CT SB00832

Establishes a "family assessment response" program allowing the Department of Children and Families to refer child abuse and neglect reports to community providers for assessment and services instead of investigation, provided an initial safety assessment and criminal background checks are completed.

Authorizes the commissioner to adopt regulations to monitor progress of families referred to community providers and establish standards for reopening investigations.

Requires the department to disclose all relevant information about the child and family to community providers, and requires providers to disclose assessment and treatment information back to the department for safety monitoring.

Seals records containing unsubstantiated findings and family assessment case records, with expungement required five years after investigation completion or case closure (whichever is later) if no further reports are made.

Extends the five-year expungement timeline to the most recent investigation completion date when multiple unsubstantiated reports are made on the same individual or family.