as the designated
victim.
(4) Unknown (unable-to-determine). We could not determine
whether the person was involved in the alleged abuse or neglect because
the investigator could not determine whether or not the alleged abuse
or neglect occurred.
(5) Unknown (unable to complete). We could not draw
a conclusion whether alleged abuse or neglect involving the person
occurred because the family:
(A) Could not be located to begin the investigation,
or moved and could not be located to finish the investigation; or
(B) Was unwilling to cooperate with the investigation.
(6) No role. Either:
(A) The overall disposition for the investigation is
ruled out or administrative closure, as defined in §707.495 of
this subchapter (relating to How do we make dispositions after completing
the investigation?), in which case all persons named in allegations
are given the role of "no role";
(B) We have determined that based on the available
information, it is reasonable to conclude that the individual was
not a victim of child abuse or neglect or is not responsible for abuse
or neglect of a child in the investigation; or
(C) The person was not alleged to have abused or neglected
a child in the case.
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