PA HB1305

Establishes the Office of Child Advocate within the Department of Human Services to independently advocate for children's health, safety, and well-being across child welfare, foster care, juvenile justice, and early intervention programs

Child Advocate appointed by the Governor with Senate consent for a 4-year term, requiring at least 6 years of professional experience in child advocacy, social work, or direct care services, plus a bachelor's degree

Grants the office authority to conduct facility visits, participate in child fatality review teams, receive and review public complaints, access confidential records from state and local agencies, and accompany children to interviews and administrative hearings

Requires annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees by June 30 each year summarizing activities, complaints received, and recommendations for improving child welfare programs

Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information obtained by the office constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, with violators denied future access to protected records