HB30 Summary

• Amends Section 26-16-70 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand and clarify membership requirements for child advocacy centers in the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers.

• Requires child advocacy centers to incorporate as nonprofit agencies under Section 10A-3-1.01 et seq. and utilize a neutral, child-focused facility for joint Department of Human Resources and law enforcement forensic interviews in suspected child abuse cases.

• Mandates centers maintain a multidisciplinary case review team including representatives from the district attorney, Department of Human Resources, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and center staff that meets on a regularly scheduled basis.

• Requires centers to provide case tracking and demographic data collection on child abuse cases, offer or refer on-site or off-site medical exams and mental health therapy, and provide training for multidisciplinary team members responding to child abuse cases.

• Becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval, contingent upon passage of a related bill (HB____) concerning statements made by children during forensic interviews.