HB79 Summary

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

• Requires child advocacy centers to incorporate as nonprofit agencies under Section 10A-3-1.01 et seq. and operate neutral, child-focused facilities where joint Department of Human Resources and law enforcement forensic interviews occur.

• Mandates multidisciplinary case review teams with designated representatives from district attorneys, Department of Human Resources, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and center staff that meet regularly to coordinate responses to child abuse.

• Requires centers to provide case tracking with demographic data collection, offer or refer on-site and off-site medical exams and mental health therapy, provide staff training, and maintain interagency commitment agreements signed by specified agencies.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval, contingent upon passage of a related 2019 bill regarding statements made by children during forensic interviews.