SB 939: Legislative Law Briefing Book Announcements/2013_Announcements/Legis lative_briefing_book_details_new_laws/

What to Do:  Try not to sit behind a desk when talking to the child.  Remain calm.  Listen and be empathetic.  Show the child you take him seriously.  Support the child.

What to say:  Encourage the child to tell you what happened, but do not press for details.  Do not ask “why” or leading questions.  Use the child’s language.  Assure the child he did the right thing in telling you.  Tell the child he is not to blame.  Realistically reassure the child.

Do NOT try to investigate whether the child was abused or neglected. If you suspect abuse, you are required to report it.

You can also call… The Police: SRO Patrol Detectives CPS

Reporting  For emergency response, call 911.  Reporting website:  First time users must create a user account  Reports made via the website take up to 24 hours to process  Hotline: Use this if you:  believe your situation requires action in less than 24 hours.  prefer to remain anonymous.  have insufficient data to complete the required information on the report.  do not want an to confirm your report.

CONTACTS IRVING FAMILY ADVOCACY CENTER Domestic Violence Unit : Sgt. Jim Sears: Det. Sam Todd: Det. Tim Boren: Det. Mona Gutierrez: Det. Stephen Lee: Det. Kim Vanderveen: Det. Rodney Bergeron: Det. Jerry Sanderford: Det. Richard Chewning: All on city first initial, last (i.e.

CONTACTS Reach Clinic CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES User name: professional Password: report1 Dallas – State – Law Enforcement – Irving –

Reporting  Do not delegate reporting to anyone else.  Do not delay reporting to gather more information.  Report as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after first suspecting maltreatment.  Bruises heal, physical evidence disappears  Memories fade and people change their minds about what to say to CPS

What happens next?  CPS Statewide Intake makes a decision whether an investigation should be opened.  Decision is based on whether it appears, from the information provided, that abuse/neglect has occurred or will occur.  If an investigation is not opened, the call is still logged into the computer  Call again if another incident occurs.

Investigation  Do not deny an investigator’s request to interview a child at school in connection with an investigation of child abuse or neglect  Schools cannot require that a parent or school employee be present during an interview  CPS can transport a child from school to a DFPS office for an interview  DFPS must notify parents within 24 hours of interviewing the child  If you obtain new information, make another report or contact the investigator directly

Timeframes  30 days to complete investigation  60 days to be approved by supervisor  Letters mailed to reporter as to outcome of investigation  Client information is restricted and cannot be disclosed to anyone