1. (a) When a law enforcement agency receives an initial report under IC 31-33-5-4 that a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect, the law enforcement agency shall:

   1. (1) immediately communicate the report to the department, whether or not the law enforcement agency has reason to believe there exists an imminent danger to the child's health or welfare; and
   2. (2) conduct an immediate, onsite assessment of the report along with the department whenever the law enforcement agency has reason to believe that an offense has been committed.

2. (b) In all cases, the law enforcement agency shall forward any information, including copies of assessment reports, on incidents of cases in which a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect, whether or not obtained under this article, to:

   1. (1) the department; and

   2. (2) the juvenile court under IC 31-34-7 .

      [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-12.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.115; P.L.131-2009, SEC.41.