CO HB1248

Adds new section 19-1-307(2)(v) to Colorado law allowing licensed child placement agencies limited access to child abuse and neglect records for screening prospective foster parents, adults in their homes, and specialized group facilities.

Restricts accessible information to whether a report was made, the general nature of alleged abuse or neglect, allegation category, perpetrator and victim names/relationships, whether the report was screened, investigation outcomes, and child care/welfare licensing history.

Limits record access to one designated person per child placement agency, with the State Department of Human Services required to monitor compliance with access restrictions.

Specifies that unaccepted referrals or unfounded/inconclusive assessments do not automatically disqualify a prospective foster parent from placement.

Appropriates $37,138 for fiscal year 2015-16 to the Department of Human Services: $20,538 for child welfare division monitoring and 0.4 FTE staff, and $16,600 for information technology services for the Colorado Trails system; effective July 1, 2015.