d. Safeguarding Information

Information about the family shall not be disclosed by the department except when disclosure is authorized by law, including but not limited to the following reasons: when directly connected with the administration of CCAP or other programs administered by the department or the administration of other state or federally assisted programs that are needs based; for purposes related to performing quality assurance audits or fraud investigations; or when necessary to determine the suitability of child care arrangements.

By making application, parents and families shall grant the CCAP administrator permission to share information with the child care provider to the extent necessary to determine eligibility, the level of benefits or to notify the provider of information concerning eligibility or payments. Personal family information not relevant to such determinations shall not be disclosed and not be shared with the provider. Providers for whom a current child care agreement form is on file with the CCAP administrator may contact the administrator to determine the status of an application.

Information about the provider shall be shared with the parent if the information is considered public information, or as needed to determine payment eligibility or to inform the parent of the reason the provider does not meet the eligibility requirements. By enrolling in the CCAP program, providers shall grant the CCAP administrator permission to share information concerning compliance with the program health and safety standards with the parent, including the results of criminal and child abuse or neglect background checks.

Application information shall be disclosed to a landlord, employer or other third party only to the extent necessary to obtain specified information or verification from such parties.

Information may be disclosed to any authorized representative of the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, local police departments, the Office of Attorney General, or the Judicial Department, Support Enforcement Division for the purpose of collection of overpayments, investigating fraud, collection of child support or the location of absent parents or for any other purpose for which disclosure of such information is permitted by law.

Information shall be disclosed to any authorized representative of the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services when necessary for the implementation and operation of the basic needs supplement program or for the management of and payment for behavioral health services for applicants and recipients of general assistance.

Information shall be released to any authorized representative of the Commissioner of the Department of Labor or to his official designee when required for the administration of the Unemployment Compensation or employment services programs or activities.

Information shall be released to any authorized representative of the Commissioner of Children and Families concerning a child’s health, safety or welfare if the same is determined to be in imminent danger as determined by the Department of Children and Families or the Department of Social Services. Notwithstanding a request for information, the department shall notify the commissioner of Children and Families or his official designee if there is reason to believe that any child under the age of eighteen is being subjected to physical or mental abuse or neglect while in the care of a parent or child care provider.

The current address of an applicant or recipient of benefits shall be disclosed to federal, state, or local law enforcement officers under the following conditions: if such officer provides the department with a name of such applicant or recipient of benefits; and if the family member is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction; and the law enforcement officer provides the family member’s name and indicates that the conditions listed above in (A) and (B) exist and verifies that the location or apprehension of the recipient is within his or her official duties.