Section 5153.171. Request for nformation concerning deceased child whose death may have been caused by abuse, neglect, or other criminal conduct

(A) On receipt by a public children services agency of a request for the release of information about a child under eighteen years of age who was a resident of the county served by the agency at the time of death and whose death may have been caused by abuse, neglect, or other criminal conduct, the director of the agency immediately shall confer with the prosecuting attorney of that county. After the executive director confers with the prosecuting attorney, the following apply:

(1) If the prosecuting attorney intends to prosecute a person for causing the child's death, the prosecuting attorney shall determine the information described in division (A) of section 5153.172 of the Revised Code that may be released, if any, and notify the director of the intent to prosecute and the determination of what information may be released. Except as provided in section 5153.173 of the Revised Code, on receipt of the notice, the director shall release the information the prosecutor determines may be released and no other information.

(2) If the prosecuting attorney does not intend to prosecute a person for causing the death of the child, the prosecuting attorney shall notify the director that no prosecution is intended. Except as provided in section 5153.173 of the Revised Code, on receipt of the notice, the director shall release the information described in division (A) of section 5153.172 of the Revised Code.

(B) A public children services agency director who releases information in accordance with this section in good faith shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability for injury, death, or loss to person or property incurred or imposed as a result of provision of the information.

Effective Date: 10-05-2000