Connecticut House Bill HB06217

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting A Guardian Ad Litem From Sharing Information Provided By A Child's Therapist With The Court.

Impact

If enacted, HB06217 would amend chapter 815j of the general statutes, impacting how guardians ad litem interact with therapists in legal contexts. It recognizes the role of a child’s mental health professional in the court system and the critical need for their assessments to remain confidential. This change seeks to assure that therapists can provide honest evaluations and therapeutic support without risking the information they share being used against the child in court, which could have possible repercussions for the child’s mental health and willingness to participate in therapy.

Summary

House Bill 06217 aims to strengthen the confidentiality of communications between a child's therapist and their guardian ad litem. The bill prohibits a guardian ad litem from sharing any information provided by a child’s court-appointed therapist during court proceedings. This measure is intended to create a safe environment for children, encouraging them to communicate openly with their therapists without fear of their private information being disclosed in court. The bill reflects an understanding of the sensitive nature of therapy and the importance of preserving trust in therapeutic relationships.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB06217 may involve considerations of balance between a child's right to confidentiality and the court’s need for comprehensive information regarding the child’s welfare. Some stakeholders may argue that there could be situations where sharing certain therapeutic insights is necessary for the court to make informed decisions. Conversely, proponents of the bill emphasize the need for a child's therapeutic dialogue to remain private, stressing that it is in the best interest of the child's emotional and psychological well-being.