A member of the MDT may, upon a showing of good cause, request
a court order for a medical evaluation of a suspected protected child.
SSU or law enforcement is empowered to obtain an emergency medical
evaluation without a court order if the child's life or limb
is seriously endangered and a court order cannot reasonably be obtained.
In instances where a sexual assault(s) is alleged and upon request
from any member of the MDT, the child's caregiver or custodian
will seek a sexual assault exam. A court order requiring a sexual
assault exam may be sought in the event that a caregiver or custodian
refuses to seek a sexual assault exam within twenty-four (24) hours
of the request by the MDT.
A physician will, upon completion of a medical evaluation, immediately
report the results to the SSU, law enforcement and the Court. A physician's
written report will contain summaries of medical findings, results
of evaluations and a detailed report of any diagnostic tools used
to reach the findings.
The Court may, upon a clear showing that probable cause exists
to determine that a child meets the definition of an abused or neglected
child, order investigation and discovery, including, but not limited
to, taking of photographs, gathering physical evidence, and examinations
or evaluations of a child, parent, guardian or custodian, conducted
by a physician, dentist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Such orders
may be issued ex parte under compelling circumstances.
