Child abuse or neglect: reporting.

Existing law requires the agency to maintain a copy of the written report and provide all information requested by the attorney for the child or the child's guardian ad litem within 30 days of the request.

This bill would require an employee of those agencies to additionally send a copy of the report to the attorney who represents a parent or legal guardian of the child, as specified. Under the bill, that requirement would not apply to certain individuals, including a parent whose parental rights have been terminated or a parent who is not entitled to reunification services. The bill would require the agency to redact all personal identifying information, as defined, regarding all persons, other than the child, who are identified in the report. If the suspected abuse or neglect occurred in a placement, as provided, the bill would require an employee of the agency to send a copy of the report to all attorneys who represent children with an open dependency case in that placement, subject to specified redaction.

By expanding the duties of local agencies that receive reports alleging abuse or neglect of children, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.