§ 9-5-110 — Interagency memorandum of understanding

(a) Before a child safety center may be established under this chapter, a memorandum of understanding regarding the agreement on the levels of participation of each entity shall be executed among: (1) The Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services; (2) The Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; (3) Representatives of county and municipal law enforcement agencies that investigate child abuse in the area to be served by the child safety center; and (4) The prosecuting attorney. (b) A memorandum of understanding executed under this section shall include the agreement on the levels of each entity's participation and cooperation in: (1) Developing a cooperative, multidisciplinary-team approach to investigations of child abuse; (2) Reducing, to the greatest extent possible, the number of interviews required of a victim of child abuse with the goal of minimizing the negative impact of the investigation on the child; and (3) Developing, maintaining, and supporting, through the child safety center, an environment that emphasizes the best interests of children and that provides best practices in child abuse investigations. (c) A memorandum of understanding executed under this section may include the agreement of one (1) or more participating entities to provide office space and administrative services necessary for the child safety center's operation. (d) A memorandum of understanding executed under this section shall include the following provisions that: (1) When available and appropriate during the course of a child maltreatment investigation on reports of alleged sexual abuse, and when appropriate, alleged severe physical abuse, the child safety center shall be utilized for forensic interviews and forensic medical examinations and will ensure access for specialized mental health services; and (2) The person who conducts the forensic interview shall be: (A) Adequately trained in interviewing child victims; and (B) Prepared to testify in any administrative or judicial proceeding regarding the forensic interview.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2013, No. 568,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013 Acts 2007, No. 703, § 5; 2011, No. 783, § 1