DE SB56

Amends § 910 of Title 16 to change the Division's authority from "requesting" to "petitioning for" court orders in child abuse and neglect investigations.

Adds new authority for the Division to petition for court orders compelling completion of substance abuse evaluations, mental health evaluations, or developmental health screenings for children.

Establishes "need" standard requiring the Division to provide written notice and demonstrate by preponderance of evidence either good faith contact attempts or that a child faces actual or imminent danger, with different standards for evaluation orders versus access/appearance orders.

Requires Family Court to consider petitions for access, appearance, or treatment compliance within 2 business days and evaluation petitions within 10 business days, with ex parte orders permitted if child faces imminent physical danger.

Grants indigent parents or guardians the right to request court-appointed counsel at no cost for petitions seeking to compel evaluations under this section.