# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 7. Child Abuse and Neglect

#### Section 5-707

(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 Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)