DE HB248

Moves the Investigation Coordinator position from the Department (appointed by Secretary) to the Office of the Child Advocate as an employed position to independently track child abuse and neglect cases.

Grants the Investigation Coordinator and staff electronic access to the Department's internal information system and authority to track all reported cases of alleged child abuse or neglect.

Requires the Investigation Coordinator to monitor cases involving child death, serious physical injury, or sexual abuse allegations from inception through final criminal and civil disposition and provide status information as requested to specified agencies and entities.

Mandates the Investigation Coordinator report allegations involving licensed or certified professionals to appropriate regulatory agencies within 5 business days and report all child deaths or near-deaths from abuse or neglect to the Child Protection Accountability Commission and Child Death Review Commission.

Authorizes the Child Advocate to hire the Investigation Coordinator and supporting staff, with protections ensuring all related information and records remain confidential and exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.