(a)
(1) During the course of any child maltreatment investigation, whether conducted by the Department of Human Services or the Division of Arkansas State Police, the Department of Human Services shall assess the health and safety of a child who is subject to the child maltreatment investigation and determine whether or not custody under this subchapter is required.
(2) If the Division of Arkansas State Police is the investigative agency, it shall disclose information as needed for the Department of Human Services to assess the health and safety of a child subject to the child maltreatment investigation and determine whether or not custody under this subchapter is required.
(b) The child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern in determining whether or not to exercise custody under this subchapter.