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SB 236

Authorizing victims of childhood abuse or neglect to access records related to substantiated reports or investigations of abuse or neglect.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill permits adult survivors of childhood abuse/neglect to access their own substantiated CPS investigation records, breaking current confidentiality barriers.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 236

Legislative bill overview

SB 236 would authorize adult victims of childhood abuse or neglect to access records related to substantiated reports or investigations into their own abuse or neglect cases. The bill creates a legal pathway for survivors to obtain documentation from child protective services investigations that have already been substantiated, rather than keeping these records sealed indefinitely.

Why is this important

Survivors often need access to their own case records for purposes like pursuing civil litigation, obtaining therapy, understanding what happened to them, or holding institutions accountable. Currently, many states maintain strict confidentiality of child protective services records even from the victims themselves, limiting survivors' ability to seek justice or closure years later.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy of other parties: Records may contain identifying information about siblings, other family members, alleged perpetrators, or witnesses whose privacy interests could conflict with victim access
  • Perpetrator protection concerns: Opponents may worry records access could enable confrontations or endanger alleged abusers who were never criminally convicted
  • Implementation costs and burden: CPS agencies would need resources to process record requests, redact sensitive information, and potentially defend decision-making from decades prior
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether "substantiated" cases only applies or if unsubstantiated investigations are also accessible, and what redactions would be required

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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