80-2-701. Division preremoval investigation -- Supported or unsupported reports -- Convening of child protection team -- Coordination with law enforcement -- Consultation with child protection team before close of investigation.
(1) The division shall conduct a thorough preremoval investigation upon receiving a report under Sectionorif there is reasonable cause to suspect that a situation of abuse, neglect, or the circumstances described in Subsectionexist. 80-2-602 80-2-603 80-2-603(2) The primary purpose of the preremoval investigation described in Subsectionshall be protection of the child. (1)(a)
(2) The preremoval investigation described in Subsectionshall meet the reasonable professional standards described in Section. (1)(a) 80-2-702
(3) The division shall make a written report of the division's preremoval investigation under Subsectionthat includes a determination regarding whether the alleged abuse or neglect in the report described in Subsectionis supported, unsupported, or without merit. (1)(a) (1)(a)
(4) The division: shall use an interdisciplinary approach if appropriate in dealing with a report made under Section,, or; 80-2-602 80-2-603 80-2-604 in accordance with Section, shall convene a child protection team to assist the division in the division's protective, diagnostic, assessment, treatment, and coordination services; and 80-2-706 may include a member of the child protection team in the division's protective, diagnostic, assessment, treatment, or coordination services.
(5) If a report of neglect is based on or includes an allegation of educational neglect, the division shall immediately consult with school authorities to verify the child's status in accordance with Sectionsthrough. 53G-6-201 53G-6-206
(6) Upon completion of the initial preremoval investigation under this section, the division shall give notice of the completion to the person who made the initial report described in Subsection. (1)(a)
(7) A division child welfare caseworker: has authority to: enter upon public or private premises, using appropriate legal processes; and to investigate a report of alleged child abuse or neglect, upon notice to a parent of the parent's rights under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5106, or any successor thereof; and may take a child into protective custody in accordance with. Chapter 2a, Removal and Protective Custody of a Child
(8) In a case, if law enforcement has investigated or is conducting an investigation of alleged abuse or neglect of a child, the division: shall coordinate with law enforcement to ensure that there is an adequate safety plan to protect the child from further abuse or neglect; and is not required to duplicate an aspect of the investigation that, in the division's determination, has been satisfactorily completed by law enforcement.
(9) In a mutual case in which a child protection team is involved in the investigation of alleged abuse or neglect of a child, the division shall consult with the child protection team before closing the case.