(a) Abuse and/or neglect investigation findings shall be reported to the Justice Center within 50 days from the date of the Justice Center accepting a report of an allegation of abuse or neglect. Exceptions to the completion of an investigation within 50 days are permitted only with documented good cause, submission of all investigatory information to the Justice Center, and at the approval of the Justice Center.

(b) A facility or provider agency shall commence an immediate and thorough review of an alleged report of a significant incident upon receipt of notice from the Office of Children and Family Services that such report has been accepted by the Vulnerable Persons’ Central Register.

(c) Appropriate precautions should be made to secure the safety and health of all service recipients if the allegations in a reportable incident warrant such measure or if the allegations are of such a nature law enforcement should be notified.

(d) Upon notification that a report of abuse, neglect and/or a significant incident has been made to the Justice Center with respect to a vulnerable person, the director of the facility or provider agency or his or her designee shall evaluate the situation and immediately take appropriate action to protect the health and safety of the vulnerable person involved in the report and of any other vulnerable persons similarly situated in the facility, provider agency or program. Additional action shall be taken whenever necessary to prevent future incidents of abuse, neglect or significant incidents. Any action taken should cause as little disruption as possible to the daily routines of the vulnerable persons in the facility, provider agency or program. The following alternatives shall be considered in determining the course of action that will be taken with regard to a specific incident of alleged abuse, neglect or significant incident:

(e) When relevant, appropriate and feasible, investigations of reportable incidents shall include a medical examination of the vulnerable person named in the incident.

(f) Witnesses to the reportable incident shall be identified and interviewed in as private an environment as possible. Interviews of witnesses should be conducted separately by qualified, objective individuals. Interviews of vulnerable persons should be conducted by individuals with an understanding of the vulnerable persons’ individual needs and/or capabilities. To the extent possible confidentiality should be maintained, except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, during the course of the investigation.

(g) Investigations shall consist of a review of all pertinent information including but not limited to records, photographs, videos, observations of incident scene, and/or expert assessments.

(h) Investigations shall include the documentation and retention of physical evidence if any, which shall be given to the facility or agency provider’s executive or other appropriate person for safeguarding. Such facility or agency provider’s executive or other appropriate person should develop a plan and protocol for the safeguarding of any physical evidence received during an investigation and shall keep such evidence in a secure location, as provided for in such plan.

(i) Investigations shall include detailed written documentation of each step taken in the investigative process.

(j) Investigative findings shall be stated in writing referencing the supporting documentation and/or evidence obtained.

(k) Significant incidents shall be investigated and findings reported to the Justice Center within 60 days from the date of referral of the report to OCFS. Facilities or provider agencies shall follow all applicable regulations, rules, policies and/or guidelines established by the Justice Center and the Office of Children and Family Services governing significant incidents.