HARRY HUGHES, Governor                                     3701

(III) DECIDE ON THE SAFETY OF THE CHILD,
WHEREVER THE CHILD IS, AND OF OTHER CHILDREN IN THE HOME.

(b)  The investigation shall include:

(1)  a determination of the nature, extent, and cause
of the abuse, if any; and

(2)  if the suspected abuse is verified:

(i) a determination of the identity of the
person or persons responsible for the abuse;

(ii) a determination of the name, age, and
condition of any other child in the same household;

(iii) an evaluation of the parents and the home
environment; and

(iv) a determination of any other pertinent
facts or matters.

(c)  On request by the local department, the local State's
Attorney shall assist in the investigation.

(D)  BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1985, THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT, THE
APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND THE STATE'S ATTORNEY
WITHIN EACH COUNTY AND BALTIMORE CITY SHALL ENTER INTO A WRITTEN
AGREEMENT THAT SPECIFIES STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE
INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF REPORTED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE.

(E) (1) BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1985, THE AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE
FOR INVESTIGATING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, INCLUDING THE LOCAL
DEPARTMENT, THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND THE
LOCAL STATE'S ATTORNEY SHALL IMPLEMENT A JOINT INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING JOINT INVESTIGATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL
ABUSE.

(2) THE JOINT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE SHALL:

(I)  INCLUDE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES FOR
EXPEDITING VALIDATION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE COMPLAINTS;

(II)  INCLUDE INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES DESIGNED
TO:

1.  DECREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR PHYSICAL
HARM TO THE CHILD; AND

2.  DECREASE ANY TRAUMA EXPERIENCED BY THE
CHILD IN THE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF THE CASE; AND

(III) REQUIRE THAT ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE
INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES ON OR