§ 12-18-616 - Timing. - Arkansas Statutes

12-18-616. Timing.

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an investigative determination shall be made in each investigation under this chapter within thirty (30) days regardless of whether the investigation is conducted by the Department of Human Services, the Crimes Against Children Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, or local law enforcement.

(2) However, this procedural requirement shall not be considered as a factor to alter the investigative determination in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

(b) An investigation involving an out-of-home alleged offender that is determined to be true may be extended up to thirty (30) additional days to allow an investigator to ascertain:

(1) The names and conditions of any children of the alleged offender;

(2) Whether children of the alleged offender have been maltreated or are at risk of maltreatment; and

(3) To the extent practicable, whether children previously or currently under the care of the alleged offender have been sexually abused or are at risk of sexual abuse.

(c) An investigation shall not be transferred to inactive status because an investigator is awaiting documentary evidence.