SECTION 377.201. Purpose and Definitions

(a) The purpose of this subchapter is to provide:

(1) requirements regarding the function and administration of a local children's advocacy center program; and

(2) requirements for contracts between the statewide children's advocacy center organization and the local children's advocacy centers.

(b) The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Local children's advocacy center--An entity that is established in accordance with a memorandum of understanding executed under Texas Family Code §264.403, that operates local children's advocacy center programs.

(2) Local children's advocacy center program--A local program that:

(A) assesses victims of child abuse or neglect to determine needed services and provides the needed services;

(B) provides a facility at which a multidisciplinary team can meet to facilitate the disposition of child abuse cases; and

(C) coordinates the activities of governmental entities in relation to child abuse investigations and the delivery of services.

(3) Multidisciplinary team--A team of individuals composed in accordance with Texas Family Code §264.406 that works within a local children's advocacy center in accordance with the protocols outlined in Texas Family Code §264.4031 to review child abuse cases with the intent of coordinating the activities of entities involved in child abuse investigation and prosecution and in the provision of victim services.

(4) Statewide children's advocacy center organization--The entity with which HHSC contracts under Texas Family Code §264.409 and §377.207 of this subchapter (relating to Contract with Statewide Children's Advocacy Center Organization).

Source Note: The provisions of this §377.201 adopted to be effective July 11, 2017, 42 TexReg 3477; amended to be effective July 22, 2020, 45 TexReg 4965