Powers and duties
Sec. 3. (a) Except in cases involving a child who may be a victim
of institutional abuse or cases in which police investigation also
appears appropriate, the department is the primary public agency
responsible for:
(1) receiving;
(2) investigating or arranging for investigation; and
(3) coordinating;
the investigation of all reports of a child who may be a victim of
known or suspected child abuse or neglect.
(b) In accordance with a local plan for child protection services,
the department shall, by juvenile court order:
(1) provide protective services to prevent cases where a child
may be a victim of further child abuse or neglect; and
(2) provide for or arrange for and coordinate and monitor the
provision of the services necessary to ensure the safety of
children.
(c) Reasonable efforts must be made to provide family services
designed to prevent a child's removal from the child's parent,
guardian, or custodian.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005,
SEC.98.
Last modified: May 24, 2006