AZ HB2375

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 8-817 to require development of initial screening and safety assessment protocols for child abuse investigations in consultation with the attorney general, county attorneys, law enforcement, medical experts, and victim advocates.

Requires county attorneys, sheriffs, municipal police chiefs, and the Department of Child Services to develop joint investigation protocols for criminal conduct allegations against children, including standards for forensic medical evaluations and interdisciplinary investigations.

Mandates annual reports due within 45 days of fiscal year end from child protective services and county attorneys to the governor, legislature, and secretary of state detailing investigations, charges filed, and reasons charges were not pursued.

Adds requirement for investigation protocols to include procedures and recommendations for using Children's Advocacy Centers that coordinate multidisciplinary investigations, provide forensic interview locations, and ensure access to medical evaluations, advocacy, and therapy services.

Establishes cooperation requirements between the Department of Child Services, county attorneys, and law enforcement agencies to implement investigation protocols while protecting victims' rights against harassment, intimidation, and abuse.