Joint investigation is most likely to occur in cases of child sexual abuse and child fatalities and sometimes in cases of severe physical abuse and neglect. Joint investigation teams can expedite treatment since they focus on child abuse as a social problem (CPS workers) and as a crime (law enforcement). The role of law enforcement in joint investigations is substantial, especially since police services are available 24 hours a day. CPS workers are also significantly involved in receiving and investigating reports of suspected child abuse. Law enforcement and CPS personnel may have differing points of view, however, as to what represents an acceptable environment for the child. For example, police officers lean toward removing the child from the family and terminating parental rights, while CPS workers focus on rehabilitating the family. Joint investigation participants must be educated about the role of each profession in order to make joint investigation teams work effectively. Communication and training are essential, and treatment and intervention professionals should be separate from investigators in most cases. The effectiveness of joint investigation teams in Virginia is discussed.