SCS/SB 802 - This act modifies provisions relating to child abuse investigations.CHILDREN'S DIVISION INVESTIGATION (210.145, 210.152, 210.183)
This act changes the time frames regarding a child abuse or neglect investigation by the Children's Division within the Department of Social Services. This act amends the time lines for the Division as follows:
-45 days, rather than the current 30 days, for updating the information and to complete the investigation except for good cause;
-If an investigation cannot be completed in 45 days, it shall be completed no later than 90 days after receipt of a report, except in cases involving sexual abuse, such cases shall be completed no later than 120 days after receipt of such report;
-In cases involving a child fatality or near-fatality the investigation shall remain open until the Children's Division's investigation is completed surrounding such death or near-fatal injury;
This act defines good cause to mean when certain relevant evidence outside of the Children's Division's control as specified in the act, such as medical or law enforcement tests, have not been completed or there is a pending criminal case and the issuing of a decision by the Division will adversely impact the progress of the criminal investigation.
SAFE CARE PROVIDER REIMBURSEMENT (334.950)
The department of public safety shall establish rules and make payments to SAFE CARE providers, out of appropriations made for that purpose, who provide forensic examinations of persons under eighteen years of age who are alleged victims of physical abuse.
This act is identical to a provision in HCS/SCS/SB 869 (2014) and a provision in SCS/HB 1092 (2014).
ADRIANE CROUSE