Statutes | Menominee Tribal Code Part II Chapter 278 Article I ยง 278-6 | 2020

A. 
The Department shall:
(1) 
Help build healthy families using a trauma-responsive approach and holistic services to meet the self-identified needs of Indian families.
(2) 
Receive from any source oral or written information regarding alleged abused or neglected children and, when appropriate, arrange for temporary out-of-home placement for such children on a twenty-four-hour basis.
(3) 
Upon receipt of an initial report or information alleging abused or neglected children:
(a) 
Notify and coordinate with law enforcement throughout the investigation when criminal referrals are made
(b) 
Conduct a thorough screening and investigation that shall include a determination of the nature, extent, and cause of any condition which is contrary to the childs best interests and the name, age, and condition of other children in the home.
(4) 
Take a child into temporary protective custody if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is suffering from illness or injury or is in immediate danger from his/her surroundings and that his/her removal is necessary.
(5) 
The Department shall cooperate with the law enforcement when it is necessary to remove a child from the custody of his/her parent(s), guardian(s), or caretaker(s).
(6) 
During the investigation, evaluate and assess the home environment of the child or children in the same home and the risk to such children if they continue to be subjected to the existing home environment, and all other facts or matters found to be pertinent. The Department shall determine whether any of such children is a child in need of protective services.
(7) 
Make reasonable and active efforts, to prevent the need for removal of the child from the family, and offer culturally competent services to the family of any child determined to be a child in need of protective services.
(8) 
If the Department in its assessment finds that Court intervention is warranted, it shall refer the matter to the Prosecutor.
B. 
The Department may cooperate with such state and community agencies as are necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter. The Department may negotiate working agreements with other jurisdictions, subject to ratification by the Menominee Tribal Legislature.
C. 
Administrative rules and policies shall be promulgated to carry out the objectives and provisions of this chapter and the responsibilities of the Department.
D. 
The Department shall maintain records in accordance with their record retention policy.