Complaints and Investigations

(a) The department shall respond to any complaint that meets the following conditions:

(1) The alleged violation occurred not more than 6 months prior to the date the department was made aware of the allegation;

(2) The complaint is based upon the complainant’s first-hand knowledge regarding the allegation or on information reported directly to the complainant by a child who has first-hand knowledge regarding the allegation;

(3) There is sufficient specific information for the department to determine that the allegation, if proven to be true, would constitute a violation of any of the provisions of He-C 6917; or

(4) The complaint is received from any source and alleges a violation that occurred at any time if the complaint alleges:

a. Physical injury or abuse;

b. Verbal or emotional abuse; or

c. The danger of physical injury to one or more children.

(b) A complaint investigation shall be conducted when the department receives a complaint which meets the conditions specified in (a) above and which contains an allegation of violation of He-C 6917.