Child services would report deaths and near deaths from abuse or neglect

Child services would promptly give the public preliminary information about these cases. This covers child deaths and severe injuries or conditions that a doctor certifies as life threatening, when caused by abuse or neglect. Federal law limits what the agency may share. The agency must protect people who reported abuse or neglect and other possible child victims. If enacted, these rules would take effect July 1, 2026.

Child services would provide as much additional case information as possible after consulting a prosecutor. Anyone may ask for more information about an abuse or neglect case involving a child death or near death. The agency must alert the prosecutor before releasing more information. If the prosecutor believes release would specifically harm an investigation or prosecution, they must promptly tell the agency. The agency must protect reporters and other possible child victims.

Child services would publish a summary of each case and its response. This covers child deaths and near deaths tied to abuse or neglect; extra details apply when the child lived at home. For a child living at home when harmed, the summary must also cover reports and services from the previous five years, plus later investigations and services. The 90-day deadline starts when the agency completes its case report.