22VAC40-705-70: Collection of information

A. When conducting an investigation, the local department shall seek first-source information about the allegation of child abuse or neglect. When applicable, the local department shall include in the case record: police reports; depositions; photographs; physical, medical, and psychological reports; and any electronic recordings of interviews.

B. When completing a human trafficking assessment or family assessment, the local department shall gather all relevant information in collaboration with the family, to the degree possible, in order to determine the child and family services needs related to current safety or future risk of harm to the child.

If at any time during the human trafficking assessment it is determined that a forensic interview of the child is needed, such interview may be performed by a children's advocacy center within the jurisdiction; however, if an interview with a children's advocacy center within the jurisdiction cannot be completed within 14 days, the forensic interview may be conducted by a children's advocacy center located in another jurisdiction.

C. All information collected for a human trafficking assessment, family assessment, or an investigation must be entered in the state automated system and maintained according to § 63.2-1514 for unfounded investigations, family assessments, or invalid reports, or according to 22VAC40-705-130 for founded investigations. The automated record entered in the state automated system is the official record. When documentation is not available in electronic form, it must be maintained in the hard copy portion of the record. Any hard copy information, including photographs and recordings, shall be noted as an addendum to the official record.