Ch. 308

2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(3) if the suspected abuse or neglect is verified:

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

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

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

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

(v) a determination of any needed services.

(d)     On request by the local department, the local State's Attorney shall assist
in [the] AN investigation UNDER SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF THIS SECTION.

(e)     The local department, the appropriate law enforcement agencies, the
State's Attorney within each county and Baltimore City, the department's office
responsible for child care regulation, and the local health officer, shall enter into a
written agreement that specifies standard operating procedures for the investigation
UNDER SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF THIS SECTION and prosecution of reported cases
of suspected abuse.

(f)      (1) The agencies responsible for investigating reported cases of suspected
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 sexual abuse UNDER SUBSECTIONS
(B) AND (C) OF THIS SECTION.

(2) The joint investigation procedure shall:

(i) include appropriate techniques for expediting validation of
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) establish an ongoing training program for personnel involved in
the investigation or prosecution of sexual abuse cases.

(g)     (1) To the extent possible, an investigation under [this section]
SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF THIS SECTION shall be completed within 10 days after
receipt of the first notice of the suspected abuse or neglect by the local department or
law enforcement agencies.

(2) An investigation UNDER SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF THIS SECTION
which is not completed within 30 days shall be completed within 60 days of receipt of
the first notice of the suspected abuse or neglect.

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