Bill > LD99

This bill clarifies and expands information sharing protocols between the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and schools regarding child abuse or neglect investigations. The bill allows school record complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions to be shared with DHHS during child abuse or neglect investigations. It broadens the scope of who can be investigated to include not just licensed or certified school employees, but also those who have applied for licensure or certification. The bill also permits DHHS to notify school superintendents or administrators when there is an indicated or substantiated finding of out-of-home abuse or neglect against a school employee. Additionally, the legislation modifies existing confidentiality rules to allow for more targeted information sharing between educational and child welfare authorities, while still protecting the identities of complainants and reporters. These changes aim to enhance child protection efforts by facilitating better communication and information exchange between schools and child welfare agencies, ultimately helping to identify and address potential cases of child abuse or neglect more effectively.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=99&snum=132