Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records

Child Welfare Information Gateway

This publication from the Child Welfare Information Gateway presents an overview of US state laws that designate the officials and entities that may have access to the confidential records of child abuse and neglect reports and investigations, the circumstances under which information may be disclosed, and the appropriate use of confidential information. Public disclosure of information in cases of child abuse-related fatalities or near fatalities also is addressed. Summaries of laws related to these issues for all states and U.S. territories are included.

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