Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records - Alabama
Confidentiality of Records
Citation: Ann. Code § 26-14-8
The reports and records of child abuse and neglect and related information or testimony shall be confidential and shall not be used or disclosed for any purposes other than specified in statute.
Persons or Entities Allowed Access to Records
Citation: Ann. Code § 26-14-8
Disclosure of child abuse reports or records shall be limited to the following:
- Police or other law enforcement agency for investigation of child abuse or neglect
- A grand jury when it is necessary in the conduct of its official business
- A court when it is necessary for the determination of an issue before it
- Any person engaged in bona fide research
- Any person authorized by a court to act as a representative for an abused or neglected child who is the subject of a report
- A physician who reasonably suspects that a child may be abused or neglected
- An attorney or guardian ad litem in representing or defending a child or the child's parents or guardians in a court proceeding related to abuse or neglect of the child
- Federal, State, or local governmental entities or social service agencies of another State that have a need for the information to carry out their responsibilities
- Child abuse citizen review, quality assurance, or multidisciplinary review panels
- Child fatality review panels
When Public Disclosure of Records is Allowed
Citation: Ann. Code § 26-14-8
Public disclosure of the findings or information about the case of child abuse or neglect is permitted when the case has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. Information identifying by name persons other than the victim shall not be disclosed.
Use of Records for Employment Screening
Citation: Ann. Code § 26-14-8
Reports or records in cases determined to be 'not indicated' shall not be used or disclosed for purposes of employment or other background checks.
The names of persons or information in the investigative report placed on the State's central registry may be made available to the alleged perpetrator's employer, prospective employer, or others when the Department of Human Resources or the investigative hearing officer has determined child abuse or neglect to be indicated.