A. Reports alleging neglect or abuse shall be referred to the department, which shall conduct an investigation to determine the best interests of the child with regard to any action to be taken. The name and information regarding the person making the report shall not be disclosed absent the consent of the informant or a court order.

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B. If a report alleging neglect or abuse meets the criteria established pursuant to Section 32A-4-4.1 N.M. Stat. Ann., the department may assign the case to the multilevel response system.

C. During the investigation of a report alleging neglect or abuse, the matter may be referred to another appropriate agency and conferences may be conducted for the purpose of effecting adjustments or agreements that will obviate the necessity for filing a petition. A representative of the department shall, at the initial time of contact with the party subject to the investigation, advise the party of the reports or allegations made, in a manner that is consistent with laws protecting the rights of the informant. The parties shall be advised of their basic rights and no party may be compelled to appear at any conference, to produce any papers or to visit any place. The investigation shall be completed within a reasonable period of time from the date the report was made.

D. After completion of the investigation on a neglect or abuse report, the department shall either recommend or refuse to recommend the filing of a petition.

E. When a child is taken into custody, the department shall file a petition within three days, unless the provisions of Subsection F of Section 32A-4-7 N.M. Stat. Ann. apply, in which case the petition shall be filed within five days.

F. When the department files a petition, it shall simultaneously provide to the office of family representation and advocacy, and if a child is an Indian child, to the child’s Indian nation, tribe or pueblo:

(1)     the petition;

(2)     the name, telephone numbers and addresses of each respondent; and

(3)     the names, dates of birth and placement information for each child who is a subject of the petition, including:

(a) the type of placement; and

(b) the name, telephone number and address for the person or entity that holds the license for each child’s placement.

G. If a petition is not filed in a timely manner, the child shall be released to the child’s parent, guardian or custodian.