HB 5443 - Parental Rights in Juvenile Matters

• Department of Children and Families must verify the truth, accuracy and sufficiency of abuse/neglect allegations before commencing investigation.

• Department must disclose the complaint to parents or guardians at initial contact and provide written notice of parental rights including right to refuse entry without warrant, right to attorney representation, and prohibition on signing documents without legal review.

• Department must obtain parental consent before interviewing children, except when the parent/guardian is suspected of perpetrating the alleged abuse.

• Noncustodial parents must receive copies of complaints and notices within five business days of disclosure to custodial parent or guardian.

• All provisions effective July 1, 2010.