Chapter 5.30
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SOCIAL SEVICES

Sections:

5.30.010    Role of Tribal Social Services Department.

5.30.020    Access to investigate – Court order.

5.30.030    Intervention by the Tribe.

5.30.010 Role of Tribal Social Services Department.

The Tribal Social Services Department shall:

A. Receive reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elders or vulnerable adults;

B. Investigate reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elders or vulnerable adults;

C. Coordinate with Tribal law enforcement to ensure that any matters which may be criminal in nature are promptly referred to Tribal law enforcement for investigation;

D. Assist Tribal law enforcement, upon request, with cases under investigation;

E. Work with Tribal law enforcement and/or other Tribal agencies, family members, and non-Tribal agencies to ensure that appropriate protective services are provided to the elder or vulnerable adult;

F. Accept referrals from Tribal law enforcement in cases where there is insufficient evidence to refer the case for criminal prosecution and where a civil remedy would be more effective in protecting the elder or vulnerable adult;

G. Develop a plan to assist elders and vulnerable adults and their families to prevent further abuse, neglect or exploitation. This plan may be in the form of a contract between the parties or a recommendation to the Court for a Court-ordered plan;

H. Prepare reports and appear in Court as required under this division;

I. Coordinate and communicate with all agencies and departments involved in the protection of elders or vulnerable adults;

J. Serve as temporary, limited guardian or temporary protective payee for an elder or vulnerable adult, pending appointment of a lay or professional guardian or protective payee. [Res. 2020-1.]

5.30.020 Access to investigate – Court order.

A. If an individual or entity denies or prevents access to Social Services of documents, records, or other information relevant to an investigation of suspected or alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation of an elder or vulnerable adult, Social Services may seek an order from the Court to prevent interference with the investigation, or a subpoena to compel the individual or entity to provide documents, records, or other information.

B. Access to investigate criminal matters by Tribal law enforcement shall be governed by the criminal laws and procedures of the Chehalis Tribe. [Res. 2020-1.]

5.30.030 Intervention by the Tribe.

The Tribe shall be permitted to intervene in any matter filed pursuant to this division where doing so is necessary to preserve and protect the elder’s or vulnerable adult’s health, safety, or welfare, or where Social Services or another Tribal program has been requested to provide resources, services, or investigation. The scope of the Tribe’s party status may be limited to those issues identified by the Court to require input or participation by Social Services or another Tribal program. [Res. 2020-1.]