IA SF2416

Expands the definition of "interview" in child abuse investigations to include verbal exchanges between a child and either a child protection worker or a forensic interviewer at a child protection center or child advocacy center.

Specifies that interviews must be conducted for the purpose of developing information necessary to protect the child.

Clarifies that child protection workers and forensic interviewers are not precluded from recording visible evidence of abuse.

Requires the Department of Human Services to immediately refer matters to law enforcement when a criminal act harming a child is alleged, even if the report is assessed under family assessment rather than as child abuse.

Effective date: July 1, 2026.