HI HB312

Requires the Department of Human Services to provide parents with written notice of their constitutional rights at the initial face-to-face contact during child harm investigations

Written notice must inform parents they: are not required to permit entry to their residence, have the right to remain silent, may have an attorney present, can record interviews, and are not required to sign any documents

Notice must warn parents that statements may be used against them in proceedings, and that failure to communicate may result in foster custody of the child

Requires the department to ensure notices are written in a language the parent understands and must be signed/dated by the parent or documented if the parent refuses to sign

Mandates that interviews of children conducted at school must be recorded and retained in the case file

Follows similar legislation enacted in Connecticut (2011), Arizona, Texas, and piloted in New York