OLR Bill Analysis

SB 789 (File 84, as amended by Senate “A”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SHARING OF INFORMATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES.

SUMMARY:

This bill allows limited disclosure of Department of Children and Families (DCF) records to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) without the consent of the person named in the records. In order for DDS to determine a child's eligibility for its Voluntary Services Program (the child must already be a DDS client), assist the child's enrollment in the program, and plan services for the child, the bill allows DCF to disclose a written summary of any child abuse or neglect investigation it conducted. DDS must notify parents and guardians when they apply to enroll a child in the program that it may obtain these records from DCF without their consent.

By law, DCF can already disclose records, whether it or someone else created them, without consent, in a variety of other situations. Like these disclosures, before releasing a record under the bill, DCF must determine disclosure is in a person's best interest and that the records are not privileged or confidential under state or federal law.

*Senate Amendment “A” makes the bill effective on passage rather than October 1, 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Related Bill

SB 756 (File 186) permits the DDS commissioner to require applicants for (1) a job with DDS or a provider it licenses or (2) funds to submit to a check of DCF's child abuse registry. This bill has passed in both chambers.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable