Texas Administrative Code
Title 40 - SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
Part 19 - DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Chapter 707 - CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS
Subchapter C - CHILD CARE INVESTIGATIONS
Division 2 - OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATION IN CHILD CARE OPERATIONS
Section 707.713 - What standards for conducting investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation apply to the Child Care Investigations program?

Universal Citation: 40 TX Admin Code § 707.713

Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024

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);

(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

(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

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Texas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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