§ 5–707
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-707 (2026)
Title 5. Children
Subtitle 7. Child Abuse and Neglect
§ 5–707LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to federal and State law, the Administration shall provide by regulation adopted in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article:
(1)
procedures for protecting the confidentiality of reports and records made in accordance with this subtitle;
(2)
conditions under which information may be released;
(3)
conditions for determining in cases whether abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse is indicated, ruled out, or unsubstantiated; and
(4)
procedures for the appeal processes provided in this subtitle.
(b)
(1)
The local department shall expunge a report of suspected abuse or neglect and all assessments and investigative findings:
(i)
within 5 years after the date of referral if the investigation under § 5–706 of this subtitle concludes that the report is unsubstantiated, and no further reports of abuse or neglect are received during the 5 years; and
(ii)
subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, within 2 years after the date of referral if the report is ruled out, and no further reports of abuse or neglect are received during the 2 years.
(2)
If a report is ruled out, the local department may, on good cause shown, immediately expunge the report and all assessments and investigative findings.