Sec. 264.405.  CENTER DUTIES.  (a)  A center shall:
(1)  receive, review, and track department reports relating to the suspected abuse or neglect of a child or the death of a child from abuse or neglect to ensure a consistent, comprehensive approach to all cases that meet the criteria outlined in the multidisciplinary team working protocol adopted under Section 264.4031;
(2)  coordinate the activities of participating agencies relating to abuse and neglect investigations and delivery of services to alleged abuse and neglect victims and their families;
(3)  facilitate assessment of alleged abuse or neglect victims and their families to determine their need for services relating to the investigation of abuse or neglect and  provide needed services; and
(4)  comply with the standards adopted under Section 264.409(c).
(b)  A center shall provide:
(1)  facilitation of a multidisciplinary team response to abuse or neglect allegations;
(2)  a formal process that requires the multidisciplinary team to routinely discuss and share information regarding investigations, case status, and services needed by children and families;
(3)  a system to monitor the progress and track the outcome of each case;
(4)  a child-focused setting that is comfortable, private, and physically and psychologically safe for diverse populations at which a multidisciplinary team can meet to facilitate the efficient and appropriate disposition of abuse and neglect cases through the civil and criminal justice systems;
(5)  culturally competent services for children and families throughout the duration of a case;
(6)  victim support and advocacy services for children and families;
(7)  forensic interviews that are conducted in a neutral, fact-finding manner and coordinated to avoid duplicative interviewing;
(8)  access to specialized medical evaluations and treatment services for victims of alleged abuse or neglect;
(9)  evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health services for children and nonoffending members of the child's family; and
(10)  opportunities for community involvement through a formalized volunteer program dedicated to supporting the center.
(c)  The duties prescribed to a center under Subsection (a)(1) do not relieve the department or a law enforcement agency of its duty to investigate a report of abuse or neglect as required by other law.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 255, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by: 
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 396 (S.B. 821), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.