Mo. Code Regs. tit. 13 § 35-31.015

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 17, September 3, 2024

Section 13 CSR 35-31.015 - Out of Home Investigation Unit

PURPOSE: The department has made changes to this regulation to more accurately reflect the work conducted by the Out-of-Home investigation Unit. The amendments to section (1) incorporate definitions of "Family or Family Member," "Family Assessment," and "Investigation," as well as amending the definition of "Out-of-Home Investigation Unit" to include assessments. Section (2) has been updated to reflect that the Out-of-Home Investigation Unit conducts investigations and assessments on a broader scope of cases than was previously outlined.

(1) Definitions. For the purpose of this regulation, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(A) Family or Family Member. A person related to the alleged victim by blood, adoption, or affinity within the third degree, a current or past foster parent of the alleged victim, or a resident of the current or past foster parent's home;

(B) Family Assessment. An approach to be developed by the children's division which will provide for a prompt assessment of a child who has been reported to the division as a victim of abuse or neglect by a person responsible for that child's care, custody, or control and of that child's family, including risk of abuse and neglect and, if necessary, the provision of community-based services to reduce the risk and support the family;

(C) Investigation. The collection of physical and verbal evidence to determine if a child has been abused or neglected; and

(D) Out-of-Home Investigation Unit. The unit of investigators responsible for investigating or assessing child abuse and neglect when the relationship between the child and the alleged perpetrator is established in an out-of-home setting.

(2) The Out-of-Home Investigation Unit will investigate or assess allegations of child abuse or neglect in-

(A) Cases in which the alleged victim resides in a foster home;

(B) Cases in which the alleged perpetrator is an employee, contracted agent, or volunteer of an organization which provides care or services to children. Such organizations shall include, but are not limited to, residential treatment facilities, schools, child care facilities, hospitals, youth camps, or youth groups; or

(C) Other cases as deemed necessary by the Children's Division on a case-by-case basis.

13 CSR 35-31.015

AUTHORITY: section 207.020, RSMo [1986] Supp. 2014. Original rule filed March 7, 1984, effective June 11, 1984. Amended: Filed July 29, 2015. Amended by Missouri Register January 4, 2016/Volume 41, Number 01, effective 2/29/2016

Amended by Missouri Register February 15, 2019/Volume 44, Number 4, effective 4/1/2019