§ 37-5-602. Purposes
The purposes of this part are to safeguard and enhance the welfare of children and to preserve family life, by preventing harm and sexual abuse to children and by strengthening the ability of families to parent their children effectively through a multi-level response system using available community-based public and private services. It is intended that […]
§ 37-5-603. Establishment of Demonstration Program — State Advisory Committee — Reporting
No later than July 1, 2006, the department shall establish a demonstration program that conforms to the requirements of this part and carries out its purposes in at least three (3) but no more than five (5) areas of the state selected by the department. The multi-level response system shall be designed to protect children […]
§ 37-5-604. Screening Instrument — Assessment — Determination of Level of Intervention — Investigation of Reports of Harm or Sexual Abuse
Upon receipt of a report of harm pursuant to § 37-1-403, the department shall make an initial screening decision using an approved screening instrument. The screening instrument shall be developed by the department. If the report does not allege that the child has been harmed or that the child has been sexually abused, after reviewing […]
§ 37-5-605. Annual Report — Collection and Maintenance of Data
No later than October 1, 2007, the department shall submit to the governor, the health and welfare committee of the senate, the committee of the house of representatives having oversight over children and families, and the judiciary committee of the senate a report on the first full year of the demonstration program. No later than […]
§ 37-5-606. Training and Information
Before the demonstration program is instituted in an area, the department shall assure that all personnel in the program in that area are thoroughly trained in matters relating to their role in the program, utilizing, to the extent possible, existing training resources for each profession. The training shall include information on the culturally diverse community, […]
§ 37-5-607. Independent Local Advisory Board
In each county in which the multi-level response system is implemented, the department shall facilitate the formation of an independent local advisory board, which shall not be a part of the department, and which shall be composed of appropriate community representatives, including representatives from families in the community, local public agencies, including schools, health departments […]
§ 37-5-511. Criminal Violation Information Required of Persons Having Access to Children — Review of Vulnerable Persons Registry — Verification — Exclusion From Access to Children
Each person: Applying to work with children as a paid employee with a child care agency as defined in § 37-5-501, or with the department in any position in which any significant contact with children is likely in the course of the person’s employment; or A new volunteer who is expected to provide volunteer services […]
§ 37-5-512. Abuse, Neglect, or Sexual Abuse
Notwithstanding § 71-3-503 or § 37-5-503, the department has the authority and responsibility to fully investigate, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 1, parts 1, 4 and 6 of this title, any allegation of abuse, neglect or sexual abuse that it receives regarding any child or children in the care of, or subject to […]
§ 37-5-513. Inspection of Persons or Entities Providing Child Care
It is the duty of the department, through its duly authorized agents, to inspect at regular intervals, without previous notice, all child care agencies or suspected child care agencies, as defined in § 37-5-501. The department is given the right of entrance, privilege of inspection, access to accounts, records, and information regarding the whereabouts of […]
§ 37-5-514. Violations of Licensing Regulations — Probation, Suspension, Denial and Revocation of Licenses — Appeal Procedures
If any complaint is made to the department concerning any alleged violation of the laws or regulations governing a child care agency, the department shall investigate such complaint and shall take such action as it deems necessary to protect the children in the care of such agency. If, during the licensing period, the department determines […]