Connecticut House Bill HB06205

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/19
• Refer: 1/25/19

Caption

An Act Authorizing Youth Service Bureaus To Have Access To Students' Educational Records In Certain Circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6205 would significantly impact the way youth service bureaus function in relation to the juvenile justice system. By granting these bureaus access to educational records, the legislation seeks to enhance their ability to tailor intervention services based on comprehensive information about a student's circumstances, thus potentially leading to better outcomes in rehabilitation and support for at-risk youth. This change could foster more effective collaboration between educational institutions and social services in addressing juvenile issues.

Summary

House Bill 6205 aims to amend section 46b-124 of state law to include educational records in the definition of 'records of cases of juvenile matters.' The intent behind this bill is to enable youth service bureaus access to students' educational records under specific circumstances. This access is essential for these bureaus to provide appropriate intervention services as a part of court diversionary programs, which aim to redirect juveniles away from formal judicial proceedings and towards supportive interventions.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the privacy of students' educational records. Opponents of the bill might argue that this access could infringe upon student privacy rights and confidentiality protections traditionally associated with educational records. Proponents, on the other hand, may emphasize the greater purpose of providing necessary assistance and support to youth who are at the risk of entering the juvenile justice system, ultimately advocating for a balance between privacy and the welfare of the child.