§ 264.403 Interagency Memorandum of Understanding

A center shall enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding participation in the multidisciplinary team response under Section 264.406. The center and each of the following agencies must execute the memorandum of understanding:

the department responsible for child abuse and neglect investigations;

each county and municipal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction to investigate child abuse and neglect in the area to be served by the center; and

each county or district attorney with jurisdiction to prosecute child abuse and neglect cases in the area to be served by the center.

A memorandum of understanding executed under this section shall include the agreement of each participating agency to cooperate in:

minimizing the revictimization of alleged abuse and neglect victims and nonoffending family members through the investigation, assessment, intervention, and prosecution processes; and

maintaining a cooperative team approach to facilitate successful outcomes in the criminal justice and child protection systems through shared fact-finding and strong, collaborative case development.

The memorandum of understanding must be reexecuted:

at least every three years;

on a significant change to the memorandum of understanding; or

on a change of a signatory of a participating agency.