Bill > S0960

This bill establishes new requirements for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and community-based care lead agencies regarding child protection investigations and public disclosure of information. Specifically, it mandates that a statewide team of child protection investigators must respond within 24 hours to the death or disappearance of a child in the care of the DCF or a community-based care lead agency, and assist law enforcement in the investigation. Reports from these investigations, including autopsy findings for deceased children and investigation status for missing children, must be posted on the DCF's website while protecting the child's identity. Furthermore, the bill requires the DCF to publicly disclose basic facts about all child fatalities and near fatalities resulting from abuse or neglect, including the child's basic information, cause of death or near fatality, location, involved agencies, alleged offender's relationship, and any legal or departmental actions taken, with certain exceptions to protect ongoing investigations or personal information like sibling details. It also mandates that community-based care lead agencies report annually on the status and resolution of any damage claims filed due to children being injured while in their care or custody.