CSSB 122(JUD) Summary

• Repeals the child abuse and neglect citizen review panel previously located in the Department of Health and Social Services and establishes a new Child Protection Citizen Review Panel in the office of the ombudsman.

• Panel purpose is to facilitate public participation in developing and implementing the state's child protection policies and practices, with volunteer members broadly representative of the state including at least one from each administrative region.

• Panel must meet at least quarterly and examine department policies, procedures, and practices annually to determine if the department effectively discharges child protection responsibilities under applicable federal plans.

• Panel shall prepare annual reports with recommendations to the governor, legislature, and public; department must respond within six months and submit joint evaluation reports every three years.

• Amends confidentiality laws to allow information disclosure to the review panel and office of the ombudsman; establishes up to $2,500 civil penalty for confidentiality violations and grants immunity to panel members and service providers.