39-1443. Same; investigation of reports; coordination and cooperation between agencies. (a) The Kansas department for children and families and law enforcement officers shall have the duty to receive and investigate reports of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation for the purpose of determining whether the report is valid and whether action is required to protect the adult from further abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. If the department and such officers determine that no action is necessary to protect the adult but that a criminal prosecution should be considered, the department and such law enforcement officers shall make a report of the case to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(b) (1) When a report of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation indicates that there is serious physical injury to or serious deterioration or sexual abuse or financial exploitation of the adult and that action may be required to protect the adult, the investigation may be conducted as a joint effort between the Kansas department for children and families and the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies, with a free exchange of information between such agencies.
(2) Upon completion of the investigation by the law enforcement agency, a full report shall be provided to the Kansas department for children and families.
(c) If a dispute develops between agencies investigating a reported case of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, the appropriate county or district attorney shall take charge of, direct and coordinate the investigation.
(d) Any investigation by a law enforcement agency involving a facility subject to licensing or regulation by the secretary of health and environment shall be reported promptly to the secretary of health and environment, upon conclusion of the investigation or sooner if such report does not compromise the investigation.
(e) Law enforcement agencies and the Kansas department for children and families shall assist each other in taking action that is necessary to protect the adult regardless of which party conducted the initial investigation.
History: L. 2003, ch. 91, § 1; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 174; L. 2021, ch. 81, § 8; July 1.
Structure Kansas Statutes
Chapter 39 - Mentally Ill, Incapacitated And Dependent Persons; Social Welfare
Article 14 - Reporting Abuse, Neglect Or Exploitation Of Certain Persons
39-1401 Abuse, neglect or exploitation of residents; definitions.
39-1405 Same; protective services; injunction.
39-1407 Consent of resident to protective services; court authorization.
39-1409 Same; assistance of appropriate public or private agencies, groups or individuals.
39-1430 Abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of certain adults; definitions.
39-1436 Same; access to relevant records; confidentiality requirements.
39-1438 Same; when protective services accepted or declined.
39-1439 Same; district court appointment of attorney to represent involved adult, when.
39-1441 Same; authority of secretary for children and families; toll-free telephone number.
39-1442 Same; least restrictive actions to be taken.
39-1443 Same; investigation of reports; coordination and cooperation between agencies.