HB 371 Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive multi-disciplinary response system for investigating child abuse and neglect cases, requiring coordination among the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, law enforcement, Delaware Department of Justice, and children's advocacy centers.

• Creates an "Investigation Coordinator" position within DSCYF to track every serious physical injury or sexual abuse case from inception to final disposition and provide 30-day status reports to all relevant agencies.

• Requires cases involving serious physical injury or sexual abuse allegations be referred to children's advocacy centers within 48 hours for forensic interviewing, medical evaluation, and multi-disciplinary team assignment.

• Mandates that all child death and near-death cases due to abuse or neglect be reported to the Child Death, Near Death and Stillbirth Commission, and requires reporting of case trends and outcomes to the Child Protection Accountability Commission.

• Strengthens notification requirements to licensing and regulatory agencies when allegations involve licensed professionals, and requires the Delaware Department of Justice to notify child welfare facilities within 48 hours when employees are charged with child sexual abuse offenses.