Child Welfare Information Gateway

Children’s Bureau/ACYF/ACF/HHS

1250 Maryland Avenue, SW

Eighth Floor

Washington, DC 20024

800.394.3366

Email: info@childwelfare.gov

https://www.childwelfare.gov

STATE 

STATUTES

Current Through 

June 2013

Disclosure of 

Confidential 

Child Abuse and 

Neglect Records

To find statute information for a 

particular State, go to 

https://www.childwelfare.gov/

systemwide/laws_policies/state/

Records of child abuse and neglect reports are 

maintained by State child protection or social 

services agencies to aid in the investigation, 

treatment, and prevention of child abuse cases and 

to maintain statistical information for staffing and 

funding purposes. In many States, these records 

and the results of investigations are maintained in 

databases, which often are called central registries.1

The type of information contained in registries and 

in the department records varies from State to State, 

as does accessibility to the information.

1	 The records referred to are maintained by State child protection

agencies and are not the same as those accessed during a criminal

history records check. Criminal histories are records of convictions

maintained by the criminal justice system.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

2 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Confidentiality 

of Records

Among the requirements for receiving Federal funding under 

the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), 

States must preserve the confidentiality of all child abuse and 

neglect reports and records to protect the privacy rights of the 

child and of the child’s parents or guardians except in certain 

limited circumstances.2

 All jurisdictions have confidentiality 

provisions to protect abuse and neglect records from public 

scrutiny. Confidentiality provisions mandate that such records 

are confidential, and many include specific mechanisms for 

protecting them from public view.

Persons 

or Entities 

Allowed Access 

to Records

Most jurisdictions permit certain persons access to registry and 

department records. In general, these people have a direct 

interest in a case, in the child’s welfare, or in providing protective 

or treatment services. Many statutes specifically describe who 

may access the records and under what circumstances. Typically, 

persons entitled to access are physicians and medical examiners; 

researchers; police; judges and other court personnel; the 

person who is the subject of a report; a person who was an 

alleged child victim; and the parent, guardian, attorney, or 

guardian ad litem of an alleged victim who is a minor.

In approximately 28 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, 

Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, information from a 

record may be shared with placing agencies or treatment 

providers as needed to provide appropriate care for a child.3

In 21 States and Puerto Rico, the person or agency that 

made the initial report of suspected abuse or neglect may be 

provided with a summary of the outcome of the investigation.4

In approximately 21 States and Guam, a prospective foster or 

adoptive parent is provided with information from the records 

in order to help the parent in meeting the needs of the child.5

 In 

2	 42 U.S.C.A. § 5106a(b)(2)(B)(viii)-(x) (LexisNexis 2013).

3	 The word “approximately” is used to stress the fact that States frequently amend their

laws. This information is current through June 2013. The States that provide information

to placing agencies and treatment providers include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California,

Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine,

Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode

Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

4	 Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maine,

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire,

New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.

5	 Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine,

Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma,

Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

3 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

28 States and the District of Columbia, public agencies in other 

States are permitted access to information related to their child 

protection duties.6

 Information about an Indian child may be 

shared with the child’s Tribe in seven States.7

When Public 

Disclosure 

of Records Is 

Allowed

Under most circumstances, information from child abuse 

and neglect records may not be disclosed to the public. In 

approximately 33 States and the District of Columbia, however, 

some disclosure of information is allowed in cases in which 

abuse or neglect of the child has resulted in a fatality or 

near fatality.8

 In North Carolina and Oklahoma, the alleged 

perpetrator of the abuse must be criminally charged with 

causing the fatality or near fatality before information may be 

disclosed. Georgia and South Carolina require public disclosure 

of information when a child in State custody has died.

Approximately 14 States allow disclosure of information for the 

purpose of clarifying or correcting the record when information 

has already been made public through another source, such 

as disclosure by the subject of the report, a law enforcement 

agency, or the court.9

 In six States, public disclosure is allowed 

when a suspected perpetrator of any act of abuse or neglect 

has been arrested or criminally charged.10 In 16 States and 

the District of Columbia, information that could compromise a 

criminal investigation or prosecution is not disclosed.11

6	 Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois,

Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South

Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

7	 Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

8	 Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,

Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi,

Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania,

Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,

9	 Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,

Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New York, and South Carolina.

10 Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, and New York.

11 Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska,

Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and

Texas.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

4 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Use of 

Records for 

Employment 

Screening

Central registry and department records are used increasingly 

to screen adults for various employment or volunteer positions. 

Approximately 30 States and the District of Columbia allow or 

require a check of central registry or department records for 

individuals applying to be child care or youth care providers.12

Information is made available to employers in the child care 

business, schools, or health-care industry. However, it is 

generally limited to whether there are substantiated or indicated 

reports of child maltreatment for potential employees or 

volunteers who will have significant contact with children.

Four States allow parents to check the records of child abuse 

and neglect for a provider of child care to help them determine 

whether to hire that provider to care for their child.13

This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series 

prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While 

every attempt has been made to be complete, additional 

information on these topics may be in other sections of a 

State’s code as well as agency regulations, case law, and 

informal practices and procedures.

Suggested Citation:

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Disclosure of 

confidential child abuse and neglect records. Washington, 

DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Children’s Bureau.

12 Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana,

Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New

Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota,

Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

13 Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and New Jersey.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

5 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Alabama 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 26-14-8

The reports and records of child abuse and neglect and related information or testimony shall be confidential and shall 

not be used or disclosed for any purposes other than specified in statute.

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 26-14-8

Disclosure of child abuse reports or records shall be limited to:

• Police or other law enforcement agency for investigation of child abuse or neglect 

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business 

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 

• Any person authorized by a court to act as a representative for an abused or neglected child who is the subject of 

a report 

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected 

• An attorney or guardian ad litem in representing or defending a child or the child’s parents or guardians in a court 

proceeding related to abuse or neglect of the child 

• Federal, State, or local governmental entities or social service agencies of another State that have a need for the 

information in order to carry out their responsibilities 

• Child abuse citizen review, quality assurance, or multidisciplinary review panels 

• Child fatality review panels 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 26-14-8

Public disclosure of the findings or information about the case of child abuse or neglect [is permitted when the case] 

has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. Information identifying by name persons other than the victim shall not be 

disclosed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 26-14-8

Reports or records in cases determined to be ‘not indicated’ shall not be used or disclosed for purposes of employment 

or other background checks.

The names of persons or information in the investigative report placed on the State’s central registry may be made 

available to the alleged perpetrator’s employer, prospective employer, or others when the Department of Human 

Resources or the investigative hearing officer has determined child abuse or neglect to be indicated.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

6 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Alaska 

Confidentiality of Records

Alaska Stat. §§ 47.17.040; 47.10.093

Investigation reports and reports of harm filed under this chapter are considered confidential and are not subject to 

public inspection. 

Except as permitted in this section and § 47.10.092, all information and social records pertaining to a child who is subject 

to this chapter or chapter 47.17 prepared by or in the possession of a Federal, State, or municipal agency or employee in 

the discharge of the agency’s or employee’s official duty are privileged and may not be disclosed directly or indirectly to 

anyone without a court order. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Alaska Stat. § 47.10.093

An agency or employee shall disclose appropriate confidential information regarding a case to:

• A guardian ad litem

• A person or agency requested by the department or the child’s custodian to provide consultation or services for a 

child

• An out-of-home care provider as necessary to enable the provider to provide appropriate care to the child

• A school official as necessary to enable the school to provide appropriate counseling and support services to a 

child who is the subject of the case

• A government agency as necessary to obtain that agency’s assistance to the department in its investigation or to 

obtain physical custody of a child

• A law enforcement agency of this or another State as necessary for the protection of any child

• A member of a multidisciplinary child protection team

• The State medical examiner

• A person who made a report of harm to inform the person of the status of the investigation

• The child support services agency as necessary to establish and collect child support

• A parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child as necessary to protect the safety of a child

• A review panel established by the department for the purpose of reviewing the actions taken by the department 

in a specific case

• The University of Alaska under the Alaska higher education savings program for children but only to the extent 

that the information is necessary to support the program

• A licensed child-placing agency as necessary to provide services for a child who is the subject of the case

• A State or municipal agency of this or another State that is responsible for delinquent minors, as may be necessary 

for the administration of services, protection, rehabilitation, or supervision of a child
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

7 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Alaska Stat. § 47.10.093 

The Commissioner of Health and Social Services or his or her designee may disclose to the public, upon request, 

confidential information when:

• The parent or guardian of a child who is the subject of one or more reports of harm under chapter 47.17 has made 

a public disclosure concerning the department’s involvement with the family.

• The alleged perpetrator named in one or more reports of harm has been charged with a crime concerning the 

alleged abuse or neglect.

• Abuse or neglect has resulted in the fatality or near fatality of a child who is the subject of one or more reports of 

harm.

The department may publicly disclose information pertaining to a child or an alleged perpetrator named in a report of 

harm, a household member of the child, or the alleged perpetrator if the information relates to a determination, if any, 

made by the department regarding the nature and validity of a report of harm or to the department’s activities arising 

from the department’s investigation of the report. The commissioner or the commissioner’s designee: 

• Shall withhold disclosure of the child’s name, picture, or other information that would readily lead to the 

identification of the child if the department determines that the disclosure would be contrary to the best interests 

of the child, the child’s siblings, or other children in the child’s household

• After consultation with a prosecuting attorney, shall withhold disclosure of information that would reasonably be 

expected to interfere with a criminal investigation or proceeding or a criminal defendant’s right to a fair trial in a 

criminal proceeding

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

American Samoa 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 45.2023

Reports made under this chapter, as well as any other information obtained, reports written, or photographs taken 

concerning those reports that are in the possession of the department and agency are confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code §§ 45.2023; 45.2024

Reports are made available only to:

• The attorney general at all times 

• A physician who reasonably believes that a child may have been abused, sexually abused, or neglected 

• A person authorized to place a child in protective custody when that person requires the information to determine 

whether to place the child in protective custody 

• An agency that has responsibility for the care or supervision of the subject of a report 

• Any person who is the subject of a report 

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research

A child who is the subject of a report may access his or her record only after he or she has reached age 18, and his or her 

sibling or offspring is a suspected victim of child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

8 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Arizona 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. § 8-807

Child Protective Services (CPS) information shall be maintained by the Department of Economic Security as required by 

Federal law. 

If the department receives information that is confidential by law, the department shall maintain the confidentiality of the 

information as prescribed in the applicable law. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 8-807

If there is a reasonable need for the CPS information, the department may provide the information to:

• A Federal, State, Tribal, county, or municipal agency

• A law enforcement agency or prosecutor

• An attorney or a guardian ad litem representing a child victim

• A school

• A community or contract service provider or any other person providing services

• A court

• A party in a dependency or termination of parental rights proceeding or the party’s attorney

• The foster care review board

• A court-appointed special advocate

• A person who is the subject of the information

• A person who is conducting bona fide research 

• The parent, guardian, or custodian of a child if the information is reasonably necessary to promote the safety, 

permanency, and well-being of the child

• A medical examiner directing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a death

• Federal or State auditors

• Persons conducting any accreditation deemed necessary by the department

• A legislative committee for purposes of conducting investigations related to the legislative oversight of the 

department

• A legislator who requests CPS information in the regular course of his or her duties

• A citizen review panel, a child fatality review team, and the Office of Ombudsman-Citizen’s Aide

The department shall provide the person who conducts a forensic medical evaluation with any records the person 

requests, including social history and family history regarding the child, the child’s siblings, and the child’s parents or 

guardians.

The department shall provide CPS information on request to a prospective adoptive parent, foster parent, or guardian if 

the information concerns a child the prospective adoptive parent, foster parent, or guardian seeks to adopt or provide 

care for. 

A person who is the subject of an unfounded report or complaint, and who believes that the report or complaint was 

made in bad faith or with malicious intent may petition a judge of the superior court to order the department to release 

the CPS information. The petition shall specifically set forth reasons supporting the person’s belief that the report or 

complaint was made in bad faith or with malicious intent. The court shall review the CPS information in camera and the 

person filing the petition shall be allowed to present evidence in support of the petition. If the court determines that 

there is a reasonable question of fact as to whether the report or complaint was made in bad faith or with malicious 

intent and that disclosure of the identity of the person making the report or complaint would not be likely to endanger 

the life or safety of the person making the report or complaint, it shall provide a copy of the CPS information to the 

person filing the petition. The original CPS information will then be subject to discovery in a subsequent civil action 

regarding the making of the report or complaint.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

9 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Rev. Stat. § 8-807

A person may authorize the release of CPS information about the person but may not waive the confidentiality of CPS 

information concerning any other person. The department may provide a summary of the outcome of a child protective 

services investigation to the person who reported the suspected child abuse or neglect. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. § 8-807(F)

The department may provide CPS information to confirm, clarify, or correct information concerning an allegation or 

actual instance of child abuse or neglect that has been made public by sources outside the department.

The department shall promptly provide CPS information to the public regarding a case of child abuse, abandonment, or 

neglect that has resulted in a fatality or near fatality as follows:

• The department shall provide preliminary information including:

» The name; age; and city, town, or general location of residence of the child who has suffered a near fatality or 

fatality

» The fact that a child suffered a near fatality or fatality as the result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect

» The name; age; and city, town, or general location of residence of the alleged perpetrator, if available

» Whether there have been reports or any current or past cases of abuse, abandonment, or neglect involving the 

child and the current alleged abusive or neglectful parent, guardian, or custodian

» Actions taken by child protective services in response to the fatality or near fatality of the child

• On request by any person, the department shall promptly provide additional CPS information to the requestor. 

Before releasing additional CPS information, the department shall promptly notify the county attorney, and the 

county attorney shall promptly inform the department if it believes the release would cause a specific, material 

harm to a criminal investigation.

• On request, the department shall continue to provide CPS information promptly to the public about a fatality or 

near fatality unless, after consultation with the county attorney, the county attorney demonstrates that release of 

particular CPS information would cause a specific, material harm to a criminal investigation.

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. § 8-804

Information contained in the central registry shall be used by the department only for the following purposes: 

• To conduct background checks as one factor to determine qualifications for foster home licensing, adoptive 

parent certification, child care home certification, registration of unregulated child care homes with the child care 

resource and referral system, and home and community-based services certification for services to children 

• To conduct background checks as one factor to determine qualifications for persons applying for employment 

with this State in positions that provide direct service to children or vulnerable adults and persons applying for 

contracts with this State, including employees of the potential contractor, for positions that provide direct service 

to children or vulnerable adults
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

10 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Arkansas 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 12-18-909

True reports of child maltreatment are confidential and may be disclosed only as provided in this chapter. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 12-18-909

The Department of Human Services may provide information, including protected health information, to a person or 

agency that provides services such as medical examination of, an assessment interview with, diagnosis of, care for, 

treatment of, or supervision of a victim of maltreatment, a juvenile offender, or an underaged juvenile aggressor.

A report made under this chapter that is determined to be true, as well as any other information obtained, including 

protected health information and the administrative hearing decision, and a report written or photograph or radiological 

procedure taken concerning a true report in the possession of the department shall be confidential and shall be made 

available only to:

• The administration of the adoption, foster care, children’s and adult protective services programs, or child care 

licensing programs of any State

• A Federal, State, or local government entity having a need for the information to protect children from abuse or 

neglect

• Any person who is the subject of a true report

• A civil or administrative proceeding connected with the administration of the Arkansas Child Welfare State Plan 

when the court or hearing officer determines that the information is necessary for the determination of an issue 

before the court or agency

• Any government agency conducting an audit

• A person, agency, or organization engaged in a bona fide research or evaluation project

• A properly constituted authority, including multidisciplinary teams, investigating a report of known or suspected 

child abuse or neglect or providing services to a child or family that is the subject of a report

• Child abuse citizen panels or child fatality review panels as authorized by the department

• A grand jury or court upon a finding that information in the record is necessary for the determination of an issue 

before the court or grand jury 

• The current foster parents of a child who is a subject of a report

• Acting in their official capacities, individual U.S. and Arkansas senators and representatives and their authorized 

staff

• The child’s court-appointed special advocate or attorney ad litem

• Any person or entity to whom notification was provided under this chapter

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code §§ 12-18-1101 through 12-18-1108

When an investigation is pending on a report of a fatality or near fatality of a child, the department shall release the 

following information to the general public:

• Age, race, and gender of the child

• Date of the fatality or near fatality

• The preliminary cause of the death or near fatality

• County and type of placement of the child at the time of the incident

• The relationship of the alleged offender to the child

• The agency conducting the investigation

• Legal action taken by the department

• Services offered or provided by the department presently and in the past

• In the case of a fatality, the name of the child
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

11 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed (Continued)

Ann. Code §§ 12-18-1101 through 12-18-1108 

If an investigation of a child death has been completed, the department shall release the following information to the 

general public when the report is determined to be true:

• A summary of previous child maltreatment investigations

• A summary of the current child maltreatment investigation, including:

» The nature and extent of the child’s present and past injuries

» Medical information pertaining to the death

» The name of the offender if due process has been satisfied or the offender has been arrested

• All relevant risk and safety assessments completed on the child

• Information about criminal charges, if known

• Any action taken by the department or the State police, including personnel and licensing actions

When the investigative determination is unsubstantiated, the summary of the current investigation shall include medical 

information pertaining to the death; however, the name of the alleged offender shall not be disclosed.

For a report of a near fatality of a child, the department shall release a nonidentifying summary of the current and any 

previous investigations.

The department shall not release:

• Information on siblings of the child

• Attorney-client communications

• Any information that would jeopardize a criminal investigation

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 12-18-909

A report that is determined to be true, as well as any other information obtained, shall be made available to:

• The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and the child care facility owner or operator who 

requested registry information about a person who is a volunteer, has applied for employment, is currently 

employed, or is the owner or operator of a child care facility, for the purpose of providing registry background 

information

• An employer or volunteer agency for purposes of screening an employee, applicant, or volunteer who is or will be 

working with children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or individuals with mental illness 

• The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Division of Aging and Adult Services as to participants 

of the waiver program

• The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education for purposes of enforcement of licensing laws and 

regulations

• Any licensing or registering authority to the extent necessary to carry out its official responsibilities

• To the extent necessary to carry out a responsibility to ensure that children are protected while in the school 

environment or during off-campus school activities:

» A school district superintendent or other district-level administrator

» A public school principal or other building-level administrator

» Another person or organization designated by a public school or school district to organize volunteers for the 

public school or school district upon the submission of a signed, notarized release from the volunteer

» The Department of Education

The registry shall release only the following information on true reports:

• That the employee, applicant, or volunteer has a true report

• The date that the investigation was completed

• The type of true report
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

12 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

California 

Confidentiality of Records

Penal Code § 11167.5

Reports shall be confidential and may be disclosed only as provided by law. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Penal Code §§ 11167.5; 11170; 11170.5

Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect may be disclosed only to the following:

• Persons or agencies to whom disclosure of the identity of the reporting party is permitted under § 11167

• Persons or agencies to whom disclosure of information is permitted under § 11170(b) or § 11170.5(a)

• Persons or agencies with whom investigations of child abuse or neglect are coordinated

• Multidisciplinary personnel teams

• Hospital scan teams 

• Coroners and medical examiners when conducting a post mortem examination of a child

• The Board of Parole Hearings when parole revocation proceedings are pending against a parolee charged with 

child abuse or neglect

• Personnel from an agency responsible for placing a child

• Persons who have been listed in the Child Abuse Central Index

• Out-of-State law enforcement agencies conducting an investigation of child abuse or neglect

• Out-of-State agencies responsible for approving prospective foster or adoptive parents or relative caregivers for 

placement of a child

• County child death review teams

Authorized persons within county health departments shall be permitted to receive copies of any reports made by health 

practitioners.

When a report is made, the investigating agency, upon completion of the investigation, shall inform the mandated 

reporter of the results of the investigation.

The Department of Justice shall make available to a law enforcement agency, county welfare department, or county 

probation department that is conducting a child abuse investigation, relevant information contained in the index. The 

department shall make available to investigative agencies, probation officers, or court investigators responsible for 

placing children or assessing the possible placement of children information regarding a known or suspected child 

abuser contained in the index concerning any adult residing in the home where the child may be placed, when this 

information is requested for purposes of ensuring that the placement is in the best interests of the child. 

The Department of Justice shall make available to a licensed adoption agency information regarding a known or 

suspected child abuser maintained in the index concerning any person who has submitted to the agency an application 

for adoption. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

13 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Penal Code §§ 11167.5; 11170

The Department of Justice shall make information from the Index available to:

• Persons or agencies responsible for the licensing of facilities that care for children

• The State Department of Social Services or any county licensing agency when an individual has applied for a 

community care license or child daycare license, or for employment in an out-of-home care facility, or when a 

complaint alleges child abuse or neglect by an operator or employee of an out-of-home care facility

• The State Department of Social Services, any county licensing agency duties, a Tribal court, Tribal child welfare 

agency, consortium of Tribes, or Tribal organization, particularly with regard to information about any person who 

is an applicant for licensure, any adult who resides or is employed in the home of an applicant for licensure, or a 

person who is an applicant for employment in a position having supervisorial or disciplinary power over a child or 

children or who will provide 24-hour care for a child or children in a residential home or facility

• A court-appointed special advocate program that is conducting a background investigation of an applicant 

seeking employment with the program or a volunteer position as a court-appointed special advocate

• A government agency conducting a background investigation of an applicant seeking employment as a peace 

officer

Colorado 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. § 19-1-307

Except as otherwise provided by law, reports of child abuse or neglect and the name and address of any child, family, 

or informant, or any other identifying information contained in such reports, shall be confidential and shall not be public 

information.

Disclosure of the name and address of the child and family and other identifying information involved in such reports 

shall be permitted only when authorized by a court for good cause. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 19-1-307

Except as otherwise provided in § 19-1-303, only the following entities shall be given access to records:

• A law enforcement agency, district attorney, coroner, or county or district department of social services

• A physician who suspects that a child is abused or neglected

• An agency that is caring for, treating, or supervising a child who is the subject of a report

• The child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian

• In the case of an anatomical gift, a coroner and a procurement organization

• A person named as the victim in a report or, if the subject child is a minor, his or her guardian ad litem

• A court when access to such records is necessary for determination of an issue before it

• Members of a child protection team

• Other persons as a court may determine, for good cause

• The Department of Human Services when requested by a county department, individual, or child-placing agency, 

for screening a prospective adoptive parent, family foster care parent, kinship care parent, or an adult residing in 

the home

• The Department of Human Services when requested by the Department of Education, to aid the Department of 

Education in its investigation of an allegation of abuse by a school district employee
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

14 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Rev. Stat. § 19-1-307

• The State Department of Human Services and the county departments, for the following purposes:

» Conducting evaluations pursuant to § 14-10-127

» Screening prospective adoptive parents

• Private adoption agencies, including agencies located in other States, for screening prospective adoptive parents

• A person or organization engaged in a bona fide research or evaluation project or audit

• County commissions, city councils, and citizen review panels

• State, county, or local government agencies and child-placing agencies located in other States, for screening 

prospective foster or adoptive parents

• The child protection ombudsman program when conducting an investigation

Information may be released to a mandatory reporter who is officially and professionally involved in the ongoing care 

of the child who was the subject of the report but only with regard to information that he or she has a need to know in 

order to fulfill his or her role in maintaining the child’s safety. The provision shall apply to: 

• Hospital personnel engaged in the admission, care, or treatment of children

• Mental health professionals

• Physicians, surgeons, nurses, or dentists 

• Psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, or marriage and family therapists

• School officials or employees

• Social workers or victims’ advocates

• Clergy members

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. § 19-1-307

Such disclosure shall not be prohibited when:

• There is a death of a suspected victim of child abuse or neglect, and the death becomes a matter of public record.

• An alleged juvenile offender is or was a victim of abuse or neglect.

• The suspected or alleged perpetrator becomes the subject of an arrest or the filing of a formal charge by a law 

enforcement agency.

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. § 19-1-307

The State Department of Human Services, a county or district department of social services, or a child-placing agency 

may access records when investigating an applicant for a license to operate a child care facility or agency.

Access to records is permitted when the State Department of Human Services is requested by any operator of a licensed 

facility or agency to check records of child abuse or neglect for the purpose of screening an applicant for employment or 

a current employee. 

The State Department of Human Services and county departments of social services may access records for the following 

purposes:

• Screening any person who seeks employment with, is currently employed by, or who volunteers for service 

with the State Department of Human Services, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, or a county 

department of social services if such person’s responsibilities include direct contact with children

• Screening any person who will be responsible to provide child care pursuant to a contract with a county 

department for placements out of the home or private child care

The State Department of Human Services may access records for the following purposes: 

• Investigating an applicant for a supervisory employee position or an employee of a guest child care facility or a 

public services short-term child care facility

• Investigating a prospective court-appointed special advocate volunteer

• Investigating an applicant for an employee or volunteer position with a licensed neighborhood youth organization
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

15 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Connecticut 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. §§ 17a-28; 17a-101k

Records maintained by the Department of Children and Families shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed unless 

the department receives written consent from the person or as provided in this section. Such records of any person may 

only be disclosed, in whole or in part, to any individual, agency, corporation, or organization with the consent of the 

person or as provided in this section.

The information contained in the child abuse registry and any other information relative to child abuse, wherever located, 

shall be confidential, subject to such statutes and regulations governing their use and access as shall conform to the 

requirements of Federal law and regulation. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 17a-28

The department shall disclose records without the consent of the person who is the subject of the record to:

• The person named in the record

• An employee of the department

• A guardian ad litem or attorney appointed to represent a child or youth

• The Attorney General, Child Advocate, Chief Public Defender, or Chief State’s Attorney

• A State or Federal law enforcement officer

• Any foster or prospective adoptive parent if the records pertain to a child or youth currently placed or being 

considered for placement with the foster or prospective adoptive parent

• The Governor, the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee, or other legislative committee that 

deals with matters relating to children

• The Department of Developmental Services to determine eligibility, facilitate enrollment, and plan for the 

provision of services to a child who is a client

• A judge as needed to conduct his or her official duties

• The Auditors of Public Accounts as needed to conduct audits

• A local or regional board of education, provided the records are limited to educational records 

• The Department of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of criminal history records checks

• The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the purpose of treatment planning for young adults 

who have transitioned from out-of-home placement 

• The superintendent of a public school district, the executive director or other head of a public or private institution 

for children providing care for children, or a private school

The department may disclose records without the consent of the person who is the subject of the record to:

• An employee or former employee of the department for purposes of participating in any court, administrative, or 

disciplinary proceeding

• Multidisciplinary teams

• A provider of professional services for a child, youth, or parent 

• An individual or agency under contract with the department for the purposes of identifying and assessing a 

potential foster or adoptive home for a child or youth

• A physician examining a child with respect to whom abuse or neglect is suspected

• An individual who made a report of abuse or neglect, provided the information disclosed is limited to the status of 

the investigation and, in general terms, the action taken by the department as a result of such investigation

• An individual or organization engaged in medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of an 

individual who has perpetrated abuse or neglect or who is unwilling or unable to protect a child or youth from 

abuse or neglect

• A court or public agency in another State or a federally recognized Indian Tribe that is responsible for investigating 

child abuse or neglect
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

16 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Stat. § 17a-28

• An individual conducting bona fide research

• An individual or agency involved in the collection of fees for services

• A law enforcement officer or State’s attorney if there is reasonable cause to believe that a child or youth is being 

or at risk of being abused or neglected as a result of any suspected criminal activity by any individual

• Any individual interviewed as part of an investigation

• Any individual for the purpose of locating such individual’s missing parent, child, or youth

• A judge of a court of competent jurisdiction whenever an employee of the department is subpoenaed and 

ordered to testify about such records for purposes of in camera inspection to determine if such records may be 

disclosed

• An individual who is not employed by the department who arranges, performs, or assists in performing functions 

or activities on behalf of the department, including but not limited to data analysis, processing, or administration, 

utilization reviews, quality assurance, practice management, consultation, data aggregation and accreditation 

services

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 17a-28

The department shall disclose records without the consent of the person who is the subject of the record to:

• Any individual when information concerning an incident of child abuse or neglect has been made public or the 

commissioner reasonably believes publication of such information is likely, provided such disclosure is limited to:

» Whether the department has received a report

» In general terms, any action taken by the department, provided:

à Names or other individually identifiable information of the child or other family members is not disclosed, 

regardless of whether such individually identifiable information is otherwise available.

à The name or other individually identifiable information of the person suspected to be responsible for the 

abuse or neglect is not disclosed, unless such person has been arrested for a crime due to such abuse or 

neglect.

» Confirmation or denial of the accuracy of information that has been made public

» In general terms, the legal status of the case

• Any individual when the information concerns an incident of abuse or neglect that resulted in a child or youth 

fatality or near fatality of a child or youth, provided disclosure of such information is in general terms and does not 

jeopardize a pending investigation

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 17a-28

The department shall disclose records without the consent of the person who is the subject of the record to:

• •he Department of Public Health for the purpose of:

» Determining the suitability of a person to care for children in a licensed facility 

» Determining the suitability of such person for licensure

» Conducting an investigation pursuant to § 19a-80f

• A State agency that licenses or certifies an individual to educate or care for children or youth

• The superintendent of schools for any school district for the purpose of determining the suitability of a person to 

be employed by the local or regional board of education

• The Department of Social Services for the purpose of determining the suitability of a person for payment from the 

department for providing child care
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

17 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Delaware 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 906

To protect the privacy of the family and the child named in a report, the division shall establish guidelines regarding the 

disclosure of information concerning abuse and neglect involving a child. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 906

The Division of Family Services may require persons to make written requests for access to records maintained by the 

division. 

The division shall release information only to persons who have a legitimate public safety need for such information 

or a need based on the health and safety of a child subject to abuse, neglect, or the risk of maltreatment, and such 

information shall be used only for the purpose for which the information is released. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 906; Tit. 31, § 323

In implementing the division’s role in the child protection system, the division shall ensure that every case of child 

death and every case of near death due to abuse or neglect is reported to the Child Death, Near Death, and Stillbirth 

Commission.

The commission shall have the power to investigate and review the facts and circumstances of all deaths and near 

deaths of children under age 18. The review of deaths involving criminal investigations will be delayed until the later of 

the conclusion of such investigation or the adjudication of related criminal charges, if any. The Commission shall release 

summary information and findings resulting from reviews of child deaths and near deaths due to abuse and neglect. Such 

release of information and findings shall occur at the completion of prosecution. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 906

In the event that a criminal prosecution for child sexual abuse or exploitation is initiated by the Department of Justice 

against a person employed by or associated with a facility or organization required to be licensed or whose staff 

personnel are required to be licensed and whose primary concern is that of child welfare and care, the attorney general 

shall notify such employer within 48 hours:

• Upon the return of an indictment charging such person with having committed at least one felony offense 

involving an allegation of child sexual abuse

• Upon an adjudication of guilt of such person for any misdemeanor or violation when such offense involved sexual 

abuse, in any degree, of a child under age 18
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

18 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

District of Columbia 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 4-1302.03

The staff that maintains the Child Protection Register shall release only that information that is necessary for the purpose 

of the request and that does not violate the confidentiality of the persons identified in the report except as is necessary. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code §§ 4-1302.03; 4-1302.04

The staff that maintains the Child Protection Register shall grant access to information contained in the register only to 

the following persons:

• Police officers for the purpose of investigating a report 

• The attorney general or the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for investigating and prosecuting cases of 

alleged child abuse or neglect

• The personnel of the agency and the Social Services Agency of the Superior Court for investigating a report or 

providing services to a family or child who is the subject of a report

• The guardian ad litem of a child who is the subject of a report 

• Each person identified in a report as a person responsible for the neglect of the child or that person’s attorney

• The parent, guardian, custodian, or attorney of the child who is the subject of the report

• A licensed child-placing agency for checking a proposed foster care or adoptive placement for a report of abuse 

or neglect 

• The Child Fatality Review Committee

• Any member of a multidisciplinary investigation team 

• Another jurisdiction if:

» That jurisdiction has comparable safeguards for ensuring the confidentiality of information regarding persons 

identified in the report and for withholding the identity of the source of the report. 

» The staff obtains permission for the release of the information from each person identified in the report and 

from the source of the report. 

• Medical professionals for the purpose of obtaining a diagnosis of the child who is the subject of the report 

• Researchers for research and evaluation 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 4-1303.32

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a disclosing official shall, upon written request by any person and may upon 

his or her own initiative, disclose to the public the findings and information related to a child fatality or near fatality 

except as provided below. 

This subsection shall not apply to the disclosure of any portion of the findings or information if disclosure of that portion 

would likely: 

• Endanger the life, physical safety, or physical or emotional well-being of the child who is the subject of the report, 

a sibling of the child, or a child who has shared the same household as the child 

• Endanger the life or physical safety of any person 

• Interfere with an ongoing law enforcement investigation or proceeding pertaining to the child fatality or near 

fatality 

• Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication 

• Disclose the identity of the reporter of the abuse or any confidential law enforcement source in a criminal 

proceeding pertaining to the child fatality or near fatality 

• Disclose the identity of a birth parent of a child, if the child has been adopted and there has been no contact 

between the child and the birth parent immediately prior to the fatality or near fatality 

• Disclose personal or private information 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

19 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 4-1302.03

The staff that maintains the Child Protection Register shall grant access to substantiated reports to the chief executive 

officers or directors of daycare centers, schools, or any public or private organizations working directly with children, 

for the purpose of making employment decisions regarding employees and volunteers or prospective employees and 

volunteers if:

• The request is made in writing and clearly articulates the basis for the request.

• The request is accompanied by a notarized consent for release of information from the Child Protection Register 

signed by the employee or volunteer or prospective employee or volunteer.

• Information provided pursuant to this subsection shall be limited to information pertaining to the nature and 

disposition of the report of abuse or neglect and shall not include any identifying information regarding any 

person other than the employee or volunteer or prospective employee or volunteer. 

The agency shall not release any information pursuant to this subsection pertaining to a substantiated report that was 

received prior to October 19, 2002. 

Florida 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 39.202

All records held by the Department of Children and Family Services concerning reports of child abandonment, abuse, or 

neglect, including reports made to the central abuse hotline and all records generated as a result of such reports, shall 

be confidential and exempt from the provisions of § 119.07(1) [allowing public records to be inspected and copied], and 

they shall not be disclosed except as specifically authorized by this chapter. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 39.202

Access to records shall be granted only to the following persons, officials, and agencies:

• Employees, authorized agents, or contract providers of the department, the Department of Health, the Agency for 

Persons with Disabilities, or county agencies responsible for carrying out: 

» Child or adult protective investigations

» Ongoing child or adult protective services 

» Healthy Start services 

» Services for victims of domestic violence 

• Employees or agents of the Department of Juvenile Justice responsible for the provision of services to children 

• Criminal justice agencies of appropriate jurisdiction 

• The State attorney of the judicial circuit in which the child resides or in which the alleged abuse or neglect 

occurred 

• The parent or legal custodian of any child who is alleged to have been abused, abandoned, or neglected; the 

child; and their attorneys 

• Any person alleged in the report as having caused the abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child 

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before the court 

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business 

• Any appropriate official of the department or Agency for Persons with Disabilities responsible for administration of 

programs 

• Any person who is engaged in bona fide research

• The Division of Administrative Hearings for purposes of any administrative challenge 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

20 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Stat. § 39.202

• Any appropriate official of a Florida advocacy council investigating a report of known or suspected child abuse, 

abandonment, or neglect 

• The Auditor General or the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability for the purpose of 

conducting audits or examinations 

• The guardian ad litem for the child 

• Employees or agents of an agency of another State that has comparable jurisdiction to the jurisdiction described 

above 

• The Public Employees Relations Commission for the sole purpose of obtaining evidence for appeals filed pursuant 

to § 447.207 

• Employees or agents of the Department of Revenue responsible for child support enforcement activities 

• An employee of a school where the child is a student 

• Staff of a children’s advocacy center

• A physician, psychologist, or mental health professional engaged in the care or treatment of the child 

• Persons with whom the child may be placed

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 39.202

Access to records may be granted to any person in the event of the death of a child determined to be a result of abuse, 

abandonment, or neglect. Information identifying the reporter shall not be released. Any information otherwise made 

confidential or exempt by law shall not be released. 

When a child under the supervision of the department is determined to be missing, the department may release the 

following information to the public when it believes the release of the information is likely to assist efforts in locating the 

child or to promote the safety or well-being of the child: 

• The name of the child and the child’s date of birth 

• A physical description of the child 

• A photograph of the child 

With the concurrence of the law enforcement agency primarily responsible for investigating the incident, the department 

may release any additional information it believes likely to assist efforts in locating the child or to promote the safety or 

well-being of the child. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 39.202

Employees, authorized agents, or contract providers of the department, the Department of Health, or county agencies 

may have access for the purpose of licensure or approval of adoptive homes, foster homes, or child care facilities. 

Georgia 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code §§ 49-5-40; 49-5-186

Each and every record concerning reports of child abuse and child-controlled substance or marijuana abuse that is in the 

custody of the department or other State or local agency is declared to be confidential, and access thereto is prohibited 

except as provided in §§ 49-5-41 and 49-5-41.1.

Information in the abuse registry shall be confidential, and access thereto is prohibited except as provided in this article. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

21 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code §§ 49-5-41; 49-5-185

The following persons or agencies shall have reasonable access to records concerning reports of child abuse:

• Any Federal, State, or local government agency or entity that has a need for the information in order to carry out 

its legal responsibilities to protect children from abuse and neglect 

• A court or grand jury when it is necessary for determination of an issue before it 

• The district attorney of any judicial circuit in the State, a solicitor general, any assistant district attorney, or assistant 

solicitor general in connection with official duty

• Any adult who makes a report of suspected child abuse regarding the child who was the subject of the report 

about whether the investigation is ongoing or completed and, if completed, whether child abuse was confirmed 

or unconfirmed

• The State Personnel Board for determination of an issue involving departmental personnel

• A child advocacy center investigating known or suspected child abuse

• Police or any other law enforcement agency of this State or any other State or any medical examiner or coroner 

investigating a report of abuse

• Any child abuse protocol committee

• The governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor, or speaker of the house of representatives in order to 

determine whether the laws of this State are being complied with

• Individuals who are engaged in legitimate research

• A physician who reasonably suspects a child may be abused

• A licensed child-placing agency or child-caring institution that is locating or providing foster or adoptive homes 

for children in the custody of the department or an investigator appointed to investigate a pending petition for 

adoption

• A person authorized to place a child in protective custody when such person requires the information in the record 

in order to determine whether to place the child in protective custody 

• An agency or person that has the responsibility to care for, treat, or supervise the child who is the subject of a 

report

• Members of citizen review panels 

• Guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates

• A public child protective agency or law enforcement agency of another State bound by similar confidentiality 

requirements when, during or following the department’s investigation of a report of child abuse, the alleged 

abuser has left the State

• A child welfare agency or a school where the department has investigated allegations of child abuse made against 

any employee and any child remains at risk from exposure to that employee 

• An employee of a school or a child welfare agency against whom allegations of child abuse have been made

• Any person who has an ongoing relationship with the child named in the record of child abuse but only if that 

person is required to report

• Any school principal, guidance counselor, social worker, or psychologist who is counseling a student

• The Department of Early Care and Learning

• Any child-caring agency, child-placing agency, or identified foster parent with respect to any child who has been 

placed in their care or custody 

Access to information in the abuse registry is limited to:

• An abuse investigator, medical examiner, coroner, or out-of-State abuse investigator that is investigating a case of 

possible child abuse

• The Governor’s office, General Assembly, district attorneys, and law enforcement agencies that shall receive a 

statistical analysis of reported cases from the abuse registry at the end of each calendar year

• A district attorney for use in any court proceeding if such information is otherwise admissible
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

22 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code §§ 49-5-41; 49-5-186

With the exception of medical and mental health records made confidential by other provisions of law, child abuse and 

dependency records applicable to a child who, at the time of his or her fatality or near fatality, was in the custody of a 

State department or agency or foster parent; was receiving protective services; or was the subject of an investigation, 

report, referral, or complaint, shall not be confidential. However, any identifying information, including, but not limited 

to, the child or caregiver’s name, race, ethnicity, address, or telephone numbers, and any other information that is 

privileged or confidential shall be redacted to preserve the confidentiality of the child, other children in the household, 

and the child’s parents, guardians, custodians, or caregivers. Upon the release of documents pursuant to this subsection, 

the department may comment publicly on the case.

Information in the abuse registry applicable to a child who at the time of his or her death was in the custody of a State 

department or agency or foster parent shall not be confidential. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 49-5-40(c)

Each and every record concerning child abuse or neglect that is received by the department from the child abuse and 

neglect registry of any other State shall not be disclosed or used outside of the department for any other purpose other 

than conducting background checks to be used in foster care and adoptive placements. 

Guam 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13210

Any information received pursuant to this article that could identify a subject of the report or the person making the 

report shall be confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13210

Information received pursuant to this article may be released on a need-to-know basis and only as necessary to serve and 

protect the child, to the following: 

• Multidisciplinary teams established to assist in the disposition of cases 

• A court when it is necessary for determination of an issue before it 

• Grand juries when connected with the prosecution of a child abuse and neglect case 

• Properly constituted authorities or agencies, both military and governmental, investigating a report of known or 

suspected child abuse or neglect, or providing services to a child or family relating to a known or suspected case 

of child abuse or neglect, including police departments, prosecutors, and attorneys general

• A physician who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected

• Any agency or individual authorized, contracted, or licensed to diagnose, care, or treat a child who is the subject 

of a report of abuse or neglect

• A person who is responsible for the welfare of a child, including, but not limited to, a guardian ad litem, an 

attorney for the child, and a permanent foster or adoptive parent

• A duly authorized official of the department 

• A victim or alleged victim of child abuse, the parents of a victim or alleged victim, or a perpetrator or alleged 

perpetrator of child abuse, after a court proceeding has been initiated regarding the abuse 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

23 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Hawaii 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. § 350-1.4

All reports to the department concerning child abuse or neglect made pursuant to this chapter, as well as all records of 

such reports, are confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 350-1.4

The director may adopt rules to provide for the confidentiality of reports and records and for the authorized disclosure of 

reports and records. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Idaho 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code §§ 16-1629; 9-340B

Department records shall be subject to disclosure according to chapter 3, title 9, Idaho Code, unless otherwise ordered 

by the court, the person consents to the disclosure, or disclosure is necessary for the delivery of services to the person.

Records of investigations prepared by the Department of Health and Welfare pursuant to its statutory responsibilities 

dealing with the protection of children, the rehabilitation of youth, adoptions, and the commitment of mentally ill 

persons are exempt from disclosure. For reasons of health and safety, best interests of the child, or public interest, the 

department may provide for the disclosure of records of investigations associated with actions pursuant to the provisions 

of title 16, chapter 16, prepared by the department pursuant to its statutory responsibilities dealing with the protection 

of children, except any such records regarding adoptions shall remain exempt from disclosure. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code §§ 16-1626; 16-1629

The court shall keep a record of all court proceedings under this chapter. The records shall be available only to:

• Parties to the proceeding

• Persons having full or partial custody of the subject child

• Authorized agencies providing protective supervision or having legal custody of the child 

• Any other person only upon permission by the court and only if it is shown that such access is in the best interests 

of the child or for the purpose of legitimate research

All records pertaining to investigations, the rehabilitation of youth, the protection of children, evaluation, treatment and/

or disposition records pertaining to the statutory responsibilities of the department shall be disclosed to any duly elected 

State official carrying out his or her official functions. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

24 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Illinois 

Confidentiality of Records

Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/11.1

All records concerning reports of child abuse and neglect or records concerning referrals under this act, and all records 

generated as a result of such reports or referrals, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except as specifically 

authorized by this act or other applicable law. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/11.1

A person shall have access to records only in furtherance of purposes directly connected with the administration of this 

act or the Intergovernmental Missing Child Recovery Act of 1984. Those persons and purposes for access include:

• Department staff in the furtherance of their responsibilities or for completing background investigations on 

persons or agencies licensed by the department or with whom the department contracts for the provision of child 

welfare services 

• A law enforcement agency investigating child abuse or neglect 

• The Department of State Police when administering the Intergovernmental Missing Child Recovery Act of 1984 

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected 

• An authorized person when needed to determine whether to place the child in temporary protective custody 

• A person who has the responsibility to care for, treat, or supervise a child 

• A parent, guardian, prospective adoptive parent, foster parent, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare 

• Any subject of the report, and if the subject is a minor, his or her guardian or guardian ad litem

• A court or grand jury when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• A probation officer or other authorized representative of a probation or court services department conducting an 

investigation 

• Any person authorized by the director for audit or bona fide research purposes 

• Law enforcement agencies, coroners, medical examiners, physicians, courts, school superintendents, and child 

welfare agencies in other States who are responsible for child abuse or neglect investigations or background 

investigations 

• The Department of Professional Regulation, the State Board of Education, and school superintendents in Illinois, 

who may use or disclose information from the records as they deem necessary to conduct investigations or take 

disciplinary action 

• A coroner or medical examiner who has reason to believe that a child has died as the result of abuse or neglect

• Members of a multidisciplinary team 

• The Department of Human Services 

• Any other agency or investigative body, including the Department of Public Health and a local board of health, 

authorized by State law to conduct an investigation into the quality of care provided to children in hospitals and 

other State regulated care facilities

• The guardian ad litem of the child
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

25 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/11.1a

The director may disclose information regarding the abuse or neglect of a child, the investigation thereof, and any 

services related thereto if he or she determines that such disclosure is not contrary to the best interests of the child, the 

child’s siblings, or other children in the household, and one of the following factors is present: 

• The subject of the report has been criminally charged with committing a crime related to the child abuse or 

neglect report. 

• A law enforcement agency or official, a State’s attorney, or a judge has publicly disclosed in a report information 

regarding the investigation of a report or the provision of services by the department. 

• An adult subject of the report has knowingly and voluntarily made a public disclosure concerning a Child Abuse 

and Neglect Tracking System report. 

• The child named in the report has been critically or fatally injured. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Comp. Stat. Ch. 325, § 5/11.1

Access to records may be provided for the following: 

• The director of a State-operated facility when an employee of that facility is the perpetrator in an indicated report 

• The operator of a licensed child care facility or a facility licensed by the Department of Human Services in which 

children reside when a current or prospective employee of that facility is the perpetrator in an indicated child 

abuse or neglect report 

• The Department of Human Services and the operator of a facility providing early intervention services for the 

purpose of determining whether a current or prospective employee who provides or may provide direct services is 

the perpetrator in an indicated report of child abuse or neglect 

Indiana 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. §§ 31-33-18-1; 31-33-26-7

Reports made under this article and any other information obtained, reports written, or photographs taken concerning 

the reports that are in the possession of the Division of Family Resources, the local office, the department, or the 

Department of Child Services Ombudsman are confidential. 

The department may adopt rules to ensure that the confidentiality of and access to reports of child abuse or neglect in 

the child abuse index are maintained as provided in this chapter. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

26 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. §§ 31-33-18-2; 31-33-18-3; 31-33-26-16

The reports and other material described in § 31-33-18-1 and records in the child abuse index shall be made available 

only to the following:

• A public or private child protective agency investigating or treating a child or family that is the subject of a report 

• A police or other law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or coroner in the case of the death of a child who 

is investigating a report of a child who may be a victim of child abuse or neglect 

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect 

• An individual legally authorized to place a child in protective custody to determine whether to place the child in 

protective custody 

• An agency having the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise a child who is the subject 

of a report 

• An individual named in the report who is alleged to be abused or neglected

• The child’s guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate, or both 

• Each parent, guardian, custodian, or other person responsible for the welfare of a child named in a report and an 

attorney of the person 

• A court or grand jury for determination of an issue before it 

• An appropriate State or local official responsible for the child protective service or legislation carrying out the 

official’s appointed functions 

• A foster care review board

• The community child protection team 

• A person about whom a report has been made 

• An employee of the department, a caseworker, or a juvenile probation officer conducting a criminal history check 

to determine the appropriateness of an out-of-home placement 

• A local child fatality review team and the State child fatality review coordinator

• The statewide child fatality review committee 

• A citizen review panel 

• The Department of Child Services

• The Division of Family Resources

• The Department of Child Services Ombudsman 

• The State Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Individuals engaged in research
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

27 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. §§ 31-33-18-1(b); 31-33-18-1.5

Except as provided below, all records held by the Division of Family Resources, a local office, the department, a local 

child fatality review team, the statewide child fatality review committee, or the ombudsman regarding the death of a 

child determined to be a result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect are confidential and may not be disclosed. 

Upon the request of any person, the court having jurisdiction in the county in which the child’s death or near fatality 

occurred shall determine whether the allegations contained in the indictment, information, or complaint, if proven, 

would cause a reasonable person to believe that the child’s death or near fatality may have been the result of abuse, 

abandonment, or neglect.

Unless information in a record is otherwise confidential under State or Federal law, a record that has been redacted to 

exclude identifying information is not confidential and may be disclosed to any person who requests the record.

The data and information in a record must include the following:

• A summary of the report and a factual description of the contents

• The child’s date of birth and gender

• The cause of the fatality or near fatality, if it has been determined

• Whether the department had any contact with the child or the child’s family before the fatality or near fatality, and, 

if the department had contact, the following:

» The frequency of the contact and the date of the last contact before the fatality or near fatality

» A summary of the status of the child’s case at the time of the fatality or near fatality, including whether the 

child’s case was closed and if the child’s case was closed, the reasons that the case was closed

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 31-33-26-16

A person or an organization may have access to information contained in the child abuse index as follows:

• A child care provider may have access to any information relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or 

neglect that names an employee, applicant, volunteer who would have direct contact with children, or household 

resident as the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.

• Representatives of the Division of Family Resources may have access to any information relating to a substantiated 

report of child abuse or neglect that would constitute a basis for denial or revocation of a license for a child care 

center or a child care home.

• Representatives of the department may have access to any information relating to a substantiated report of child 

abuse or neglect that would constitute a basis for denial or revocation of a license for a child care institution, 

foster family home, group home, or child-placing agency.

• Any representative of the department or a court having juvenile jurisdiction may have access to any information 

relating to a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect in connection with a determination of an appropriate 

out-of-home placement for a child that requires a criminal history check concerning any person.

• The department shall provide any information contained in a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect that is 

included in the index to an authorized agency of another State that requests information concerning a prospective 

foster or adoptive parent or any other adult living in the home of a prospective foster or adoptive parent.

• To determine the eligibility of a child care provider to receive a voucher payment, the Division of Family Resources 

may use information contained in the index concerning whether a child has been found by a court to be a child in 

need of services based on a report of child abuse or neglect naming an individual as a perpetrator.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

28 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Iowa 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 235A.15

The confidentiality of all child abuse information shall be maintained except as specifically provided by this section. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 235A.15

Access to report data and disposition data subject to placement in the central registry is authorized only to the following:

• Subjects of a report, as follows:

» The child or to the child’s attorney or guardian ad litem

» The parent, guardian, or legal custodian or that person’s attorney

» The alleged abuser or that person’s attorney

• Persons involved in an assessment of child abuse, as follows:

» A health practitioner or mental health professional

» An employee or agent of the Department of Human Services

» A law enforcement officer

» A multidisciplinary team

» A mandatory reporter who reported the abuse

» The county attorney

» The juvenile court

» The licensing authority for a facility providing care to the child

» The child protection assistance team

• Report, disposition, and assessment data to the extent necessary for resolution of the proceeding, as follows:

» A juvenile court or district court

» A court or the department hearing an appeal for correction of report and disposition data

» An expert witness

» A probation or parole officer, juvenile court officer, court-appointed special advocate, or adult correctional 

officer

» The Department of Justice

» A licensing board and the Iowa Department of Public Health for the purpose of licensure, certification, 

registration, or disciplinary investigation of health-care professionals

• Others as follows, but only with respect to data for cases of founded child abuse:

» A person conducting bona fide research

» Registry or department personnel 

» The Department of Justice for the sole purpose of the filing of a claim for restitution or compensation

» A child protection agency of another State 

» A public or licensed child-placing agency of another State responsible for an adoptive or foster care 

preplacement or placement evaluation

» The attorney for the Department of Human Services 

» The child advocacy and local citizen foster care review boards

» The Department of Human Services regarding a person who is providing child care if the person is not 

registered or licensed

» The Board of Educational Examiners for purposes of determining whether a license, certificate, or authorization 

should be issued, denied, or revoked

» A protection and advocacy agency, if a person identified as a victim or a perpetrator of abuse resides in or 

receives services from a facility or agency
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

29 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Stat. § 235A.15

» The Iowa Board for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers for purposes of certifying sex offender treatment 

providers

» An employee of the department, a certified adoption investigator, or licensed child-placing agency responsible 

for an adoptive placement

» The Department of Inspections and Appeals for purposes of record checks of applicants for employment

» A person or agency responsible for the care or supervision of a child named in a report

» An intake officer making a preliminary inquiry

• Only with respect to disposition data for cases of founded child abuse subject to placement in the central registry, 

to a person who submits written authorization from an individual allowing the person access to data on behalf of 

the individual in order to verify whether the individual is named in a founded child abuse report as having abused 

a child

Access to report data and disposition data for a case of child abuse that is not subject to placement in the central registry 

is authorized only to the following:

• Subjects of a report 

• Persons involved in an assessment of child abuse 

• The Department of Justice

Upon the request of the governor, the department shall disclose child abuse information to the governor relating to a 

specific case of child abuse. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 235A.15

If the department receives from the public a request for information relating to a case of founded child abuse involving 

a fatality or near fatality, the director shall consult with the county attorney and shall disclose information related to the 

case except for the following: 

• Any mental health or psychological information that is confidential

• The privileged communication of an attorney 

• The identity of any individual who provided information related to a report of child abuse

• Information that may cause mental or physical harm to a sibling or another child living in the household

• Information that may jeopardize the prosecution or the rights to a fair trial of any alleged perpetrator

• Information that may undermine an ongoing or future criminal investigation

• Any release prohibited by Federal law or regulation

The information released shall include the following except that listed above: 

• Any relevant child abuse information about the child or the child’s family and the department’s response and 

findings 

• Whether or not the child or a member of the child’s family was utilizing social services at the time of the child 

fatality or near fatality or within the preceding 5-year period

• Any recommendations made by the department to the county attorney or the court 

• If applicable, a summary of an evaluation of the department’s responses in the case

If a subject of a report releases to the public information about a case, including information that would otherwise be 

confidential, the director may respond with relevant information about the case. Prior to releasing the response, the 

director shall consult with the child’s parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem and apply to the court requesting a review of 

the information proposed for release and an order authorizing release of the information. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

30 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 235A.15

Access to records of founded child abuse placed in the central registry may be provided to individuals, agencies, or 

facilities providing care to a child, but only with respect to disposition data as necessary for evaluating a person who is 

employed or being considered for employment, as follows:

• An administrator of a psychiatric medical institution for children

• An administrator of a licensed child foster care or child care facility

• The superintendent of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School or the School for the Deaf

• An administrator of a community mental health center or program operated by the State, a city, or a county that 

provides services or care directly to children

• An administrator of an agency certified by the Department of Human Services to provide services under a medical 

assistance home and community-based services waiver

• The administrator of an agency providing mental health, intellectual disability, or developmental disability services

• An administrator of a child care resource and referral agency

• An administrator of a licensed hospital

• An area education agency or other person responsible for providing early intervention services to children that is 

funded under part C of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

• A Federal, State, or local governmental unit that needs the information in order to carry out its responsibilities to 

protect children from abuse and neglect

• A nursing program approved by the State Board of Nursing, if the data relates to a record check

The following may access report and disposition data for cases of founded child abuse for records checks of potential 

employees and volunteers:

• The Iowa veterans home 

• Administrators of certified nurse aide programs

• Administrator of juvenile detention or shelter care homes

• Employers of school bus drivers

• Administrators of family support programs receiving public funds

Kansas 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 38-2209

In order to protect the privacy of children who are subjects of a child in need of care record or report, the records 

identified in this section shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except as provided in §§ 38-2210 through 

38-2213. Confidential records that are disclosed shall not be further disclosed except to persons or entities authorized to 

receive them as provided in those sections or by being presented as admissible evidence.

Access to or disclosure of information is not required if the person or entity in possession of a record or report has 

reason to believe the person requesting such information may harm a child or other person as a result of such access or 

disclosure. The court may enter an order compelling or prohibiting access to or disclosure of information. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

31 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. §§ 38-2210; 38-2211; 38-2212

To facilitate investigation and ensure the provision of necessary services to children who may be in need of care, the 

following persons and entities shall freely exchange information:

• The Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services

• The Commissioner of Juvenile Justice

• The law enforcement agency receiving the report

• A multidisciplinary team

• An entity mandated by Federal law or an agency of any State authorized to receive and investigate reports of a 

child known or suspected to be in need of care 

• A military enclave or Indian Tribal organization 

• A county or district attorney

• A court services officer 

• An intake and assessment worker

• Any community corrections program that has the child under court-ordered supervision 

• The Department of Health and Environment for the purpose of carrying out responsibilities relating to licensure or 

registration of child care providers

The following persons or entities shall have access to the official file of a child in need of care proceeding:

• The court having jurisdiction

• The parties to the proceedings and their attorneys

• The child’s guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate

• Any individual or any public or private agency or institution having custody of the child or providing educational, 

medical, or mental health services or any placement provider or potential placement provider

• A citizen review board

• The Commissioner of Juvenile Justice

• Any other person when authorized by a court order

• The Commission on Judicial Performance

The following persons or entities shall have access to the social file of a child in need of care proceeding:

• The court having jurisdiction

• The attorney for a party to the proceeding or a person designated by an Indian Tribe

• The child’s guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate 

• A citizen review board

• The secretary

• The Commissioner of Juvenile Justice

• Any other person when authorized by a court order

The following persons or entities shall have access to information from agency records: 

• A child named in the report or records, a guardian ad litem, and his or her attorney

• A parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, or such person’s legal representative

• The child’s court-appointed special advocate, a citizen review board, or other advocate that reports to the court

• A licensed health-care or mental health professional

• A person or entity approved by the secretary to care for, treat, or supervise a child in need of care 

• A coroner or medical examiner

• The State Child Death Review Board 

• An attorney for a private party 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

32 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. §§ 38-2210; 38-2211; 38-2212

• A foster parent, prospective foster parent, permanent custodian, prospective permanent custodian, adoptive 

parent, or prospective adoptive parent

• The State Protection and Advocacy Agency 

• Any educational institution or educator to the extent necessary to enable the educational institution to provide the 

safest possible environment for its pupils and employees

• Any other Federal, State, or local government executive branch entity

Information from confidential agency records of the department, law enforcement agency, or any juvenile intake and 

assessment worker shall be available to members of the standing House or Senate Committee on Judiciary, House 

Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice, House Committee on Appropriations, Senate Committee on Ways and 

Means, Legislative Post Audit Committee, and any joint committee with authority to consider children’s and families’ 

issues. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 38-2212 

Information from confidential reports or records of a child alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care may be 

disclosed to the public when:

• The individuals involved or their representatives have given express written consent.

• The investigation of the abuse or neglect of the child or the filing of a petition alleging a child to be in need of 

care has become public knowledge

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a court of competent jurisdiction, after in camera inspection, may order 

disclosure of confidential agency records pursuant to a determination that the disclosure is in the best interests of the 

child who is the subject of the reports or that the records are necessary for the proceedings of the court and otherwise 

admissible as evidence. The court shall specify the terms of disclosure and impose appropriate limitations. 

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in the event that child abuse or neglect results in a child 

fatality or near fatality, reports or records of a child alleged or adjudicated to be in need of care received by the secretary, 

a law enforcement agency, or any juvenile intake and assessment worker shall become a public record and subject to 

disclosure. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Kentucky 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. § 620.050

The report of suspected child abuse, neglect, or dependency and all information obtained by the cabinet or its 

delegated representative, as a result of an investigation or assessment made pursuant to this chapter, shall not be 

divulged to anyone except the persons listed below. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

33 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 620.050

Information may be accessed by: 

• Persons suspected of causing dependency, neglect, or abuse 

• The custodial parent or legal guardian of the child alleged to be dependent, neglected, or abused 

• Persons within the cabinet with a legitimate interest or responsibility related to the case 

• Other medical, psychological, educational, or social service agencies; child care administrators; corrections 

personnel; or law enforcement agencies, including the county attorney’s office, the coroner, and the local child 

fatality response team, that have a legitimate interest in the case 

• A noncustodial parent when the dependency, neglect, or abuse is substantiated 

• Members of multidisciplinary teams 

• Employees or designated agents of a children’s advocacy center

• Those persons so authorized by court order

• The external child fatality and near fatality review panel 

Files, reports, notes, photographs, records, electronic and other communications, and working papers used or 

developed by a children’s advocacy center in providing services under this chapter are confidential and shall not be 

disclosed except to the following persons: 

• Staff employed by the cabinet, law enforcement officers, and Commonwealth and county attorneys who are 

directly involved in the investigation or prosecution of the case 

• Medical and mental health professionals listed by name in a release of information signed by the guardian of the 

child 

• The court and those persons so authorized by a court order

• The external child fatality and near fatality review panel 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. § 620.050

Information may be publicly disclosed by the cabinet in a case where child abuse or neglect has resulted in a child 

fatality or near fatality. 

When an adult who is the subject of confidential information publicly reveals or causes to be revealed any significant 

part of the confidential matter or information, the confidentiality afforded by this section is presumed voluntarily waived. 

Confidential information and records about the person making or causing the public disclosure, not already disclosed but 

related to the information made public, may be disclosed if disclosure is in the best interests of the child or is necessary 

for the administration of the cabinet’s duties. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

34 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Louisiana

Confidentiality of Records

Children’s Code art. 616

Except as provided in this article or Rev. Stat. § 46:56, all records of reports of child abuse or neglect are confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 46:56

Records of cases of child abuse and neglect may be released to the following:

• Attorneys who are appointed by a court to represent the sole interest of the children 

• Court-appointed special advocates

• Foster parents when such information is necessary for the foster parents to properly care for the child 

• A court when it is necessary to the determination of an issue before it 

• Hospitals, clinics, or schools

• Counterpart agencies in other States engaged in delivering family and children’s services 

• Local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies, including, but not limited to, military authorities, probation 

officers, district attorneys, and coroners 

• The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners 

• A child abuse citizens’ review panel or a State child fatality review panel 

• An agency engaged in rendering services or treatment to a recipient or former recipient of the department’s 

services 

• An agency engaged in enforcing the child abuse and neglect law or prosecuting perpetrators of acts against 

children in violation of the criminal statutes of this State or of another State or of Federal criminal statutes 

• A person who is engaged in bona fide professional, academic, or scholarly research 

• A duly authorized person conducting an audit of the department 

• A former foster child or his or her legal tutor if the release of such information is in the best interests of the former 

foster child 

• An examining physician who reasonably believes that a child has been abused or neglected 

• A committee or subcommittee of the legislature that has subject matter jurisdiction over child protection 

legislation 

Following any investigation by the department of a public or private daycare center, registered family child daycare 

home, or residential provider, the department may inform the parent or guardian of any child being cared for at the 

center, home, or residence or the parent or guardian of any child who has applied for placement in the center, home, 

or residence of a valid finding of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurring at the center, home, or residence upon 

the request of the parent or legal guardian. The department also may advise such parent or legal guardian of a valid 

finding when it becomes necessary for the department to take adverse action against a center, home, or facility in the 

interest of the safety and welfare of the children. The department may release to the Department of Education limited 

information concerning a valid finding of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurring at a family child daycare home 

that is registered by that department. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

35 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. § 46:56

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, limited public disclosure of summary information contained in the 

child abuse or neglect records of the Department of Social Services may be made as follows:

• When there has been a child fatality or near fatality in which abuse or neglect was medically determined by an 

examining physician to be a contributing factor in the cause of death or near fatality

• To confirm, clarify, or correct information concerning a case of child abuse or neglect not involving a child fatality 

or near fatality that has been made public by sources outside of the department

• To the individual who initiated the report if that individual is a mandatory reporter

This paragraph shall not apply when the local district attorney requests that certain information not be released due to 

its potential to compromise a pending criminal investigation or prosecution or when, in the judgment of the department, 

disclosure may compromise the integrity of a child protection investigation. However, all information, including, but not 

limited to, the departmental case records shall be available to the local district attorney for inspection.

The department shall not publicly disclose any information concerning the individual initiating a report or complaint. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. § 46:56

Upon written request of a caregiver, the department shall disclose limited information contained in child abuse or neglect 

records or reports to an employer or prospective employer of a person who will be exercising supervisory authority over 

that employer’s minor children or other dependent person as part of that person’s employment as a caregiver. 

Maine 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4008

All department records that contain personally identifying information and are created or obtained in connection with the 

department’s child protective activities and activities related to a child while in the care or custody of the department are 

confidential and subject to release only [as permitted by statute]. 

Within the department, the records shall be available only to and used by appropriate departmental personnel and legal 

counsel for the department in carrying out their functions. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

36 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4008

The department may disclose relevant information in the records to the following persons:

• An agency or person investigating a report of child abuse or neglect

• A law enforcement agency, an employee of the attorney general’s office, an employee of any court or court 

system, a person mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect, a person who has made a report to the 

department, a person who has provided information to the department or an attorney, guardian ad litem, party, 

participant, witness, or prospective witness in a child protection proceeding

• A physician treating a child whom he or she reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected

• A child named in a record who is reported to be abused or neglected, the child’s parent or custodian, or the 

subject of the report

• A parent, custodian, or caregiver of a child when the department believes the child may be at risk of harm from 

the person who is the subject of the records

• A person having the legal responsibility or authorization to evaluate, treat, educate, care for, or supervise a child, 

parent, or custodian who is the subject of a record

• A member of a child death review panel or the Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 

• Any agency or department involved in licensing or approving homes for the placement of children

• The representative designated to provide child welfare services by the Tribe of an Indian child

• A person making a report of suspected abuse or neglect

• The local animal control officer or the animal welfare program of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural 

Resources

The department shall disclose relevant information in the records to the following persons:

• The child’s guardian ad litem or attorney 

• A court or grand jury on its finding that access to those records may be necessary for the determination of any 

issue before it

• An appropriate State executive or legislative official with responsibility for child protection services

• The protection and advocacy agency for persons with disabilities

• Prospective adoptive parents

• Upon written request, a person having the legal authorization to evaluate or treat a child, parent, or custodian who 

is the subject of a record

• Any government entity that needs such information in order to carry out its responsibilities under law to protect 

children from abuse and neglect

• A juvenile court when the child who is the subject of the records has been brought before it

• A relative or other person whom the department is investigating for possible custody or placement of the child

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4008-A

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner, with the advice of the attorney general, may disclose 

information regarding the abuse or neglect of a child and the investigation of and any services related to the abuse and 

neglect if the commissioner determines that such disclosure is not contrary to the best interests of the child, the child’s 

siblings, or other children in the household, and any one of the following factors is present: 

• The alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect has been charged with committing a crime related to the 

allegation of abuse or neglect maintained by the department. 

• A judge, a law enforcement agency official, a district attorney, or another State or local investigative agency or 

official has publicly disclosed the provision of child welfare services or the investigation by child welfare services of 

the abuse or neglect of the child. 

• An individual who is the parent, custodian, or guardian of the victim or a child victim over 14 years of age has 

made a prior knowing, voluntary, public disclosure. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

37 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed (Continued)

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4008-A 

The commissioner shall make public disclosure of the findings or information pursuant to this section in situations where 

child abuse or neglect results in a child fatality or near fatality, with the exception of circumstances, as determined with 

the advice of the attorney general or appropriate district attorney, in which disclosure of child protective information 

would jeopardize a criminal investigation or proceeding. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4008

The department shall disclose relevant information in the records to the Commissioner of Education when the 

information concerns teachers and other professional personnel, persons employed by schools, or any employees of 

schools operated by the Department of Education. 

Maryland

Confidentiality of Records

Family Law § 5-707

The administration shall provide by regulation procedures for protecting the confidentiality of reports and records made 

in accordance with this subtitle and conditions under which information may be released. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Family Law §§ 5-714; 5-715

The information in a central registry shall be at the disposal of:

• The protective services staff of the Social Services Administration

• The protective services staffs of local departments who are investigating a report of suspected abuse or neglect 

• Law enforcement personnel who are investigating a report of suspected abuse or neglect 

The executive director of the Social Services Administration shall provide to the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene 

identifying information regarding individuals who have had their parental rights to any child terminated and have been 

identified as responsible for abuse or neglect in a central registry. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Family Law § 5-714

Unless a person has been found guilty of any criminal charge arising out of the alleged abuse or neglect, or has been 

found responsible for indicated abuse or neglect, information in a central registry may not be used as a sole basis for 

responding to any request for background information for employment or voluntary service. 

Massachusettes

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Laws Ch. 119, §§ 51E & 51F

The department shall maintain a file of the written reports prepared pursuant to this section and §§ 51A to 51D, 

inclusive. These written reports shall be confidential. 

The department shall maintain a central registry of information sufficient to identify children whose names are reported 

pursuant to §§ 51A or 51B. Data and information relating to individual cases in the central registry shall be confidential 

and shall be made available only with the approval of the commissioner or upon court order. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

38 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Laws Ch. 119, §§ 51E & 51F

A copy of the written report of the initial investigation may, upon request and upon the approval of the commissioner, be 

provided to: 

• The child’s parent, guardian, or counsel

• The reporting person or agency

• The appropriate review board

• A child welfare agency of another State for the purpose of assisting that agency in determining whether to 

approve a prospective foster or adoptive parent

• A social worker assigned to the case

No such report shall be made available to any persons other than those enumerated in this section without the written 

and informed consent of the child’s parent or guardian, the written approval of the commissioner, or an order of a court 

of competent jurisdiction. 

A child welfare agency of another State may, upon request and upon the approval of the commissioner, receive a copy 

of the written report of the initial investigation if the agency has a need for such information in order to carry out its 

responsibilities under law to protect children from abuse and neglect.

The department may release data and information maintained in the central registry to the child welfare agency of 

another State upon request of that agency in determining whether to approve a prospective foster or adoptive parent. 

The commissioner shall establish rules and regulations governing the availability of such data and information. Pursuant 

to chapter 18C, the child advocate shall have access to the information in the registry.

A child welfare agency of another State may, upon request and upon the approval of the commissioner, receive 

information from the central registry if the agency has a need for such information in order to carry out its responsibilities 

under law to protect children from abuse and neglect. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Michigan 

Confidentiality of Records

Comp. Laws § 722.627

Unless made public as specified information released under § 722.627d, a written report, document, or photograph filed 

with the department is a confidential record available only to one of the entities listed below. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

39 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Comp. Laws § 722.627

Confidential information may be made available to:

• A legally mandated public or private child protective agency investigating a report of known or suspected child 

abuse or neglect or a legally mandated public or private child protective agency or foster care agency prosecuting 

a disciplinary action against its own employee involving child protective services or foster records

• A police or other law enforcement agency investigating a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect

• A physician who is treating a child whom the physician reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected

• A person legally authorized to place a child in protective custody when the person is confronted with a child 

whom the person reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected

• A person, agency, or organization, including a multidisciplinary case consultation team

• A person named in the report or record as a perpetrator or alleged perpetrator or a victim who is an adult at the 

time of the request

• A court or grand jury that determines the information is necessary to decide an issue before it

• A person, agency, or organization engaged in a bona fide research or evaluation project

• A lawyer-guardian ad litem or other attorney

• A standing or select committee or appropriations subcommittee of either house of the legislature having 

jurisdiction over child protective services matters

• The children’s ombudsman 

• A child fatality review team

• A county medical examiner or deputy county medical examiner

• A citizen review panel

• A child care regulatory agency

• A foster care review board

• A local friend of the court office

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Comp. Laws § 722.627d

The director may release specified information under this section if there is clear and convincing evidence that either of 

the following is true: 

• The release of the specified information is in the best interests of the child to whom the information relates. 

• The release of the specified information is not in conflict with the best interests of the child to whom the 

information relates, and one or more of the following are true:

» The release is in the best interests of a member of the child’s family or of an individual who resides in the same 

home in which the child resides. The child’s family includes the child’s parents, legal guardians, grandparents, 

and siblings. 

» The release clarifies actions taken by the department on a specific case. 

» The report or record concerns a child who has died or concerns a member of that child’s family. 

» All or part of the report or record is publicly disclosed in a judicial proceeding. 

» A child abuse or neglect complaint or investigation to which the report or record relates has been part of the 

subject matter of a published or broadcast media story. 

» The report or record concerns a substantiated report of sexual abuse, serious injury, or life-threatening harm 

involving the child or a sibling of the child identified in the request. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

40 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Comp. Laws § 722.627

Access to confidential records may be provided to:

• A child-placing agency for the purpose of investigating an applicant for adoption, a foster care applicant or 

licensee, an employee of a foster care applicant or licensee, an adult member of an applicant’s or licensee’s 

household, or other persons in a foster care or adoptive home who are directly responsible for the care and 

welfare of children, to determine suitability of a home for adoption or foster care

• Family division of circuit court staff authorized by the court to investigate foster care applicants and licensees, 

employees of foster care applicants and licensees, adult members of the applicant’s or licensee’s household, and 

other persons in the home who are directly responsible for the care and welfare of children, for the purpose of 

determining the suitability of the home for foster care

Minnesota 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 626.556, Subd. 11

All records concerning individuals maintained by a local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or 

investigating the report under this section shall be private data on individuals. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 626.556, Subd. 10j, 10k, & 11

All records concerning individuals maintained by a local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or 

investigating the report shall be private data on individuals, except:

• Copies of reports received by the local welfare agency must be sent to the local police department or the county 

sheriff. 

• All records concerning determinations of maltreatment by a facility are nonpublic data as maintained by the 

Department of Education except insofar as copies of reports are required by subdivision 7 to be sent to the local 

police department or the county sheriff.

• Reports maintained by any police department or the county sheriff shall be private data on individuals, except 

the reports shall be made available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including county 

medical examiners or county coroners. 

• The local social services agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall make reports 

available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including county medical examiners or county 

coroners. 

• An individual subject of a record shall have access to the record, except that the name of the reporter shall be 

confidential.

• Upon request of the legislative auditor, data on individuals maintained under this section must be released to the 

legislative auditor.

• The Commissioner of Education must be provided with all requested data that are relevant to a report of 

maltreatment and are in possession of a school facility when the data is requested pursuant to an assessment or 

investigation of a maltreatment report of a student in a school. 

• Records may be shared with another local welfare agency that requests the information because it is conducting 

an investigation of the subject of the records.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

41 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Stat. § 626.556, Subd. 10j, 10k, & 11 

A local social services or child protection agency may provide relevant private data on individuals to mandated reporters 

who have an ongoing responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data. This may include:

• The child’s teachers or other appropriate school personnel

• Foster parents

• Health-care providers, respite care workers, therapists, or social workers

• Child care providers, residential care staff, or crisis nursery staff

• Probation officers or court services personnel

Under this section, a mandated reporter need not have made the report to be considered a person with ongoing 

responsibility for the health, education, or welfare of a child affected by the data. Data provided under this section must 

be limited to data pertinent to the individual’s responsibility for caring for the child. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Mississippi 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code §§ 43-21-257; 43-21-261

Any record involving children, including valid and invalid complaints, and the contents thereof maintained by the 

Department of Human Services or any other State agency shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed except as 

provided by law. 

The central registry shall be confidential and shall not be open to public inspection. 

Records involving children shall not be disclosed other than to necessary staff of the youth court except pursuant to 

an order of the youth court specifying the person or persons to whom the records may be disclosed, the extent of the 

records that may be disclosed, and the purpose of the disclosure. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 43-21-261

Court orders for disclosure of child abuse records shall be limited to those instances in which the youth court concludes, 

in its discretion, that disclosure is required for the best interests of the child, the public safety, or the functioning of the 

youth court and then only to the following persons:

• The judge of another youth court or member of another youth court staff

• The court of the parties in a child custody or adoption case in another court 

• A judge of any other court or members of another court staff 

• A public or private agency providing supervision or having custody of the child 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 

• Any person, pursuant to a finding by a judge of the youth court of compelling circumstances affecting the health, 

safety, or well-being of a child, and that such disclosure to this person is in the best interests of the child 

• The parent, guardian, or custodian of the child who is the subject of a youth court case or any attorney for such 

person 

• The youth court prosecutor, county attorney, district attorney, youth court defender, or any attorney representing a 

child

• Any interagency child abuse task force 

• Any member of a foster care review board 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

42 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Code § 43-21-261 

The Department of Human Services shall disclose any and all records resulting from an investigation into suspected child 

abuse or neglect to:

• A county prosecuting attorney or district attorney

• A court of competent jurisdiction

• Any attorney, physician, dentist, intern, resident, nurse, psychologist, social worker, family protection worker, 

family protection specialist, child caregiver, minister, law enforcement officer, public or private school employee 

making the report if the reporter has a continuing professional relationship with the child and a need for such 

information in order to protect or treat the child

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 43-21-261

In every case in which there is any indication or suggestion of either abuse or neglect, and a child’s physical condition is 

medically labeled as medically ‘serious’ or ‘critical,’ or a child dies, the confidentiality provisions of this section shall not 

apply.

In cases of child deaths, the following information may be released by the Mississippi Department of Human Services:

• The child’s name, address, or location

• Verification from the Department of Human Services of case status (no case or involvement, case exists, open or 

active case, case closed) 

• If a case exists, the type of report or case (physical abuse, neglect, etc.), date of intake(s) and investigation(s), and 

case disposition (substantiated or unsubstantiated) 

Notwithstanding the above, the confidentiality provisions of this section shall continue if there is a pending or planned 

investigation by any local, State, or Federal governmental agency or institution. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 43-21-257

The Mississippi State Department of Health may release the findings of investigations into allegations of abuse within 

licensed daycare centers to any parent of a child who is enrolled in the daycare center at the time of the alleged abuse 

or at the time the request for information is made. The findings of any such investigation also may be released to parents 

who are considering placing children in the daycare center. 

Missouri 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 210.150

The Children’s Division shall ensure the confidentiality of all reports and records maintained by the division; its local 

offices; the central registry; and other appropriate persons, officials, and institutions. 

To protect the rights of the family and the child named in the report as a victim, the Children’s Division shall establish 

guidelines that will ensure that any disclosure of information concerning the abuse and neglect involving that child is 

made only to persons or agencies that have a right to such information. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

43 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 210.150

Only the following persons shall have access to investigation records contained in the central registry:

• Appropriate Federal, State, or local criminal justice agency personnel 

• A physician who reasonably believes that the child being examined may be abused or neglected 

• Appropriate staff of the division and of its local offices, including interdisciplinary teams 

• Any child named in the report as a victim, or a legal representative, or the parent, if not the alleged perpetrator, or 

guardian of such person when such person is a minor 

• Any alleged perpetrator named in the report 

• A grand jury, juvenile officer, prosecuting attorney, or law enforcement officer involved in the investigation of child 

abuse or neglect 

• A juvenile court or other court 

• Other Federal, State, and local government entities

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 

• Any child fatality review panel 

• Appropriate staff of the division 

• Appropriate criminal justice agency personnel or juvenile officer 

• Multidisciplinary agency 

• An individual including a physician or physician’s designee who is providing services to the child or family 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 210.150

Nothing in this section shall preclude the release of findings or information about cases that resulted in a child fatality 

or near fatality. Such release is at the sole discretion of the director of the Department of Social Services, based upon a 

review of the potential harm to other children within the immediate family. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 210.150

The following may request an examination of the central registry:

• Any child care facility, child-placing agency, residential care facility, including group homes, juvenile courts, public 

or private schools, or any other public or private agency exercising temporary supervision over a child or providing 

or having care or custody of a child, for all employees, volunteers, or prospective employees and volunteers who 

do or will provide services or care to children 

• Any agency or business that provides training and places or recommends people for employment or for 

volunteers in positions where they will provide services or care to children

• Any parent or legal guardian about a specific person or child care facility who does or may provide services or 

care to his or her child 

• Any person who inquires about a specific child care facility, child-placing agency, residential care facility, public 

and private schools, juvenile court, or other State agency 

• Any State agency regarding a license of any person, institution, or agency that provides care for or services to 

children 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

44 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Montana 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 41-3-205

The case records of the department and its local affiliate, the local office of public assistance, the county attorney, and 

the court concerning actions taken under this chapter and all records concerning reports of child abuse and neglect must 

be kept confidential except as provided by this section. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 41-3-205

Records may be disclosed to the following persons or entities in this State and any other State or country:

• A court if relevant to an issue before it

• A department, agency, ombudsman, or organization, including a Federal agency, military enclave, or Indian Tribal 

organization, that is legally authorized to receive, inspect, or investigate reports of child abuse or neglect 

• A licensed youth care facility or child-placing agency that is providing services to the family or child who is 

the subject of a report for the purpose of determining the best interests of a child with respect to an adoptive 

placement

• A health or mental health professional who is treating the family or child who is the subject of a report

• A parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, guardian, mandatory reporter, person designated by a parent 

or guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare

• A child named in the records or the child’s legal guardian or legal representative, including the child’s guardian ad 

litem, attorney, or special advocate 

• The State protection and advocacy program

• Approved foster and adoptive parents who are or may be providing care for a child

• A person named in a report and that person’s attorney

• An agency, including a probation or parole agency, that is legally responsible for the supervision of an alleged 

perpetrator of child abuse or neglect

• A person, agency, or organization that is engaged in a bona fide research or evaluation project

• The members of an interdisciplinary child protective team or a family group decision-making meeting for the 

purposes of assessing the needs of the child and family, formulating a treatment plan, and monitoring the plan 

• The coroner or medical examiner when determining the cause of death of a child 

• A child fatality review team 

• An employee of the department or other State agency if disclosure of the records is necessary for administration 

of its programs 

• An agency of an Indian Tribe or the relatives of an Indian child, if disclosure of the records is necessary to meet 

requirements of the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act

• A youth probation officer who is working in an official capacity with the child who is the subject of a report

• An attorney who is hired by or represents the department

• A foster care review committee or a citizen review board

• A school employee participating in an interview of a child by a social worker, county attorney, or peace officer

• A member of a county interdisciplinary child information team 

• Members of a local interagency staffing group

• A member of a youth placement committee 

• A principal of a school or other employee of the school district with respect to a student of the district who is a 

client of the department 

The confidentiality provisions of this section must be construed to allow a court of this State to share information with 

other courts of this State or of another State when necessary to expedite the interstate placement of children.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

45 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Code § 41-3-205 

Case records must be promptly released to any of the following individuals upon a written request to the department:

• The attorney general

• A county attorney or deputy county attorney of the county in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred

• A peace officer in the jurisdiction in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred

Case records must be promptly disclosed by the department to an appropriate individual described above or to a county 

interdisciplinary child information team upon the department’s receipt of a report indicating that any of the following has 

occurred:

• The death of the child as a result of child abuse or neglect

• A sexual offense against the child

• Exposure of the child to a violent offense

• Child abuse or neglect due to exposure of the child to the criminal manufacture or distribution of dangerous drugs

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 41-3-205

The court may permit public disclosure [of records it has reviewed] if it finds disclosure to be necessary for the fair 

resolution of an issue before it.

Records may be disclosed to the news media, a member of the U. S. Congress, or a State legislator if disclosure is limited 

to confirmation of factual information regarding how the case was handled and if disclosure does not violate the privacy 

rights of the child or the child’s parent or guardian, as determined by the department. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 41-3-205

Records may be disclosed to:

• A department or agency investigating an applicant for a license or registration that is required to operate a youth 

care facility, daycare facility, or child-placing agency

• A person or entity that is carrying out background, employment-related, or volunteer-related screening of current 

or prospective employees or volunteers who have or may have unsupervised contact with children through 

employment or volunteer activities

Nebraska 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 28-725

All information of the department concerning reports of child abuse or neglect of noninstitutional children, including 

information in the tracking system of child protection cases maintained pursuant to § 28-715, records in the central 

register of child protection cases maintained pursuant to § 28-718, and all information of the department generated as a 

result of such reports or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except as specifically authorized by law.

The subject of the report of child abuse or neglect may authorize any individual or organization to receive the following 

information from the central register of child protection cases that relates or pertains to him or her:

• The date of the alleged child abuse or neglect

• •he classification of the case pursuant to § 28-720
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

46 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. §§ 28-722; 28-726; 28-727

Upon request, a subject of the report of child abuse or neglect or, if such subject is a minor or otherwise legally 

incompetent, the guardian or guardian ad litem of the subject, shall be entitled to receive a copy of all information 

contained in the central register of child protection cases pertaining to his or her case. The department shall not release 

data that would be harmful or detrimental or that would identify or locate a person who, in good faith, made a report 

of child abuse or neglect or cooperated in a subsequent investigation unless ordered to do so by a court of competent 

jurisdiction.

No person, official, or agency shall have access to information in the tracking system of child protection cases or in 

records in the central register of child protection cases unless in furtherance of purposes directly connected with the 

administration of the Child Protection Act. Such persons, officials, and agencies having access to such information shall 

include, but not be limited to:

• A law enforcement agency investigating a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect

• A county attorney in preparation of a child abuse or neglect petition or termination of parental rights petition

• A physician who has before him or her a child whom he or she reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected

• An agency having the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise an abused or neglected 

child

• A parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the abused or neglected child’s welfare who is the subject of 

the report of child abuse or neglect

• Any person engaged in bona fide research or auditing

• The Foster Care Review Office and local foster care review board when the information relates to a child in a foster 

care placement 

• The designated protection and advocacy system, authorized pursuant to the Developmental Disabilities 

Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. § 15001) and the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally 

Ill Individuals Act (42 U.S.C. § 10801), acting upon a complaint received from or on behalf of a person with 

developmental disabilities or mental illness

• The person or persons having custody of the abused or neglected child in situations of alleged out-of-home child 

abuse or neglect

• For purposes of licensing providers of child care programs, the Department of Health and Human Services

• A probation officer administering juvenile intake services who is conducting court-ordered predispositional 

investigations prior to disposition or supervising a juvenile upon disposition

Upon request, a physician or the person in charge of an institution, school, facility, or agency making a legally mandated 

report of child abuse or neglect shall receive a summary of the findings of and actions taken by the department in 

response to his or her report. The amount of detail such summary contains shall depend on the source of the report of 

child abuse or neglect and shall be established by regulations of the department. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

47 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 81-3126

The Department of Health and Human Services may disclose information regarding child abuse or neglect and the 

investigation of and any services related to the child abuse and neglect if he or she determines that such disclosure is 

not contrary to the best interests of the child, the child’s siblings, or other children in the household, and any one of the 

following factors is present:

• The alleged perpetrator has been charged with committing a crime related to the report of child abuse or neglect.

• A judge, law enforcement agency official, county attorney, or another State or local investigative agency or official 

has publicly disclosed the provision of services related to or the investigation of the child abuse or neglect.

• An individual who is the parent, custodian, foster parent, provider, or guardian of the victim, or a child victim over 

age 14 has made a prior knowing, voluntary, public disclosure.

• The information relates to a child fatality or near fatality.

• The information is released to confirm, clarify, or correct information concerning an allegation or actual instance of 

child abuse or neglect that has been made public by sources outside of the department.

• A child who is in the custody of the department is missing from his or her placement, in which case the 

department may release the name and physical description of the child.

The department may release the results of criminal history record checks that have been completed by the department 

as authorized by law.

The best interests of the child, the child’s siblings, or other children in the household does not allow the disclosure of 

information that would impede a pending or current criminal investigation by a law enforcement agency. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 28-726

The Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure may access the records for the purpose of 

licensing providers of child care programs.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

48 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Nevada 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. § 432B.280

Information maintained by an agency that provides child welfare services, including, without limitation, reports and 

investigations made pursuant to this chapter, is confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 432B.290

Data or information concerning reports and investigations may be made available only to:

• A physician who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected

• A person authorized to place a child in protective custody who requires the information to determine whether to 

place the child in protective custody

• An agency, including an agency in another jurisdiction, responsible for or authorized to undertake the care, 

treatment, or supervision of the child or a person responsible for the welfare of the child 

• A district attorney or other law enforcement officer who requires the information for an investigation or 

prosecution of the abuse or neglect of a child

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• A person engaged in bona fide research or an audit 

• The attorney and the guardian ad litem of the child 

• The proposed guardian of a child over whom a guardianship is sought and the information is reasonably necessary 

to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of the child 

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business

• A Federal, State, or local governmental entity when needed to carry out its legal responsibilities to protect 

children from abuse and neglect 

• A person or organization that has entered into a written agreement with an agency that provides child welfare 

services to provide assessments or services 

• A child protection team 

• A child death review team 

• A parent or legal guardian of the child and an attorney of a parent or guardian of the child 

• The persons who are the subject of a report 

• An agency that is authorized by law to license foster homes or facilities for children or to investigate persons 

applying for approval to adopt a child 

• Upon written consent of the parent, any officer of this State, city, or county, or legislator when needed to 

investigate the activities or programs of an agency that provides child welfare services 

• The Division of Parole and Probation of the Department of Public Safety for use in making a presentence 

investigation and report to the district court or in making a general investigation and report 

• Any mandated reporter who made a report of abuse involving the subject child 

• The rural advisory board or a local advisory board to expedite proceedings for the placement of children 

• The panel established pursuant to § 432B.396 to evaluate agencies that provide child welfare services

• An employer in accordance with § 432.100

• A team organized to review the death of the victim of a crime that constitutes domestic violence

• The Committee to Review Suicide Fatalities
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

49 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. § 432B.175

Data or information concerning reports and investigations must be made available to any member of the general public 

upon request if the child who is the subject of a report of abuse or neglect suffered a fatality or near fatality. The data 

that must be disclosed include, without limitation:

• A summary of the report of abuse or neglect and a factual description of the contents of the report

• The date of birth and gender of the child

• The date that the child suffered the fatality or near fatality

• The cause of the fatality or near fatality, if the cause has been determined

• Whether the agency that provides child welfare services had any contact with the child or a member of the child’s 

family or household before the fatality or near fatality and, if so:

» The frequency of the contact or communication 

» Whether the agency provided any child welfare services or made any referrals for services for the child or a 

member of the child’s family or household before or at the time of the fatality or near fatality

» Whether the agency took any other actions concerning the welfare of the child

» A summary of the status of the child’s case at the time of the fatality or near fatality

» Whether the agency, in response to the fatality or near fatality, has provided or intends to provide services, 

make a referral for services, or take any other action concerning the welfare and safety of the child or child’s 

family

The agency shall not disclose the following information:

• The identity of the person responsible for making the report

• The name of the child or any member of the family or household

• A privileged communication between an attorney and client

• Information that may undermine a criminal investigation or pending criminal prosecution

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. § 432.100

The division may release information contained in the central registry to an employer when:

• The person who is the subject of a background investigation by the employer provides written authorization for 

the release of the information. 

• Either:

» The employer is required by law to conduct the background investigation of the person for employment 

purposes.

» The person who is the subject of the background investigation could, in the course of his or her employment, 

have regular and substantial contact with children or regular and substantial contact with elderly persons who 

require assistance or care from other persons.

The release of information is allowed only to the extent necessary to inform the employer whether the person who is the 

subject of the background investigation has been found to have abused or neglected a child. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

50 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

New Hampshire 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. §§ 169-C:35; 170-G:8-a

Records in the State registry shall be confidential and subject to rules on access established by the commissioner of the 

Department of Health and Human Services under RSA 541-A. 

The case records of the department shall be confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 170-G:8-a

The department shall provide access to the case records to the following persons unless the commissioner determines 

that the harm to the child named in the case record resulting from the disclosure outweighs the need for the disclosure 

presented by the person requesting access:

• The child and the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child named in the case record 

• Another member of the family of the child named in the case record, if disclosure is necessary for the provision of 

services to the child or other family member 

• Employees of the department and their legal counsel 

• Persons made parties to judicial proceedings in New Hampshire relative to the child or family, whether civil or 

criminal, including the court with jurisdiction over the proceeding, any attorney for any party, and any guardian ad 

litem

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business 

• The relevant county 

• Another State’s child welfare agency, law enforcement agency, or other government entity that requires the 

information in order to carry out its responsibility under law to protect children from abuse or neglect 

• A person or entity requested by the department or ordered by the court to perform an evaluation or assessment; 

to create a service plan; or to provide services for the child, the child’s family, or a member of the child’s family 

• The superintendent of schools for the school district in which the child named in the case record is or will be 

attending school 

• The person or entity with whom the child resides, if that person is not the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian 

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected 

• A law enforcement official who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected and who is 

participating with the department in a joint investigation 

• A State official who is responsible for the provision of services to children and families 

• A legislative official who has been granted specific responsibility for oversight of legislation related to the 

provision of services to children and families 

• A person conducting a bona fide research or evaluation project 

• Any person making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. § 170-G:8-c

The department shall, prior to adding new or transferred staff members whose job descriptions would cause them to 

come into direct contact with children, submit the names, birth names, birth dates, and addresses of such individuals for 

review against the State registry of founded abuse and neglect reports. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

51 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

New Jersey 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 9:6-8.10a

All records of child abuse reports, all information obtained by the Department of Children and Families in investigating 

such reports, and all reports of findings forwarded to the child abuse registry shall be kept confidential.

The department shall disclose information only as authorized by the section that is relevant to the purpose for which the 

information is required, as long as nothing is disclosed that would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical or emotional 

well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person or that may compromise the integrity of a department 

investigation, a civil or criminal investigation, or judicial proceeding. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 9:6-8.10a

Records and reports may be released to:

• A child protective agency or law enforcement agency investigating a report of child abuse or neglect 

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected 

• A physician, police officer, or any other person authorized to place a child in protective custody when needed to 

determine whether to place a child in protective custody 

• An agency authorized to care for, treat, assess, evaluate, or supervise a child who is the subject of a child abuse 

report, or a parent, guardian, resource family parent, or other person who is responsible for the child’s welfare, or 

both, when the information is needed in connection with the provision of care, treatment, assessment, evaluation, 

or supervision to such child or such parent, guardian, or resource family parent

• A court or the Office of Administrative Law when it is necessary for determination of an issue before it 

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business 

• Any appropriate State legislative committee acting in the course of its official functions 

• The Victims of Crime Compensation Board, for the purpose of providing services to a child victim who is the 

subject of a report 

• Any person appealing a department service or status action or a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect 

and his or her attorney or authorized lay representative 

• The members of a county multidisciplinary team 

• A person being evaluated by the department or the court as a potential caregiver to determine whether that 

person is willing and able to provide the care and support required by the child 

• The legal counsel of a child, parent, or guardian 

• A person who has reported suspected child abuse or neglect 

• A parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian when the information is needed in a department matter in 

which that parent, resource family parent, or legal guardian is directly involved 

• A Federal, State, or local government entity, to the extent necessary to carry out its responsibilities 

• Citizen review panels 

• The Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board 

• Members of a family team or other case-planning group for the purpose of addressing the child’s safety, 

permanency, or well-being 

• A child who is the subject of a report, as appropriate to the child’s age or condition, to enable the child to 

understand the basis for the department’s involvement 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

52 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 9:6-8.10a

The department may disclose to the public the findings or information about a case of child abuse or neglect that has 

resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. Nothing may be disclosed that would likely endanger the life, safety, or physical 

or emotional well-being of a child or the life or safety of any other person or that may compromise the integrity of a 

department investigation or a civil or criminal investigation or judicial proceeding. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 9:6-8.10a

Records may be accessed by: 

• A family daycare-sponsoring organization for the purpose of providing information on child abuse or neglect 

allegations involving prospective or current providers or household members and, as necessary, for use in 

administrative appeals related to information obtained through a child abuse registry search 

• Any person or entity mandated to consider child abuse or neglect information when conducting a background 

check or employment-related screening of an individual employed by or seeking employment with an agency or 

organization providing services to children 

• Any person or entity conducting a disciplinary, administrative, or judicial proceeding to determine terms of 

employment or continued employment of an officer, employee, or volunteer with an agency or organization 

providing services for children

The department shall release records and reports to a unified child care agency for the purpose of providing information 

on child abuse or neglect allegations involving a prospective approved home provider or any adult household member 

to a child’s parent when the information is necessary for the parent to make a decision concerning the placement of the 

child in an appropriate child care arrangement.

New Mexico 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 32A-4-33

All records or information concerning a party to a neglect or abuse proceeding, including social records, diagnostic 

evaluations, psychiatric or psychological reports, videotapes, transcripts and audio recordings of a child’s statement of 

abuse, or medical reports incident to or obtained as a result of a neglect or abuse proceeding or that were produced or 

obtained during an investigation in anticipation of or incident to a neglect or abuse proceeding shall be confidential and 

closed to the public. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

53 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 32A-4-33

The records described above shall be disclosed only to the parties and:

• Court personnel 

• Court-appointed special advocates 

• The child’s guardian ad litem

• The attorney representing the child in an abuse or neglect action, a delinquency action, or any other action under 

the Children’s Code 

• Department personnel 

• Any local substitute care review board or any agency contracted to implement local substitute care review boards 

• Law enforcement officials 

• District attorneys 

• Any State government social services agency in any State or, when the department believes it is in the best 

interests of the child, a government social services agency of another country

• Persons or entities of an Indian Tribe specifically authorized to inspect the records 

• A foster parent if the records concern the social, medical, psychological, or educational needs of a child currently 

placed or being considered for placement with that foster parent 

• School personnel if the records concern the child’s social or educational needs 

• Health-care or mental health professionals involved in the evaluation or treatment of the child, the child’s parents, 

guardian, custodian, or other family members

• Protection and advocacy representatives 

• Children’s safe house organizations conducting investigatory interviews of children on behalf of a law enforcement 

agency or the department 

• Any other person or entity, by order of the court, having a legitimate interest in the case or the work of the court

A parent, guardian, or legal custodian whose child has been the subject of an investigation of abuse or neglect where 

no petition has been filed shall have the right to inspect any medical report, psychological evaluation, law enforcement 

reports, or other investigative or diagnostic evaluation. Any identifying information related to the reporting party or any 

other party providing information shall be deleted. The parent, guardian, or legal custodian also shall have the right to 

the results of the investigation and the right to petition the court for full access to all department records and information 

except those records and information the department finds would be likely to endanger the life or safety of any person 

providing information to the department. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 32A-4-33.1

After learning that there is reasonable suspicion that a child fatality was caused by abuse or neglect, the department shall 

release the following information within 5 business days: 

• The age and gender of the child

• The date of death

• Whether the child was in foster care or in the home of the child’s parent or guardian at the time of death

• Whether an investigation is being conducted by the department

Upon completion of a child abuse or neglect investigation into a child’s death, if it is determined that abuse or neglect 

caused the child’s death, the following documents shall be released upon request: 

• A summary of the department’s investigation

• A law enforcement investigation report, if in the department’s possession

• A medical examiner’s report, if in the department’s possession
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

54 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed (Continued)

Ann. Stat. § 32A-4-33.1 

Prior to releasing any document, the department shall consult with the district attorney and shall redact:

• Information that would, in the opinion of the district attorney, jeopardize a criminal investigation or proceeding 

• Identifying information related to a reporting party or any other party providing information

• Information that is privileged, confidential, or not subject to disclosure pursuant to any other State or Federal law

Once documents have been released, the department may comment on the case within the scope of the release.

Information released by the department consistent with the requirements of this section does not require prior notice to 

any other individual.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the department to obtain documents that are not in the abuse and 

neglect case file. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

New York 

Confidentiality of Records

Soc. Serv. Law § 422

Reports made pursuant to this title as well as any other information obtained, reports written, or photographs taken 

concerning such reports in the possession of the Office of Children and Family Services or local departments shall be 

confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Soc. Serv. Law § 422

Reports and information shall be made available to:

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or maltreated 

• A person authorized to place a child in protective custody when it is needed to determine whether to place the 

child in protective custody 

• A duly authorized agency having the responsibility for the care or supervision of a child who is reported to the 

central register 

• Any person who is the subject of the report or other persons named in the report 

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• A grand jury when it is necessary for the determination of charges 

• Any appropriate State legislative committee responsible for child protective legislation 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 

• A provider agency or a licensing agency

• The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs in connection with an investigation being 

conducted by the center

• A probation service conducting an investigation in which there is reason to suspect the child or the child’s sibling 

may have been maltreated and such child or sibling, parent, guardian, or other person legally responsible for the 

child is a person named in an indicated report

• A district attorney, an assistant district attorney, investigator, an officer of the State police, the regional State park 

police, a city police department, or a sheriff’s office when such information is necessary to conduct a criminal 

investigation or prosecution of a person 

• The New York City Department of Investigation
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

55 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Soc. Serv. Law § 422 

• A provider or coordinator of services to which a child or a child’s family have been referred when it is necessary to 

enable the provider or coordinator to establish and implement a plan of service for the child or the child’s family, 

to monitor the provision and coordination of services, or to directly provide services

• A disinterested person making an adoption investigation

• A criminal justice agency conducting an investigation of a missing child where there is reason to suspect such child 

or such child’s sibling, parent, guardian, or other person legally responsible for such child is a person named in an 

indicated report of child maltreatment and that such information is needed to further such investigation

• A child protective service of another State when necessary to conduct a child abuse investigation within its 

jurisdiction 

• An attorney appointed to represent the child 

• A child care resource and referral program 

• Officers and employees of the State comptroller, the city comptroller of the city of New York, or the county officer 

for purposes of a duly authorized performance audit 

• Members of a local or regional fatality review team, a local or regional multidisciplinary investigative team, or a 

citizen review panel 

• An entity with appropriate legal authority in another State to license, certify, or otherwise approve prospective 

foster and adoptive parents when disclosure of information regarding the prospective foster or adoptive parents 

and other persons over age 18 residing in the home of such prospective parents is required by Federal law

• A social services official who is investigating whether an adult is in need of protective services when such official 

has reasonable cause to believe that adult may be in need of protective services due to the conduct of an 

individual or individuals who had access to the adult when the adult was a child

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Soc. Serv. Law § 422-a

A commissioner may disclose information regarding the abuse or maltreatment of a child when such disclosure shall not 

be contrary to the best interests of the child, the child’s siblings, or other children in the household, and any one of the 

following factors is present: 

• The subject of the report has been charged with committing a crime related to a report maintained in the 

statewide central register. 

• The investigation of the abuse or maltreatment of the child by the local child protective service or the provision 

of services by such service has been publicly disclosed in a report required to be disclosed in the course of their 

official duties, by a law enforcement agency or official, a district attorney, any other State or local investigative 

agency or official, or by a judge of the unified court system. 

• There has been a prior knowing, voluntary, public disclosure by an individual concerning a report of child abuse or 

maltreatment in which such individual is named as the subject of the report. 

• The child named in the report has died, or the report involves the near fatality of a child. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Soc. Serv. Law § 422

Chief executive officers of authorized agencies, directors of daycare centers, and directors of facilities operated or 

supervised by the Department of Education, the Division for Youth, the Office of Mental Health, or the Office of Mental 

Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, may access the information in records and reports in connection with a 

disciplinary investigation, action, or administrative or judicial proceeding instituted by any of such officers or directors 

against an employee of any such agency, center, or facility who is the subject of an indicated report when the incident 

of abuse or maltreatment contained in the report occurred in the agency, center, facility, or program, and the purpose of 

such proceeding is to determine whether the employee should be retained or discharged.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

56 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

North Carolina 

Confidentiality of Records

Gen. Stat. § 7B-311

The data [in the central registry] shall be furnished by county directors of social services to the Department of Health and 

Human Services and shall be confidential, subject to policies adopted by the Social Services Commission providing for its 

use for study and research and for other appropriate disclosure. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Gen. Stat. § 7B-2901

The clerk shall maintain a complete record of all juvenile cases filed in the clerk’s office alleging abuse, neglect, or 

dependency. The records shall be withheld from public inspection and, except as provided below, may be examined only 

by order of the court. The record shall include the summons, petition, custody order, court order, written motions, the 

electronic or mechanical recording of the hearing, and other papers filed in the proceeding.

The following persons may examine the juvenile’s record and obtain copies of written parts of the record without an 

order of the court:

• The person named in the petition as the juvenile

• The guardian ad litem

• The county Department of Social Services

• The juvenile’s parent, guardian, or custodian, or the attorney for the juvenile or his or her parent, guardian, or 

custodian

The director of the Department of Social Services shall maintain a record of the cases of children under protective 

custody by the department or under placement by the court, including family background information; reports of social, 

medical, psychiatric, or psychological information concerning a child or the child’s family; interviews with the child’s 

family; or other information that the court finds should be protected from public inspection in the best interests of the 

child. These records may be released to the following:

• The child’s guardian ad litem or the child, including a juvenile who has reached age 18 or been emancipated

• A district or superior court judge presiding over a civil matter in which the department is not a party

• A district or superior court judge presiding over a criminal or delinquency matter, who shall conduct an in camera 

review before releasing to the defendant or child any confidential records maintained by the department

• A parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver in accordance with § 7B-700

In the case of a child victim, the court may order the sharing of information among such public agencies as the court 

deems necessary to reduce the trauma to the victim. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

57 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Gen. Stat. § 7B-2902

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public agency shall disclose to the public, upon request, the findings and 

information related to a child fatality or near fatality if:

• A person is criminally charged with having caused the child fatality or near fatality.

• The district attorney has certified that a person would be charged with having caused the child fatality or near 

fatality but for that person’s prior death.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to authorize access to the confidential records in the custody of a public agency, or the 

disclosure to the public of the substance or content of any psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic evaluations or like 

materials or information pertaining to the child or the child’s family unless directly related to the cause of the child fatality 

or near fatality, or the disclosure of information that would reveal the identities of persons who provided information 

related to the suspected abuse, neglect, or maltreatment of the child.

Within 5 working days from the receipt of a request for findings and information related to a child fatality or near fatality, 

a public agency shall consult with the appropriate district attorney and provide the findings and information unless the 

agency has a reasonable belief that release of the information:

• Is not authorized by State law 

• Is likely to cause mental or physical harm or danger to a minor child residing in the deceased or injured child’s 

household 

• Is likely to jeopardize the State’s ability to prosecute the defendant 

• Is likely to jeopardize the defendant’s right to a fair trial

• Is likely to undermine an ongoing or future criminal investigation

• Is not authorized by Federal law and regulations 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Gen. Stat. § 7B-311

The department may provide information from its list [of individuals responsible for child abuse or neglect] to child-caring 

institutions, child-placing agencies, group home facilities, and other providers of foster care, child care, or adoption 

services that need to determine the fitness of individuals to care for or adopt children. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

58 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

North Dakota 

Confidentiality of Records

Cent. Code § 50-25.1-11

All reports made under this chapter, as well as any other information obtained, are confidential and must be made 

available to persons listed below. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Cent. Code § 50-25.1-11

Reports and information shall be made available to:

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may have been abused or neglected 

• A person who is authorized to place a child in protective custody when necessary to determine whether to place 

the child in protective custody 

• Authorized staff of the department, children’s advocacy centers, appropriate State and local child protection team 

members, or citizen review committee members 

• Any person who is the subject of a report 

• Public officials and their authorized agents who require the information in connection with the discharge of their 

official duties 

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• A person engaged in bona fide research 

• A mandated reporter who has made a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, if the child is likely to or 

continues to come before the reporter in his or her official or professional capacity 

• Parents or a legally appointed guardian of a child who is suspected of being, or having been, abused or neglected 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Northern Mariana Islands

Confidentiality of Records

Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, § 5325

All written reports, as well as any other information obtained concerning alleged instances of child abuse or neglect, shall 

be confidential and shall only be made available to persons listed below. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, § 5325

Reports shall only be made available to:

• An official of the Division of Youth Services in the course of his or her duties 

• A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected 

• A guardian ad litem for the child 

• A court of competent jurisdiction 

• The Department of Health and Human Services and the Comptroller General of the United States or any of their 

representatives 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

59 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Ohio 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Code § 2151.421

Except as provided below, a report made under this section is confidential. The information provided in a report and 

the name of the person who made the report shall not be released for use and shall not be used as evidence in any civil 

action or proceeding brought against the person who made the report. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Code §§ 2151.421; 2151.423

In a criminal proceeding, the report is admissible as evidence in accordance with the Rules of Evidence and is subject to 

discovery in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedure. 

If the child who is the subject of the report dies for any reason at any time after the report is made but before the child 

reaches age 18, the public children services agency or municipal or county peace officer to which the report was made 

or referred, on the request of the child fatality review board, shall submit a summary of the report to the review board of 

the county in which the deceased child resided at the time of death. On the request of the review board, the agency or 

peace officer may, at its discretion, make the report available to the review board.

A mandated reporter may make a reasonable number of requests of the public children services agency that receives or 

is referred the report, or of the children’s advocacy center that is referred the report if the report is referred to a children’s 

advocacy center, to be provided with the following information:

• Whether the agency or center has initiated an investigation of the report

• Whether the agency or center is continuing to investigate the report

• Whether the agency or center is otherwise involved with the child who is the subject of the report

• The general status of the health and safety of the child who is the subject of the report

• Whether the report has resulted in the filing of a complaint in juvenile court or of criminal charges in another court

A public children services agency shall disclose confidential information discovered during an investigation of child abuse 

or neglect to any Federal, State, or local government entity that needs the information to carry out its responsibilities to 

protect children from abuse or neglect. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

60 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Oklahoma 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-108

Data and information maintained in the Department of Human Services information system and related to individual 

cases shall be confidential and shall be made available only as authorized by State or Federal law. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-6-103

Juvenile court records and Department of Human Services agency records pertaining to a child may be inspected and 

their contents shall be disclosed without a court order to the following persons upon showing of proper credentials and 

pursuant to their lawful duties:

• The court having jurisdiction over the child

• Employees and officers of the court, including but, not limited to, guardians ad litem and court-appointed special 

advocates

• A district attorney, U. S. attorney, or attorney general of this or another State

• The attorney representing the child

• Employees of juvenile bureaus and of the Department of Human Services

• Employees of a law enforcement agency, military enclave, and child protective service of this or another State

• The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth

• The Office of Juvenile Affairs

• A federally recognized Indian Tribe in which the child who is the subject of the record is a member or is eligible to 

become a member of the Tribe

• The governor

• Any Federal official of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Any member of the Legislature

• A foster parent with regard to records concerning the social, medical, psychological, or educational needs of a 

child currently placed with that foster parent or of a child being considered for placement 

• An employee of any State or Federal corrections or law enforcement agency concerning presentence 

investigations or supervision of a parent of an alleged or adjudicated deprived child, or the legal guardian, 

custodian, or any other adult member of the child’s home who is responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of 

the child

• An employee of a State agency of this or another State concerning the establishment of paternity or the 

establishment or enforcement of a child support order

The court may disclose to an employee of an out-of-State entity that is licensed to perform adoption home studies in 

that State whether the prospective adoptive parent has had parental rights to a child terminated or relinquished parental 

rights to a child in Oklahoma.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the department from disclosing any confidential information as 

may be necessary to secure appropriate care, treatment, protection, or supervision of a child alleged to be abused or 

neglected.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

61 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-6-103 

Department of Human Services agency records may be inspected, and their contents shall be disclosed without a court 

order to the following persons upon showing of proper credentials and pursuant to their lawful duties:

• Postadjudicatory review boards, court-appointed special advocates, and members of the Child Death Review 

Board

• Any district court that has ordered a home study by the department in an action for divorce, annulment, custody 

of a child, or appointment of a legal guardian of a child

• Members of multidisciplinary teams or multidisciplinary personnel designated by the department, investigating a 

report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, or providing services to a child or family that is the subject of 

the report

• A physician who has before him or her a child whom he or she reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected

• Any health-care or mental health professionals involved in the evaluation or treatment of the child or the parents, 

legal guardian, foster parent, custodian, or other family members

• Any public or private agency or person authorized by the department to diagnose or provide care, treatment, 

supervision, or other services to a child who is the subject of a report

• Any person or agency for research purposes

• The Oklahoma Health Care Authority 

• A medical examiner when such person is determining the cause of death of a child

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-6-105

When a person responsible for a child has been charged with a crime resulting in the death or near death of a child, 

there shall be a presumption that the best interests of the public is served by public disclosure of certain information 

concerning:

• The circumstances of the investigation of the death or near death of the child

• Any other investigations concerning that child or other children living in the same household

At any time within 7 to 45 days after the person responsible for the child has been criminally charged, the department, 

district attorney, district court clerk, and judge having jurisdiction over the case shall release certain information to the 

public as follows:

• A confirmation by the department as to whether a report has been made concerning the alleged victim or other 

children living in the same household and whether an investigation has begun

• A confirmation by the department as to whether previous reports have been made, a summary of those reports, 

the dates and outcome of any investigations or actions taken by the department in response to a previous report, 

the specific recommendation made to the district attorney, and any subsequent action taken by the district 

attorney

• The dates of any judicial proceedings prior to the death or near death of the child

• Recommendations submitted by each participant in writing at the judicial proceedings including 

recommendations made at the hearing related to the custody or placement of a child

• The rulings of the court

Any disclosure of information shall not identify any complainant or reporter of child abuse or neglect and shall not 

identify the name of the child victim’s siblings, other children living in the same household, the parent or other person 

responsible for the child, or any other member of the household, other than the person criminally charged. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

62 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Oregon 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Stat. § 419B.035

Reports and records compiled under [the reporting laws] are confidential and may not be disclosed except as provided in 

this section. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Stat. § 419B.035

The Department of Human Services shall make records available to the persons and entities listed below:

• Any law enforcement agency or a child abuse registry in any other State for the purpose of subsequent 

investigation of child abuse

• Any physician regarding any child brought to the physician for examination, care, or treatment 

• Attorneys of record for the child or child’s parent or guardian in any juvenile court proceeding 

• Citizen review boards 

• A court-appointed special advocate in any juvenile court proceeding in which it is alleged that a child has been 

subjected to child abuse or neglect 

• •The Office of Children’s Advocate

• • The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for investigations involving any child or any student in grade 

12 or below 

• • Any person, administrative hearings officer, court, agency, organization, or other entity when it is necessary to 

administer child welfare services; to investigate, prevent, or treat child abuse and neglect; or for research 

• A law enforcement agency may make reports and records it has compiled available to:

• • Other law enforcement agencies

• • District attorneys, city attorneys with criminal prosecutorial functions, and the attorney general when the law 

enforcement agency determines that disclosure is necessary for the investigation or enforcement of laws relating 

to child abuse and neglect

• • The community corrections agency in this State

• • The Department of Corrections or to the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Rev. Stat. § 419B.035(1)(h)

The Department of Human Services may disclose the records to any person, upon request to the department, if the 

reports or records requested regard an incident in which a child died or suffered serious physical injury as the result of 

abuse. Reports or records disclosed under this paragraph must be disclosed in accordance with §§ 192.410 to 192.505. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Stat. § 419B.035

The Child Care Division may access records for certifying, registering, or otherwise regulating child care facilities. 

The Child Care Division of the Employment Department may access records for purpose of conducting background 

checks of contractors, employees, or volunteers of a metropolitan service district 8 who may have unsupervised contact 

with children and who are required to be enrolled in the Central Background Registry by the metropolitan service district, 

as required by § 657A.030(8)(g). 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

63 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Pennsylvania 

Confidentiality of Records

Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 6339

Except as otherwise provided by law, reports made pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, report 

summaries of child abuse and neglect written reports, as well as any other information obtained, reports written or 

photographs or x-rays taken concerning alleged instances of child abuse in the possession of the Department of Public 

Welfare or a county agency shall be confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 6340

Records shall only be made available to the following:

• An authorized official of a county agency, a Federal agency that has a need for the information, or of an agency of 

another State that performs protective services 

• Multidisciplinary team members assigned to the case 

• A physician examining or treating a child when the physician suspects the child of being an abused child 

• A guardian ad litem or court designated advocate for the child 

• An official or agent of the department conducting a performance audit 

• A court of competent jurisdiction 

• A court of common pleas in connection with any matter involving custody of a child 

• A standing committee of the General Assembly charged with legislative oversight 

• The attorney general or a district attorney 

• Federal auditors if required for Federal financial participation in funding of agencies 

• Law enforcement officials of any jurisdiction, as long as the information is relevant to an investigation 

• Designated county officials 

• A mandated reporter who made a report of abuse involving the subject child 

• A prospective adoptive parent when considering adopting an abused child in the custody of a county agency 

• Appropriate officials of another county or State regarding an investigation related to child abuse or protective 

services when a family has moved to that county or State 

• A subject of a report

• Members of a citizen review panel

• A member of a child fatality or near fatality review team

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 6343

The department shall conduct a child fatality or near fatality review immediately upon receipt of a report that a child died 

or nearly died as a result of suspected child abuse. 

Prior to completing its report, the department may release the following information to the public concerning a child 

who died or nearly died as a result of suspected or substantiated child abuse:

• The identity of the child

• If the child was in the custody of a public or private agency, the identity of the agency

• The identity of the public or private agency that provided services to the child and the child’s family in the child’s 

home prior to the child’s death or near fatality

• A description of services provided 

• The identity of the county agency that convened a child fatality or near fatality review team with respect to the 

child
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

64 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed (Continued)

Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 6343 

Upon completion of the review and report, the department’s report shall be made available to the county agency, the 

child fatality or near fatality review team, designated county officials, and, upon request, to other individuals to whom 

confidential reports may be released.

The report shall be made available to the public, but identifying information shall be removed from the contents of the 

report except for disclosure of the information listed above. The report shall not be released to the public if the district 

attorney certifies that release of the report may compromise a pending criminal investigation or proceeding. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 6344

This section applies to all prospective employees of child care services, prospective foster parents, prospective adoptive 

parents, prospective self-employed family daycare providers, and other persons seeking to provide child care services 

that involve direct contact with children. 

Administrators of child care services shall require applicants to submit with their applications a certification from the 

department as to whether the applicant is named in the central register as the perpetrator of a founded report of child 

abuse, indicated report of child abuse, founded report for school employee, or indicated report for school employee.

In the course of investigating and approving an individual as a prospective foster or adoptive parent, the agency shall 

require the individual and any person over age 18 residing in the individual’s home to submit a certification obtained 

within the previous 1-year period from the statewide central registry, or its equivalent in each State in which the person 

has resided within the previous 5-year period, as to whether the person is named as a perpetrator of child abuse. 

Self-employed family daycare providers who apply for a certificate of registration with the department shall submit 

with their registration application certification from the department as to whether the applicant is named in the central 

register as the perpetrator of a founded report of child abuse. 

Puerto Rico 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 446e

All records related to protection cases, including the reports from any office or public, private, or privatized entity 

generated while enforcing this chapter shall be confidential and shall not be divulged except in the cases or 

circumstances specifically authorized by this chapter. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 446f

No person, official, officer, employee, or agency shall have access to records unless it is to comply with purposes directly 

related to the administration of this chapter or by virtue of a court order. The persons, officials, officers, or agencies that 

shall have access to said records shall be:

• The officer or employee of the department or the agency that renders the direct services

• The Advocate for Minors’ Affairs, the prosecutor and/or police officers of the Specialized Sexual Crimes, Child 

Abuse, and Domestic Violence Unit in any case that investigates the commission of acts that constitute crimes 

related to this chapter, and the family advocate

• The physician or behavioral professional who renders direct services to a minor in protection cases

• The Multi-Sector Coordinating Board, the multidisciplinary professional teams, the Death Review Panel, and the 

Permanency Plan Review Board

• Any person conducting bona fide data research

• The court if it is found that access to the records is needed to resolve a controversy related to the well-being of 

the minor, with access limited to an inspection by the judge in chambers

Any mandatory reporter shall receive, upon request, the results of the investigation conducted with regard to the referred 

case. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

65 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 446f

No person authorized to receive confidential information may divulge the information. This prohibition shall not include 

the subject of the report, the prosecutors, the advocates for minors’ affairs, family advocates, special advocates for 

the protection of minors, or police officers, when the information obtained is to be used in judicial or administrative 

proceedings. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Rhode Island 

Confidentiality of Records

Gen. Laws §§ 40-11-13; 42-72-8

All records concerning reports of child abuse and neglect, including reports made to the department, shall be 

confidential except as specifically provided by this chapter or § 42-72-8, or specifically authorized by the family court in 

furtherance of the purposes directly connected with this chapter. 

Any records of the department pertaining to children and their families in need of service pursuant to the provisions of 

this chapter, or for whom an application for services has been made, shall be confidential and only disclosed as provided 

by law. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Gen. Laws § 42-72-8

Records may be disclosed when necessary to:

• The attorney general when the office is engaged in the investigation or prosecution of criminal conduct by 

another relating to the child or other children within the same family unit 

• Individuals or agencies engaged in medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis or treatment or education of 

the person under the supervision of the department 

• Individuals or agencies for the purposes of temporary or permanent placement of the person 

• The family court 

• The child’s guardian ad litem or attorney 

• Any mandated reporter who made a report of child abuse involving the subject child 

• A physician who believes or has reasonable cause to suspect that the child may have been abused or neglected 

• The Department of Corrections in the case of an individual who has been transferred to the jurisdiction of that 

department 

• Individuals employed by a State or county child welfare agency outside of Rhode Island when the information is 

needed to ensure the care, protection, and/or treatment of any child 

• An administrative hearing officer for purposes of making a determination of relevancy to the merits of the 

administrative matter pending before the hearing 

• A court of proper jurisdiction for purposes of making a determination of relevancy to the merits of the civil or 

criminal action pending before the court 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Gen. Laws § 42-72-8

The director may disclose the findings or other information about a case as the director deems necessary in a case of 

child abuse or neglect that has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

66 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

South Carolina 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 63-7-1990

All reports made and information collected pursuant to this article maintained by the Department of Social Services and 

the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect are confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 63-7-1990

The department is authorized to grant access to the records of indicated cases to the following persons, agencies, or 

entities:

• The ombudsman of the Office of the Governor or the governor’s designee 

• The child’s guardian ad litem, the attorney for the child’s guardian ad litem, or the child’s attorney 

• Appropriate staff of the department 

• A law enforcement agency investigating or prosecuting known or suspected abuse or neglect of a child or any 

other crime against a child, attempting to locate a missing child, investigating or prosecuting the death of a child, 

or investigating or prosecuting any other crime 

• A person who is named in a report or investigation as having abused or neglected a child, that person’s attorney, 

and that person’s guardian ad litem

• A child age 14 or older who is named in a report as a victim of child abuse or neglect 

• The parents or guardians of a child who is named in a report 

• County medical examiners or coroners who are investigating the death of a child

• The State Child Fatality Advisory Committee and the Department of Child Fatalities 

• Family courts conducting proceedings pursuant to this article 

• The parties to a court proceeding when information in the records is legally relevant and necessary for the 

determination of an issue before the court 

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business 

• Authorities in other States conducting child abuse and neglect investigations or providing child welfare services 

• Courts in other States conducting child abuse and neglect or child custody proceedings 

• The director or chief executive officer of a child care facility, child-placing agency, or child-caring facility when the 

records concern the investigation of an incident of child abuse or neglect that allegedly was perpetrated by an 

employee or volunteer 

• A person or agency with authorization to care for, diagnose, supervise, or treat the child, the child’s family, or the 

person alleged to have abused or neglected the child 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research 

• Multidisciplinary teams 

• Circuit solicitors and their agents investigating or prosecuting known or suspected abuse or neglect of a child or 

any other crime against a child, attempting to locate a missing child, investigating or prosecuting the death of a 

child, or investigating or prosecuting any other crime 

• Prospective adoptive or foster parents before placement 

• Employees of the Division for the Review of the Foster Care of Children, Office of the Governor, and members of 

local boards when carrying out their duties 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

67 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 63-7-1990

The State director of the department may disclose to the media information contained in child protective services 

records if the disclosure is limited to discussion of the department’s activities in handling the case including information 

placed in the public domain by other public officials, a criminal prosecution, the alleged perpetrator, the attorney for the 

alleged perpetrator, or other public judicial proceedings. 

Information is considered ‘placed in the public domain’ when it has been reported in the news media, is contained in 

public records of a criminal justice agency, is contained in public records of a court of law, or has been the subject of 

testimony in a public judicial proceeding. 

The State director is authorized to prepare and release reports of the results of the department’s investigations into the 

deaths of children in its custody or receiving child welfare services at the time of death. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 63-7-1990

The department is authorized to grant access to the records of indicated cases to the following agencies or entities:

• The Division for the Review of the Foster Care of Children for purposes of certifying that no potential employee, 

nominee to, or member of the State or a local foster care review board is a subject of an indicated report or 

affirmative determination

• The Division of Guardian ad Litem, Office of the Governor, for purposes of certifying that no potential employee 

or volunteer is the subject of an indicated report or an affirmative determination 

The department is authorized to disclose information concerning an individual named in the Central Registry of Child 

Abuse and Neglect as a perpetrator when screening of an individual’s background is required by statute or regulation for 

employment, licensing, or any other purposes, or a request is made in writing by the person being screened. 

South Dakota 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 26-8A-13

All investigative case records and files relating to reports of child abuse or neglect are confidential, and no disclosure of 

any such records, files, or other information may be made except as authorized in chapter 26-7A or this chapter. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 26-8A-13

The Department of Social Services may release records to the following parties when it is necessary in the performance 

of official functions:

• The attorney general, the State’s attorneys, law enforcement agencies, protective services workers, and judges of 

the courts investigating reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect 

• The attorney or guardian ad litem of the child who is the subject of the information 

• Public officials who require the information in connection with their official duties 

• Institutions and agencies that have legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise a child who is 

the subject of the information 

• An adoptive parent of the child who is the subject of the information or report

• A foster parent, kinship provider, or prospective adoptive parent who is or may be caring for a child in the custody 

of the Department of Social Services who is the subject of the report 

• A State, regional, or national registry of child abuse and neglect cases and courts of record of other States 

• A child protection team 

• A physician who is caring for a child whom the physician reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected

• State hearing examiners and any person who is the subject of the report

• A person eligible to submit an adoptive home study report for the purpose of screening applicants
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

68 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Ann. Stat. § 26-8A-13

Information received by an authorized receiving party shall be held confidential by the receiving party. However, the 

court may order the release of the information or any portion of it necessary for determination of an issue before the 

court. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 26-8A-13

Upon written request, the Department of Social Services shall release findings or information regarding the abuse or 

neglect of a child that resulted in a fatality or near fatality of the child unless the release of the findings or information 

would jeopardize a pending criminal investigation or proceeding. The findings or information to be released shall relate 

to the acts of child abuse or neglect that caused the fatality or near fatality of the child. However, the identity of the child 

may never be released. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. §§ 26-8A-12.1; 26-8A-12.2; 26-8A-12.3

Upon receipt of a list of names of current or potential employees from a Head Start program director or the name of any 

person being considered as an adoptive or foster parent from a certified social worker, the Department of Social Services 

shall compare the list to the central registry for abuse and neglect and report any findings to the requesting program 

director or social worker. 

Upon receipt of names of current or potential employees or volunteers from the Juvenile Division of the Department 

of Corrections, any adolescent treatment program operated by the Department of Human Services, any entity 

administering a court-appointed special advocate program, or a court considering appointment of a guardian ad litem

for a child, the department shall compare the names to the central registry for abuse and neglect and report any findings 

to the requesting program director, to the Bureau of Human Resources human resource manager, or to the court. 

Upon the receipt of a written request from a child welfare agency, the department shall conduct a check of the central 

registry for child abuse and neglect for foster care, adoption, or employment applicants and shall provide the results to 

the requesting agency. Further, upon written request from an agency that provides child welfare services for a federally 

recognized Tribe, the department shall conduct a check of the central registry for child abuse and neglect for foster care 

or adoption applicants and shall provide the results to the requesting Tribal agency. 

Tennessee 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code §§ 37-1-409; 37-1-612

Reports of harm and the identity of the reporter are confidential except when the juvenile court in which the investigation 

report is filed, in its discretion, determines the testimony of the person reporting to be material to an indictment or 

conviction. 

All records concerning reports of child sexual abuse, including files, reports, records, communications, working papers 

related to investigations or providing services, videotapes, reports made to the abuse registry and to local offices of the 

department, and all records generated as a result of such processes and reports, shall be confidential. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

69 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 37-1-612

Disclosure may be made to persons and entities having need for the information, including:

• Department employees, medical professionals, and contract or other agency employees who provide services, 

including those from child advocacy centers, to children and families 

• The attorney or guardian ad litem for a child who is the subject of the records 

• A law enforcement agency investigating a report of known or suspected child sexual abuse 

• The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the child resides or in which the alleged abuse 

occurred 

• A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business 

• Any person engaged in bona fide research or audit purposes 

• A court official, probation and parole officer, designated employee of the Department of Correction, Board of 

Probation and Parole, or other similarly situated individual charged with the responsibility of preparing information 

to be presented in any administrative or judicial proceeding concerning any individual charged with or convicted 

of any offense involving child abuse or neglect or child sexual abuse 

• An attorney or next friend who is authorized to act on behalf of the child in a civil cause of action against the 

perpetrator 

• Members of the Tennessee Claims Commission and its staff and employees for the purpose of determining if a 

claim filed with the commission based on facts contained in the record constitutes a compensable criminal offense 

under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 37-5-107 

The department shall provide for the public disclosure of information about any case that results in a child fatality or near 

fatality in compliance with 42 U.S.C. § 5106a(b)(2)(A)(x). The term ‘near fatality’ means a child had a serious or critical 

medical condition resulting from child abuse or child sexual abuse, as reported by a physician who has examined the 

child subsequent to the abuse. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Texas 

Confidentiality of Records

Fam. Code § 261.201

The following information is confidential, not subject to public release under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may 

be disclosed only for purposes consistent with this code and applicable Federal or State law or under rules adopted by 

an investigating agency:

• A report of alleged or suspected abuse or neglect made under this chapter and the identity of the person making 

the report

• Except as otherwise provided in this section, the files, reports, records, communications, audiotapes, videotapes, 

and working papers used or developed in an investigation or in providing services as a result of an investigation
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

70 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Fam. Code § 261.201

A court may order the disclosure of information that is confidential if:

• A motion has been filed requesting the release of the information.

• A notice of hearing has been served on the investigating agency and all other interested parties. 

• After a hearing and an in camera review of the requested information, the court determines that the disclosure of 

the requested information is essential to the administration of justice and is not likely to endanger the life or safety 

of a child who is the subject of the report, a person who made the report, or any other person who participates in 

an investigation or who provides care for the child.

The adoptive parents of a child who was the subject of an investigation and an adult who was the subject of an 

investigation as a child are entitled to examine and make copies of any report, record, or other information in the 

possession of the State that pertains to the history of the child. The department may edit the documents to protect the 

identity of the biological parents and any other person whose identity is confidential, unless this information is already 

known to the adoptive parents or is readily available through other sources.

The department shall provide to a relative or other individual with whom a child is placed any information the 

department considers necessary to ensure that the relative or other individual is prepared to meet the needs of the child. 

The information may include information related to any abuse or neglect suffered by the child.

The department shall provide to the parent, managing conservator, or other legal representative of a child who is the 

subject of reported abuse or neglect information that would otherwise be confidential if the department has edited the 

information to protect the confidentiality of the identity of the person who made the report and any other person whose 

life or safety may be endangered by the disclosure. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Fam. Code § 261.203

When the Department of Family and Protective Services receives a request for information about a child fatality about 

which the department is conducting an investigation, the department shall release:

• The age and sex of the child

• The date of death

• Whether the State was the managing conservator of the child at the time of death

• Whether, at the time of death, the child resided with his or her parent, managing conservator, guardian, or other 

person entitled to possession of the child

If, after an investigation is completed, the department determines a child’s death was caused by abuse or neglect, the 

department shall promptly release the following information on request:

• The information described above

• For cases in which the child’s death occurred while the child was living with his or her parent, managing 

conservator, guardian, or other person entitled to possession of the child:

» A summary of any previous reports of abuse or neglect

» The disposition of any report

» A description of the services, if any, that were provided

» The results of any risk or safety assessment 

• For a case in which the child’s death occurred while the child was in substitute care, the following information:

» The date the substitute care provider was licensed

» A summary of any previous reports of abuse or neglect investigated by the department

» Any reported licensing violations

» Records of any training completed by the substitute care provider 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

71 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed (Continued)

Fam. Code § 261.203 

Before any release of records, the department shall redact any information that would:

• Identify the individual who reported the abuse or neglect or any other individual other than the deceased child or 

an alleged perpetrator

• Jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution

• Endanger the life or safety of any person

• Violate State or Federal law

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Fam. Code § 261.002

The Department of Family and Protective Services may enter into agreements with other States to allow for the exchange 

of reports of child abuse and neglect in other States’ central registry systems. The department shall use information 

obtained under this subsection in performing the background checks of child care facilities, as required by § 42.056, 

Human Resources Code. 

Utah 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 62A-4a-412

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, reports made pursuant to this part, as well as any other information in the 

possession of the division obtained as the result of a report, are private, protected, or controlled records. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code §§§ 62A-4a-412; 63G-2-202(10)

The reports may only be made available to:

• A police or law enforcement agency investigating a report 

• A physician who reasonably believes that a child may be abused or neglected 

• An agency that has responsibility or authority to care for, treat, or supervise a child who is the subject of a report 

• A provider that has a written contract with the division to render services to a child who is the subject of a report 

• Except as provided in § 63G-2-202, any subject of the report, the natural parents of the child, and the guardian ad 

litem

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• An office of the public prosecutor or its deputies in performing an official duty 

• A person authorized by a Children’s Justice Center 

• A person engaged in bona fide research 

• Any person identified in the report as a perpetrator or possible perpetrator of abuse or neglect 

• Except as provided in § 63G-2-202, a person filing a petition for a child protective order on behalf of a minor who 

is the subject of the report 

• A licensed child-placing agency or person who is performing a preplacement adoptive evaluation 

When the division makes a report or other information available to a subject of the report or a parent of a child, the 

division shall remove from the report only the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals or specific 

information that could:

• Identify the referent

• Impede a criminal investigation

• Endanger a person’s safety

As provided by § 63G-2-202, a record contained in the Management Information System, created in § 62A-4a-1003 

[to contain child abuse and neglect records], that is found to be unsubstantiated, unsupported, or without merit may 

not be disclosed to any person except the person who is alleged in the report to be a perpetrator of abuse, neglect, or 

dependency. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

72 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 62A-4a-412

Reports and records may be made available to the State Office of Education, acting on behalf of itself or on behalf of a 

school district, for the purpose of evaluating whether an individual should be permitted to obtain or retain a license as 

an educator or serve as an employee or volunteer in a school. This disclosure is limited to information with substantiated 

findings involving an alleged sexual offense, an alleged felony or class A misdemeanor drug offense, or any alleged 

offense against the person. The office must provide the subject of a report with an opportunity to respond to the report 

before making a decision concerning licensure or employment. 

Vermont 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4916

The commissioner shall adopt rules to permit use of the registry records while preserving confidentiality of the registry 

and other departmental records. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, §§ 4916; 4921

The commissioner may disclose a registry record only as follows:

• To the State’s attorney or the attorney general

• Upon request or when relevant to other States’ adult protective services offices or child protection agencies

• To the person substantiated for child abuse and neglect who is the subject of the record

• To the commissioner of the Department of Corrections in accordance with the provisions of title 28, § 204a(b)(3)

Disclosure of registry records or information or other records used or obtained in the course of providing services 

to prevent child abuse or neglect or to treat abused or neglected children and their families by one member of a 

multidisciplinary team to another member of that team shall not subject either member of the multidisciplinary team, 

individually, or the team as a whole, to any civil or criminal liability notwithstanding any other provision of law.

The commissioner shall maintain all records of all investigations, assessments, reviews, and responses initiated under 

this subchapter. The department may use and disclose information from such records in the usual course of its business, 

including to assess future risk to children, to provide appropriate services to the child or members of the child’s family, or 

for other legal purposes.

Upon request, the redacted investigation file shall be disclosed to:

• The child’s parents, foster parent, or guardian, provided that the child’s parent, foster parent, or guardian is not 

the subject of the investigation

• The person alleged to have abused or neglected the child

Upon request, department records shall be disclosed to:

• The court, parties to the juvenile proceeding, and the child’s guardian ad litem if there is a pending juvenile 

proceeding or if the child is in the custody of the commissioner

• The commissioner or person designated by the commissioner to receive such records

• Persons assigned by the commissioner to conduct investigations

• Law enforcement officers engaged in a joint investigation with the department, an assistant attorney general, or a 

State’s attorney 

• Other State agencies conducting related inquiries or proceedings

• The probate division of the superior court involved in guardianship proceedings

Upon request, relevant department records created under this subchapter may be disclosed to:

• Service providers working with a person or child who is the subject of the report

• Other governmental entities for purposes of child protection
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

73 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4919

The commissioner may disclose a registry record only as follows:

• To the owner or operator of a facility regulated by the department for the purpose of informing the owner or 

operator that employment of a specific individual may result in loss of license, registration, or certification

• To an employer if such information is used to determine whether to hire or retain a specific individual providing 

care, custody, treatment, transportation, or supervision of children or vulnerable adults

• To the commissioners of disabilities, aging, independent living, and mental health for purposes related to the 

licensing or registration of facilities regulated by those departments

• To the commissioners of health, disabilities, aging, independent living, and mental health for purposes related 

to oversight and monitoring of persons who are served by or compensated with funds provided by those 

departments, including persons to whom a conditional offer of employment has been made

• To the board of medical practice for the purpose of evaluating an applicant, licensee, or holder of certification 

pursuant to title 26, § 1353

An employer providing transportation services to children or vulnerable adults may disclose registry records to the 

Agency of Human Services for the sole purpose of auditing the records to ensure compliance with this subchapter. 

An employer shall provide such records at the request of the agency or its designee. Only registry records regarding 

individuals who provide direct transportation services or otherwise have direct contact with children or vulnerable adults 

may be disclosed.

Volunteers shall be considered employees for purposes of this section.

In no event shall registry records be made available for employment purposes other than as set forth in this subsection or 

for credit purposes. 

Virgin Islands 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code Tit. 5, § 2540

All records concerning reports of child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect made to the government of the Virgin Islands, 

and all records generated as a result of such reports, shall be confidential except as specifically provided by this 

subchapter. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code Tit. 5, § 2540

No person, official, or agency shall have access to such records unless for the express purpose of acting pursuant to this 

subchapter. Persons permitted access include:

• The Department of Social Welfare and its legal representative 

• The U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department when investigating a report

• A physician who has before him or her a child he or she reasonably suspects may have been abused or neglected 

• A person legally authorized to place a child in emergency temporary custody when he or she reasonably suspects 

that a child may have been abused or neglected 

• Any agency with legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise a child who is the subject of a 

record

• Any person legally authorized as responsible for the child’s welfare 

• Any person who is the subject of a report and his or her legal representative, or if such person is a child, the child’s 

guardian ad litem, parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare 

• A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it 

• Any person appointed to a case as a court-appointed special advocate
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

74 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Virginia 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 63.2-1515

The information contained in the central registry shall not be open to inspection by the public. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 63.2-1515

Appropriate disclosure may be made in accordance with board regulations. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Code § 63.2-1515

The department shall respond to requests for a search of the central registry made by local departments and local school 

boards regarding applicants for employment. 

A central registry check shall be conducted of a person who has applied to be a volunteer with a: 

• Virginia affiliate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America 

• Virginia affiliate of Compeer 

• Virginia affiliate of Childhelp USA 

• Volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad 

• Court-appointed special advocate program 

Washington 

Confidentiality of Records

Rev. Code § 13.50.100

Records covered by this section shall be confidential and shall be released only pursuant to this section. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Rev. Code § 13.50.100

The Department of Social and Health Services may release information retained in the course of conducting child 

protective services investigations to a family or juvenile court. Information that may be released shall be limited to 

information regarding investigations in which the child was an alleged victim of abandonment or abuse or neglect.

Additional information may be released only with the written consent of the subject of the investigation and the 

child alleged to be the victim of abandonment or abuse and neglect, or the parent, custodian, guardian, or personal 

representative of the child, or by court order obtained with notice to all interested parties.

A contracting agency or service provider of the department that provides counseling, psychological, psychiatric, or 

medical services may release to the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds information or records relating to 

services provided to a child who is dependent without the consent of the parent or guardian of the child, or of the child if 

the child is under age 13, unless such release is otherwise specifically prohibited by law.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

75 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records (Continued)

Rev. Code § 13.50.100 

A child, his or her parents, the child’s attorney, and the child’s parent’s attorney shall, upon request, be given access to all 

records and information collected or retained by a juvenile justice or care agency that pertain to the child except: 

• If it is determined by the agency that release of this information is likely to cause severe psychological or physical 

harm to the child or his or her parents, the agency may withhold the information subject to other order of the 

court.

• If the information or record has been obtained by a juvenile justice or care agency in connection with the provision 

of counseling, psychological, psychiatric, or medical services to the child; when the services have been sought 

voluntarily by the child; and the child has a legal right to receive those services without the consent of any person 

or agency, then the information or record may not be disclosed to the child’s parents without the informed 

consent of the child unless otherwise authorized by law.

• The department may delete the name and identifying information regarding persons or organizations who have 

reported alleged child abuse or neglect.

Subject to the rules of discovery in civil cases, any party to a proceeding seeking a declaration of dependency or a 

termination of the parent-child relationship, any party’s counsel, and the guardian ad litem of any party shall have access 

to the records of any natural or adoptive child of the parent. Information about reports, reviews, and hearings may be 

disclosed only in accordance with Federal and State laws pertaining to child welfare records and child protective services 

reports. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Rev. Code §§ 13.50.100; 26.44.125

Information that may be released shall be limited to information regarding investigations in which the petitioner for 

custody of the juvenile or any individual aged 16 or older residing in the petitioner’s household is the subject of a 

founded or currently pending child protective services investigation made by the department subsequent to October 1, 

1998.

No unfounded allegation of child abuse or neglect may be disclosed to a child-placing agency, private adoption agency, 

or any other licensed provider.

Founded allegations of child abuse or neglect may be used by the department in determining if a person is qualified:

• To be licensed or approved to care for children or vulnerable adults

• To be employed by the department in a position having unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults

West Virginia 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Code § 49-7-1

Except as otherwise provided below, all records and information concerning a child or juvenile that are maintained by 

the Division of Juvenile Services, the Department of Health and Human Resources, a child agency or facility, court, or law 

enforcement agency shall be kept confidential and shall not be released or disclosed to anyone, including any Federal or 

State agency. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

76 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Code § 49-7-1

Notwithstanding the provisions above or any other provision of law to the contrary, records concerning a child or 

juvenile, except adoption records and records disclosing the identity of a person making a complaint of child abuse or 

neglect, shall be made available:

• Where otherwise authorized by this chapter

• To the child, a parent whose parental rights have not been terminated, or the attorney of the child or parent

• With the written consent of the child or of someone authorized to act on the child’s behalf

• Pursuant to an order of a court of record

In addition to those persons or entities listed above, information related to child abuse or neglect proceedings, except 

information relating to the identity of the person reporting or making a complaint of child abuse or neglect, shall be 

made available, upon request, to:

• Federal, State, or local government entities or any agent of such entities, including law enforcement agencies and 

prosecuting attorneys, having a need for such information in order to carry out its responsibilities under law to 

protect children from abuse and neglect 

• The child fatality review team

• Child abuse citizen review panels

• Multidisciplinary investigative and treatment teams

• A grand jury, circuit court, or family court, upon a finding that information in the records is necessary for the 

determination of an issue

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Code § 49-7-1

In the event of a child fatality or near fatality due to child abuse and neglect, information relating to such fatality or near 

fatality shall be made public by the Department of Health and Human Resources and to the entities described above. 

Information released by the department shall not include the identity of a person reporting or making a complaint of 

child abuse or neglect. 

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, or any other provision of law to the contrary, the name and identity of any 

juvenile adjudicated or convicted of a violent or felonious crime shall be made available to the public. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Wisconsin 

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 48.981

All reports made under this section and records maintained by an agency and other persons, officials, and institutions 

shall be confidential. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

77 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 48.981

Reports and records may be disclosed only to the following persons:

• The subject of a report

• The mandated reporter who made a report of abuse involving the subject child

• Appropriate staff of an agency or a Tribal social services department

• A person providing or authorized to provide intake or dispositional services for the court

• An attending physician for purposes of diagnosis and treatment

• A child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian

• A child’s foster parent, treatment foster parent, or other person having physical custody of the child, or a person 

having physical custody of the expectant mother of an unborn child

• A relative of a child placed outside of his or her home to the extent necessary to facilitate the establishment of a 

relationship between the child and the relative

• A professional employee of a county department who is working with the child or the expectant mother of the 

unborn child

• A multidisciplinary child abuse and neglect or unborn child abuse team

• A person employed by a child advocacy center

• A law enforcement officer, law enforcement agency, or district attorney for purposes of investigation or 

prosecution 

• The Department of Corrections, the Department of Health Services, a county department, or any other person 

under contract with those departments to exercise custody or supervision over a person who is subject to 

community placement for purposes of investigating or providing services

• A court or administrative agency for use in a proceeding relating to the licensing or regulation of a facility 

regulated under this chapter 

• A court conducting proceedings in which abuse or neglect of the child or the unborn child who is the subject of 

the report or record is an issue

• A Tribal court or other adjudicative body authorized by a Tribe or Band to perform child welfare functions

• The county corporation counsel, district attorney, or agency legal counsel

• The child’s counsel or guardian ad litem

• An attorney representing the interests of an Indian Tribe or Band or Indian child

• A volunteer court-appointed special advocate (CASA) or person employed by a CASA program 

• A person engaged in bona fide research 

• The department, a county department, or a licensed child welfare agency ordered to conduct a screening or an 

investigation of a stepparent

• A grand jury when it is necessary for the conduct of its official business 

• A judge conducting proceedings under § 968.26 

• A child fatality review team 

• A citizen review panel 

• A coroner, medical examiner, pathologist, or other physician investigating the cause of death of a child 

• A Federal agency, State agency of this State or any other State, or local governmental unit located in this State or 

any other State that has a need for a report or record in order to carry out its responsibility to protect children 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

78 This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. Available online at https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/confide.cfm

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

Ann. Stat. § 48.981

If an agency has reason to suspect that an incident of death or serious injury or egregious abuse or neglect has occurred, 

within 2 working days the agency shall provide the following information to the subunit of the department responsible 

for statewide oversight of child abuse and neglect programs:

• Information about the child, including the child’s age

• The date of the incident and the suspected cause of the death, serious injury, or egregious abuse or neglect

• A brief history of any reports received in which the child, a member of the child’s family, or the person suspected 

of the abuse or neglect was the subject and of any services offered or provided to any of those persons

• A statement of whether the child was residing in his or her home or was placed outside the home when the 

incident occurred

Within 2 working days after receiving the information, the department shall disclose to the public:

• That the information was received

• Whether the department is conducting a review of the incident

• Whether the child was residing in the home or was placed in an out-of-home placement at the time of the incident

• Information about the child, including the child’s age

The disclosure of information may not include any of the following:

• The identity of the child, any member of the child’s family, any member of the child’s household who is a child, or 

any caregiver of the child

• The identity of the person suspected of the abuse or neglect

• The identity of a reporter

• Any information the disclosure of which would not be in the best interests of the child, any member of the child’s 

family, any member of the child’s household who is a child, or any caregiver of the child

• Any disclosure that is not authorized by State or Federal law or regulation

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 48.981

Reports and records may be disclosed to a public or private agency in this State or any other State that is investigating a 

person for purposes of licensing the person to operate a foster home or placing a child for adoption in the home of the 

person. 
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records https://www.childwelfare.gov

Wyoming

Confidentiality of Records

Ann. Stat. § 14-3-214

All records concerning reports and investigations of child abuse or neglect are confidential. 

Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records

Ann. Stat. § 14-3-214

Applications for access to records concerning child abuse or neglect held by the State agency or local child protective 

agency shall be made in the manner and form prescribed by the State agency. Upon appropriate application, the State 

agency shall give access to any of the following persons or agencies:

• A local child protective agency 

• A law enforcement agency, guardian ad litem, child protection team, or the attorney representing the subject of 

the report 

• A physician or surgeon who reasonably suspects that a child may have been abused or neglected 

• A person legally authorized to place a child in protective temporary custody when needed to determine whether 

to place the child in temporary protective custody 

• A person responsible for the welfare of the child 

• A court or grand jury when it is necessary for the determination of an issue 

• Court personnel who are investigating reported incidents of child abuse or neglect 

• An education or mental health professional serving the child when it is necessary to provide appropriate 

educational or therapeutic interventions

A physician or person in charge of an institution, school, facility, or agency making the report shall receive, upon written 

application to the State agency, a summary of the records concerning the subject of the report. 

When Public Disclosure of Records Is Allowed

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Use of Records for Employment Screening

Ann. Stat. § 14-3-214

Upon appropriate application, the State agency shall provide to any chapter of a nationally recognized youth 

organization, child-caring facility, public or private school, or State institution a summary of central registry records 

maintained under State agency rules since December 31, 1986, for purposes of screening employees or volunteers. 

The written results shall confirm that there is a report ‘under investigation,’ a ‘substantiated’ finding of abuse or neglect 

on the central registry naming the individual, or confirm that no record exists. When the individual is identified on the 

registry as a ‘substantiated’ perpetrator of abuse or neglect, the report to the applicant shall contain information about 

the date of the finding, specific type of abuse or neglect, a copy of the perpetrator’s voluntary statement, and whether 

an appeal is pending. 

The applicant shall use the information received only for purposes of screening prospective employees and volunteers 

who may, through their employment or volunteer services, have unsupervised access to minors. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Children’s Bureau