Investigation Procedures for Children Not in Care – Upon receipt of a report that a

Investigation Procedures for Children Not in Care – Upon receipt of a report that a child not currently in MDCPS custody has been involved in human trafficking, MCIA will indicate the report concerns human trafficking and assign it a Level Three. MCIA will then notify the MDCPS Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, MDCPS Coordinator, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and local law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the alleged trafficking occurred. A minimal facts interview must be conducted with the child: 1. Assess the child’s mental and physical state and determine if a medical examination is necessary. If a medical examination is needed, take the child for a medical exam only if the parent or guardian consents. If the parent refuses consent and there is reason to suspect they were aware of or participated in the trafficking, call the youth court for an emergency removal order. 2. If there is any indication the child is a victim of human trafficking, the child should be referred to the CAC for a forensic interview unless: a. Law enforcement requests otherwise; or b. The child’s parent refuse to consent to the interview. If the parent refuses to consent, consult with the youth court.