Juveniles: access and use of juvenile case files.

Senator Ochoa Bogh's juvenile records legislation expands access to confidential juvenile case files while establishing new protocols for their handling and dissemination. The measure modifies existing law to permit parents' treatment teams and probate court officials to inspect these records, alongside currently authorized individuals like family court personnel and child welfare workers.

Under the bill's provisions, child welfare agencies must provide access to juvenile records within two weeks of receiving written requests from authorized parties after an investigation closes. The legislation also creates a presumption favoring the release of deceased minors' case files, though courts retain authority to restrict access if disclosure could harm other children connected to the case. When records are privileged under state or federal law, parties must petition the juvenile court for access, with hearings required if records are not released within 30 days.

The measure implements new confidentiality safeguards, requiring records accessed through family or probate proceedings to be filed under seal. While attorneys may share obtained records with experts and other counsel involved in related legal matters, the bill prohibits broader dissemination without judicial approval. Educational institutions receiving notices about student offenses must maintain this information in separate confidential files until the minor graduates, reaches age 18, or exits juvenile court jurisdiction.

Local child welfare agencies face expanded duties under these provisions without guaranteed state reimbursement. The bill specifies that new requirements apply only to the extent that California provides annual funding to cover increased costs, leaving agencies potentially responsible for absorbing additional administrative expenses.