Sec. 6. (a) The office of the department of child services ombudsman shall be given appropriate access to department of child services records of a child who is the subject of a complaint that is filed under this chapter.

     (b) A state or local government agency or entity that has records that are relevant to a complaint or an investigation conducted by an ombudsman shall provide the ombudsman with access to the records.

     (c) A person is immune from:

(1) civil or criminal liability; and

(2) actions taken under:

(A) a professional disciplinary procedure; or

(B) procedures related to the termination or imposition of penalties under a contract dealing with an employee or contractor of the department of child services;

for the release or disclosure of records to the ombudsman under this chapter, unless the release or disclosure constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

     (d) Information or records of a state or local government agency provided to the office of the department of child services ombudsman may not be disclosed to the complainant or others if confidential under laws, rules, or regulations governing the state or local government agency that provided the information or records.

As added by P.L.182-2009(ss), SEC.55.