41-3-130. Implementation of certification requirement for child protection investigators and child reunification specialists. (1) (a) The department shall engage and collaborate with an external organization to develop a child welfare certification and training program, including a competency examination, that must be an ongoing component of the department's child welfare work.

(b) The program and examination must be reevaluated every 2 years to ensure that they:

(i) reflect current trends, research, and developments in the law; and

(ii) promote evidence-based or evidence-informed practices.

(2) A person hired by the department for a child-facing position shall become a certified child protection investigator or a certified child reunification specialist pursuant to 41-3-127 through 41-3-130 within 1 year of the date of hire.

(3) For the purpose of this section, "child-facing position" means an employee role under this chapter that involves regular interaction with minors, including but not limited to investigating reports of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment and coordinating reunification services.