Sec. 261.3126. COLOCATION OF INVESTIGATORS. (a) In each county, to the extent possible, the department and the local law enforcement agencies that investigate child abuse in the county shall colocate in the same offices investigators from the department and the law enforcement agencies to improve the efficiency of child abuse investigations. With approval of the local children's advocacy center and its partner agencies, in each county in which a children's advocacy center established under Section 264.402 is located, the department shall attempt to locate investigators from the department and county and municipal law enforcement agencies at the center.
(b) A law enforcement agency is not required to comply with the colocation requirements of this section if the law enforcement agency does not have a full-time peace officer solely assigned to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect.
(c) If a county does not have a children's advocacy center, the department shall work with the local community to encourage one as provided by Section 264.402.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 1.30, eff. September 1, 2005.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
Subtitle E - Protection of the Child
Chapter 261 - Investigation of Report of Child Abuse or Neglect
Section 261.301. Investigation of Report
Section 261.3011. Joint Investigation Guidelines and Training
Section 261.3013. Case Closure Agreements Prohibited
Section 261.3015. Alternative Response System
Section 261.3016. Training of Personnel Receiving Reports of Abuse and Neglect
Section 261.30171. Forensic Assessment Center Network Evaluation
Section 261.30175. Mitigation of Provider Conflicts in Abuse or Neglect Investigation Consultations
Section 261.3018. Abbreviated Investigation and Administrative Closure of Certain Cases
Section 261.302. Conduct of Investigation
Section 261.3021. Casework Documentation and Management
Section 261.3022. Child Safety Check Alert List
Section 261.3023. Law Enforcement Response to Child Safety Check Alert
Section 261.3024. Removal From Child Safety Check Alert List
Section 261.3027. Notice of Right to Record Interview
Section 261.303. Interference With Investigation; Court Order
Section 261.3031. Failure to Cooperate With Investigation; Department Response
Section 261.3032. Interference With Investigation; Criminal Penalty
Section 261.304. Investigation of Anonymous Report
Section 261.305. Access to Mental Health Records
Section 261.306. Removal of Child From State
Section 261.307. Information Relating to Investigation Procedure and Child Placement Resources
Section 261.3071. Informational Manuals
Section 261.308. Submission of Investigation Report
Section 261.309. Review of Department Investigations
Section 261.3091. Notice of Right to Request Administrative Review
Section 261.310. Investigation Standards
Section 261.311. Notice of Report
Section 261.312. Review Teams; Offense
Section 261.3125. Child Safety Specialists
Section 261.3126. Colocation of Investigators
Section 261.315. Removal of Certain Investigation Information From Records