SB 358 - This act would allow the Division of Family Services to expand the child protection system from operation in five areas of the state to eight areas of the state.

The act would also allow the parents or legal guardian to request information from the Department of Social Services, Division of Family Services about an abuse or neglect report involving a specific person or child care facility who provides or who may provide services or care to a child of the person requesting the information.

The request must be made in writing with a signed and notarized release form from the person who provides or who may provide care or services to the child. The release form must contain the full name, date of birth and social security number of the person who will provide services or care to the child.

The Division of Family Services shall respond within ten working days from the receipt of the request.

The act would also allow the parents or legal guardian to request information from the Department of Health about the denial of or the suspension or revocation of a license to a specific person to operate or maintain a foster home when the specific person provides or may provide services or care to a child of the person requesting the information.

The request must be made in writing with a signed and notarized release form from the person who provides or who may provide care or services to the child. The release form must contain the full name, date of birth and social security number of the person who will provide services or care to the child.

The Department of Health shall respond within ten working days from the receipt of the request.

The act also includes those public and private facilities, day programs, residential facilities which are operated, funded or licensed by the Department of Health into the statutory requirements for protective services for adults.

The provider of services shall within 2 working days of hiring any person for a full time, part time or temporary position which has contract with any patient must request a criminal background check on such person.

CHERYL GRAZIER