AB 1688: Child abuse or neglect: reporting.

The bill aims to amend the child abuse and neglect reporting act to expand the duties of local agencies that receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters, such as health practitioners and social workers, must report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to a local law enforcement agency or a county welfare or probation department. The bill requires an employee of these agencies to send notice of the report to the attorney representing a child's parent or legal guardian, without disclosing the substance of the report. This notice is exempt from parents whose parental rights have been terminated. Additionally, a copy of the report must be sent to all attorneys representing children with an open dependency case in the same placement. The bill does not require reimbursement for certain costs.