§ 12-18-619 - Closing investigations. - Arkansas Statutes

12-18-619. Closing investigations.

(a) If at any time before or during an investigation under this chapter it is determined that the alleged offender is not a caretaker of any child and the alleged victim has reached eighteen (18) years of age prior to notification, the child maltreatment investigation shall be closed notwithstanding any criminal investigation.

(b) (1) If at any time before or during the investigation it appears that the alleged offender is identified and is not a caretaker of the victim child, excluding investigations of sexual abuse, the Department of Human Services shall:

(A) Refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency;

(B) Close its investigation; and

(C) Forward a copy of its findings to the appropriate law enforcement agency for the agency's further use in any criminal investigation.

(2) (A) If the appropriate law enforcement agency subsequently determines that the alleged offender is a caretaker, it shall immediately notify the department of its determination.

(B) Thereupon the department shall reopen and continue its investigation in compliance with all other requirements contained in this chapter.

(c) If at any time before or during the investigation the department is unable to locate or identify the alleged offender because the alleged child maltreatment occurred more than five (5) years ago or in another state, the department shall consider the report unable to be completed and place the report in inactive status.