§ 4-402 Internal investigation process.
A. The Director of the Department of Social Services shall review all reports provided pursuant to Section 4-401 within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of such a report.
B. If the Director of the Department of Social Services determines that the report provides adequate support and justification for a further investigation, the Department of Social Services shall conduct an investigation into the claims of the report in accordance with the Department’s Policies and Procedures.
C. If abuse is found, the Department of Social Services shall immediately notify the Chairperson, or its designee, and shall:
1. File a petition of abuse;
2. If appropriate, submit a referral to the local law enforcement agency;
3. If appropriate, submit a referral to the local protective services agency; or
4. Assist families in completing a case plan for the protected individual and/or those alleged to have committed the abuse as needed.
D. Upon referral, the Department of Social Services may complete a joint investigation with the local law enforcement agency and/or the local protective services agency, or otherwise assist in the investigation, if approved by the local law enforcement agency and/or local protective services agency. The Department of Social Services may also assist the local protective services agency in developing a case plan for the protected individual and/or those alleged to have committed the abuse as needed if approved by the local protective services agency. (Res. 2023-59)