5.07.080 Investigation of the Report

Upon receipt of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, the Office of Tribal Social Services in cooperation with Bureau of Indian Affairs or tribal law enforcement shall conduct a joint investigation. If a statement of a suspect is obtained by law enforcement, a copy of the statement shall be provided to Tribal Social Services. Should a disagreement develop between social services and law enforcement, which significantly impedes the investigation, the tribal prosecutor shall conduct the investigation. Investigation shall consist of the following criteria:

(a) Respond promptly to report of alleged neglect, abuse, or exploitation of the child to determine validity of the report.

(b) Assess the damage to child resulting from neglect or abuse.

(c) Evaluate the risk of further injury to the child in the home and determine whether the child should remain in the home or whether emergency action is required.

(d) Determine and identify the family problem or problems which contributed to or resulted in neglect or abuse.

(e) Evaluate the potential for treatment of the underlying factors to correct conditions and rehabilitate the family.

(f) Plan a course of treatment calculated to stabilize and rehabilitate the family through services of the protective agency and the use of other appropriate community resources and services to meet special needs of the

children and parent.

(g) Initiate the treatment plan and stimulate involvement of services from community resources to meet identified special needs.

(h) Invoke the authority of the Tribal Court in situations where there is risk to the child, should he/she remain at home, or where there is active resistance to child protective intervention.