(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes concerning the confidentiality of records and information, the Child Advocate may request and shall have access to, including the right to promptly inspect and copy, any records necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Child Advocate as provided in section 46a-13l. Such records shall be provided to the Child Advocate not later than fourteen days from the date of such request. If the Child Advocate is denied access to any records necessary to carry out said responsibilities, the Child Advocate may issue a subpoena for the production of such records as provided in subsection (c) of this section.
(b) In the performance of his responsibilities under subsection (a) of section 46a-13l the Child Advocate may communicate privately with any child or person who has received, is receiving or should have received services from the state. Such communications shall be confidential and not be subject to disclosure except as provided in subsection (a) of section 46a-13n.
(c) The Child Advocate may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of books, papers and other documents and to administer oaths to witnesses in any matter under his investigation. If any person to whom such subpoena is issued fails to appear or, having appeared, refuses to give testimony or fails to produce the evidence required, the Child Advocate may apply to the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford which shall have jurisdiction to order such person to appear and give testimony or to produce such evidence, as the case may be.
(d) The Child Advocate may apply for and accept grants, gifts and bequests of funds from other states, federal and interstate agencies and independent authorities and private firms, individuals and foundations, for the purpose of carrying out his responsibilities. There is established within the General Fund a child advocate account which shall be a separate nonlapsing account. Any funds received under this subsection shall, upon deposit in the General Fund, be credited to said account and may be used by the Child Advocate in the performance of his duties.
(P.A. 88-230, S. 10, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4–6; P.A. 95-242, S. 8; P.A. 97-319, S. 4; P.A. 22-135, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 97-319 entirely replaced former section with new provisions re access to information (Revisor's note: P.A. 88-230, 90-98, 93-142 and 95-220 authorized substitution of “judicial district of Hartford” for “judicial district of Hartford-New Britain” in 1997 public and special acts, effective September 1, 1998); P.A. 22-135 amended Subsec. (a) by adding “may request and” and “promptly”, adding provision re records to be provided to Child Advocate not later than 14 days from date of request and making technical changes, effective July 1, 2022.
Structure Connecticut General Statutes
Chapter 813a - Office of the Victim Advocate. Office of the Child Advocate
Section 46a-13b. - Office of the Victim Advocate established.
Section 46a-13c. - Responsibilities of the Victim Advocate.
Section 46a-13d. - Access to information. Rights and powers.
Section 46a-13f. - Advisory committee established.
Section 46a-13g. - Limitation re filing appearance for victim.
Section 46a-13h. - Advisory committee established.
Section 46a-13k. - Office of the Child Advocate established.
Section 46a-13m. - Access to information.
Section 46a-13n. - Confidentiality of information.
Section 46a-13o. - Representation of child. Judgments or settlements for compensation.
Section 46a-13p. - Indemnification of employees and volunteers.
Section 46a-13q. - Advisory committee established.
Section 46a-13r. - Advisory committee; established; responsibilities.
Section 46a-13s. - Causes and rates of child fatalities. Annual report.