Opinion ID: 2060464
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Chapter 318 Hearings

Text: Upon notification by a local department that an accused has been found responsible for the indicated or unsubstantiated abuse or neglect of a child, he or she can request an administrative hearing by responding to the local department's notice in writing within sixty days. § 5-706.1(b). Within ten days of receipt of a request for a hearing, the department must review all records and reports concerning the alleged abuse or neglect and then determine whether the finding shall be amended, modified, or expunged. § 5-706.1(d). Also within ten days of receiving the request for an administrative hearing, the local department is required to forward to OAH the request for the administrative hearing. § 5-706.1(c). See also § 5-706.2(b) (requiring the Department to forward to OAH all reports and records regarding the case upon the accused's request for a hearing). If the local department has not changed its findings to ruled out, the records must be transferred to the OAH and the accused can then request an in camera review of the full report or record by an ALJ to determine the accuracy and sufficiency of the report or record. § 5-706.2(a). After the ALJ determines that the information in the report or record is sufficient and accurate for purposes of determining an issue in a proceeding, the information in that record or report may be forwarded to the accused. § 5-706.2(c). If the accused contests the findings, he or she may submit additional written information to the ALJ. § 5-706.2(d)(1). The ALJ then determines the correctness of the findings and, if incorrect, must order the Department to amend, modify, or expunge the finding, as appropriate. Id. It is important to note that the informal nature of Chapter 318 hearings allows for no presentation of evidence or testimony of witnesses by the accused.