P.A. 17-119 (effective Oct. 1, 2017) allows counsel for the child in child protection matters to gain access to their clients’ records immediately upon appointment.

The new language is underlined below.

(2) (A) A child shall be represented by counsel knowledgeable about representing such children who shall be assigned to represent the child by the office of Chief Public Defender, or appointed by the court if there is an immediate need for the appointment of counsel during a court proceeding. If the child's parent or guardian has been accused by a competent witness of abusing the child, or of causing the child to be neglected or uncared for, upon the assignment or appointment of counsel, such counsel shall be granted immediate access to (i) records relating to the child, including, but not limited to, Department of Social Services records and medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment, law enforcement and educational records, without the necessity of securing further releases, and (ii) the child, for the purpose of consulting with the child privately. The court shall give the parties prior notice of such assignment or appointment. Counsel for the child shall act solely as attorney for the child.

Link to the Public Act:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/ACT/pa/2017PA-00119-R00HB-06741-PA.htm

Zoe Stout, Esq.

Senior Staff Attorney, Child Abuse Project

65 Elizabeth St. Hartford, CT 06105

P: 860-570-5327  F: 860-570-5256

Hartford – Bridgeport – New Haven