<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 07.02.07.07" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="07" heading="Investigation of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect — General.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>During an investigation, the local department shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Assess the immediate safety and risk of maltreatment of the alleged victim and of the children who are household or family members of the alleged victim or in the care or custody of the alleged maltreator;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Determine if the alleged child abuse or neglect or any other child abuse or neglect is indicated, unsubstantiated, or ruled out;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Determine what services, if any, are appropriate and make referrals as necessary;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Initiate shelter care, CINA proceeding, or voluntary placement as appropriate; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If possible, determine the identity of a maltreator.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If necessary, the local department shall obtain information from the reporting source, parents, other relatives, community members, and other appropriate community resources including schools, hospitals, clinics, or law enforcement agencies.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the local department is denied entry to a child care center or family day care home to conduct an on-site investigation, the local department shall contact the Office of Child Care’s regional manager in an attempt to gain entry under COMAR 13A.15.07 and 13A.16.07.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Initial Interviews.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Before an initial interview with an adult, the local department representative shall present identification.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Before an initial interview with a child, the local department representative shall provide identification in a manner appropriate to the child's developmental level.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>During an initial interview with the alleged maltreator, the local department representative shall advise the alleged maltreator of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The nature of the alleged child abuse or neglect; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The local department's investigation process.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Danger to a Child.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the local department considers an alleged victim to be in danger of immediate harm or injury, the local department shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Make the least disruptive and least traumatic arrangements necessary for the child's protection and care including but not limited to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Agreeing that the alleged victim may stay with a relative; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Encouraging the family to seek a protective order to limit the alleged maltreator's access to the alleged victim; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If in the best interest of the safety and protection of the alleged victim, remove the child from the home with or without the consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian and:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Obtain court authorization for shelter care, if possible, before removal or as soon afterward as possible under Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-815, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Notify the child's parents, guardians, or custodian of scheduled hearings.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the local department is denied access to an alleged victim and has reason to believe the child is in serious immediate danger, the local department shall request the assistance of a law enforcement officer, who may use reasonable force to gain access to and ensure the protection and safety of the child.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If the local department is denied access to a child for purposes of conducting an interview or making an assessment necessary to determine if the child is in serious danger, the local department may seek a court order directing that the child be made available for an interview or assessment.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Physical Examination of a Child.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If a local department takes an alleged victim into custody without parental consent or before court approval, the local department shall have the child examined to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Relieve any urgent illness or life-threatening health condition; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Determine the nature or extent of any child abuse or neglect.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The local department shall attempt to obtain the consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child for an examination.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A licensed physician or an individual under the control or supervision of a licensed physician may examine and provide emergency treatment for a child without parental consent if the local department or law enforcement officer states a belief that a child has been abused or neglected.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>If an alleged victim is examined or treated under this regulation:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The local department shall:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Attempt to obtain information regarding health care insurance coverage available to the child, including medical assistance; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>If necessary, secure medical assistance for an eligible child examined or treated under the emergency conditions.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The Maryland Department of Health shall pay all reasonable physician or health care institution charges not covered by other resources; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The child's parent, guardian, or custodian shall repay the Maryland Department of Health for examinations or treatment.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>The local department or, if warranted, law enforcement shall notify the State's Attorney's office of any preliminary findings in a child abuse investigation within ten days of receipt of the report of suspected child abuse.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>