(a) If a parent or other person refuses to cooperate with the department’s investigation of the alleged abuse or neglect of a child and the refusal poses a risk to the child’s safety, the department shall seek assistance from the appropriate attorney with responsibility for representing the department as provided by § 264.009 to obtain a court order as described by § 261.303.
(b) A person’s failure to report to an agency authorized to investigate abuse or neglect of a child within a reasonable time after receiving proper notice constitutes a refusal by the person to cooperate with the department’s investigation. A summons may be issued to locate the person.