District attorney, Department of Family Services teaming up
The Clark County district attorney's office is now representing the Department of Family Services in child abuse and neglect cases.
Both agencies appear in court when children are removed from their homes after allegations of abuse or neglect.
Previously, both agencies appeared separately in court on behalf of the public.
The new relationship is the model preferred by the American Bar Association.
There are more than 15,000 reports of child abuse and neglect countywide annually.
Family Services oversees children who are abused, neglected or require foster care. More than 3,000 children are in the child welfare system at any given time, according to department statistics.
Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 383-0440.
