1. (a) Except in cases involving a child who may be a victim of institutional abuse or cases in which police investigation also appears appropriate, the department is the primary public agency responsible for:

   1. (1) receiving;
   2. (2) assessing or arranging for assessment of; and

   3. (3) coordinating the assessment of;

      all reports of a child who may be a victim of known or suspected child abuse or neglect.

2. (b) In accordance with a local plan for child protection services, the department shall, by juvenile court order:

   1. (1) provide protection services to prevent cases where a child may be a victim of further child abuse or neglect; and
   2. (2) provide for or arrange for and coordinate and monitor the provision of the services necessary to ensure the safety of children.
3. (c) Reasonable efforts must be made to provide family services designed to prevent a child's removal from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.271. Amended by P.L.131-2009, SEC.31.