38-2230. Same; duties of SRS.
38-2230
38-2230. Same; duties of SRS.Whenever any person furnishes information to the secretarythat achild appearsto be a child in need of care, the department shall make a preliminary inquiryto determine whetherthe interests of the child require further action be taken. Wheneverpracticable, the inquiry shallinclude a preliminary investigation of the circumstances which were the subjectof the information,including the home and environmental situation and the previous history of thechild. If reasonablegrounds to believe abuse or neglect exist, immediate steps shall be taken toprotect the health andwelfare of the abused or neglected child as well as that of any other childunder the same care whomay be harmed by abuse or neglect. After the inquiry, if the secretarydetermines it is not otherwisepossible to provide those services necessary to protect the interests of thechild, the secretary shallrecommend to the county or district attorney that a petition be filed.
History: L. 2006, ch. 200, § 25; Jan. 1, 2007.