Opinion ID: 2060464
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Maintenance of Records

Text: Information relating to child abuse or neglect is stored by the local departments and the Social Services Administration (SSA), which is a branch of the DHR. Local departments are required, in cases of child abuse or neglect, to maintain records relating to the report and investigation which identify individuals involved in the investigation or assessment by name and address, including the identification of any needed services and an assessment of risk, in accordance with Regulation .18 of this chapter. COMAR 07.02.07.14B(1). In addition, records relating to any case-related investigations, assessments, or services offered must be maintained by the local department. COMAR 07.02.07.14B(1) and (2). The Child Abuse and Neglect statute defines a record as the original or any copy of any documentary material, in any form, including a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, that is made by, received by, or received from the State, a county, or a municipal corporation in the State, or any subdivision or agency concerning a case of alleged child abuse or neglect. § 5-701(r). See also COMAR 07.02.07.02(26); COMAR 07.02.26.02(11). A report is defined as an allegation of abuse or neglect, made or received under the Child Abuse and Neglect statute. § 5.701(s). See also COMAR 07.02.07.02(28); COMAR 07.02.26.02(12). If abuse or neglect is ruled out and no further reports of abuse or neglect received, the report and investigative findings are expunged from the local department's records within 120 days of the conclusion of the investigation. § 5-707(b)(2); COMAR 07.02.07.18B. If the department concludes that the abuse or neglect is unsubstantiated, reports and findings are expunged within five years of the conclusion of the investigation if no further reports of abuse or neglect are received during that time. § 5-707(b)(1); COMAR 07.02.07.18(A). Findings of indicated abuse can remain on record indefinitely. [8]