{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-family-code-264.405","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Family Code § 264.405","heading":"CENTER DUTIES.","body":"(a) A center shall:\n(1) receive, review, and track department reports relating to the suspected abuse or neglect of a child or the death of a child from abuse or neglect to ensure a consistent, comprehensive approach to all cases that meet the criteria outlined in the multidisciplinary team working protocol adopted under Section 264.4031;\n(2) coordinate the activities of participating agencies relating to abuse and neglect investigations and delivery of services to alleged abuse and neglect victims and their families;\n(3) facilitate assessment of alleged abuse or neglect victims and their families to determine their need for services relating to the investigation of abuse or neglect and provide needed services; and\n(4) comply with the standards adopted under Section 264.409(c).\n(b) A center shall provide:\n(1) facilitation of a multidisciplinary team response to abuse or neglect allegations;\n(2) a formal process that requires the multidisciplinary team to routinely discuss and share information regarding investigations, case status, and services needed by children and families;\n(3) a system to monitor the progress and track the outcome of each case;\n(4) a child-focused setting that is comfortable, private, and physically and psychologically safe for diverse populations at which a multidisciplinary team can meet to facilitate the efficient and appropriate disposition of abuse and neglect cases through the civil and criminal justice systems;\n(5) culturally competent services for children and families throughout the duration of a case;\n(6) victim support and advocacy services for children and families;\n(7) forensic interviews that are conducted in a neutral, fact-finding manner and coordinated to avoid duplicative interviewing;\n(8) access to specialized medical evaluations and treatment services for victims of alleged abuse or neglect;\n(9) evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health services for children and nonoffending members of the child's family; and\n(10) opportunities for community involvement through a formalized volunteer program dedicated to supporting the center.\n(c) The duties prescribed to a center under Subsection (a)(1) do not relieve the department or a law enforcement agency of its duty to investigate a report of abuse or neglect as required by other law.\nAdded by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 255, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.\nAmended by:\nActs 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 396 (S.B. 821), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.","path":["FAMILY CODE","TITLE 5. THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP AND THE SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP","SUBTITLE E. PROTECTION OF THE CHILD","CHAPTER 264. CHILD WELFARE SERVICES","SUBCHAPTER E. CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.264.htm#264.405","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:10Z","sha256":"b407e4fd92bedc456e96f91b7daf6a7e8a5e8f9bf07a2b9336b952ba3e4a60aa","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-family-code-264.404","next":"us-tx/tex.-family-code-264.406"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}