Relating to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse

This bill relates to interviews conducted with a child subsequent to a report of child abuse. The bill allows peace officers to conduct an interview with a child for the purpose of a child abuse investigation, and allows a child protection worker or peace officer to conduct an interview at a location including but not limited to an accredited child protection center or child advocacy center, and record visible evidence of abuse during an interview. Under current law, if an allegation of child abuse alleges a child has been harmed by a criminal act, the department of health and human services is required to refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The bill allows a peace officer to visit the home of the child for an interview or observation if the peace officer obtained consent from the child’s parent or guardian to interview or observe the child in the child’s home, or the juvenile court, upon a showing of probable cause, authorized the peace officer to interview or observe the child in the child’s home.68 (child abuse reporting, assessment, and rehabilitation —— definitions).