{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-4-1301.04","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 4-1301.04","heading":"Handling of reports — By Agency.","body":"(a)\nThe Agency shall conduct a thorough investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect to protect the health and safety of the child or children.\n\n(b)\nThe investigation shall commence:\n(1)\nImmediately upon receiving a report of suspected abuse or neglect indicating that the child’s safety or health is in immediate danger; and\n(2)\nAs soon as possible, and at least within 24 hours, upon receiving any report not involving immediate danger to the child.\n\n(c)\nThe initial phase of the investigation shall:\n(1)\nBe completed within 24 hours of its commencement;\n(2)\nInclude notification and coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department when there is indication of a crime, including sexual or serious physical abuse; and\n(3)\nInclude:\n(A)\nSeeing the child and all other children in the household outside of the presence of the caretaker or caretakers;\n(B)\nConducting an interview with the child's caretaker or caretakers, during which time the Agency shall inform the caretaker of their right to counsel pursuant to § 16-2304(b)(1), legal resources available to the caretaker, and the availability of the Ombudsperson for Children as a resource to receive complaints pursuant to § 4-671.04.\n(C)\nSpeaking with the source of the report;\n(D)\nAssessing the safety and risk of harm to the child from abuse or neglect in the place where the child lives;\n(E)\nDeciding on the safety of the child and of other children in the household;\n(F)\nDeciding on the safety of other children in the care or custody of the person or persons alleged to be abusing or neglecting the child;\n(G)\nA finding as to whether the report of abuse or neglect is substantiated, inconclusive, or unfounded; and\n(H)\nWritten notification of legal resources available to the child's reported caretaker or caretakers at the initiation of the investigation process.\n\n(d)\nThe Agency may request the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Department to assist in the investigation or to ensure the safety of Agency staff.\n\n(e)\n(1)\nRepealed.\n(2)\nRepealed.","path":["Title 4. Public Care Systems.","Chapter 13. Child Abuse and Neglect.","Subchapter I. Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.","Part A. Reporting Abuse and Neglect."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/4-1301.04","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"7f57dd7a964a676bf42071a6cc2a8def91add971d3fc8d8bb9d89b8bab68ab01","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-4-1301.03","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-4-1301.05"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}