Each child-placing agency shall have a written policy to protect the confidentiality of personnel and client records.
The Board of any child-placing agency may be appropriate vote authorize the disclosure of non-identifying information to any accredited institution of higher learning, federal or District of Columbia agency, or any foundation or research institution as may be validly engaged in studies for the promotion of scientific knowledge. The institution or agency shall submit to the child-placing agency a request for information which shall include:
The Board may, in its discretion, attach additional limitations on the disclosure of information to an agency or institution.
All records shall be kept in metal file cabinets protected from fire, theft, and unauthorized access.
Child-placing agencies that cease placing children shall make arrangements to protect and store the records. Record storage may be arranged with the Department of Human Services or another licensed child-placing agency.
All adoption and foster care services records shall be retained permanently.
If a child has been reunited with his or her biological family prior to reaching majority, the case records shall be retained until one year after the child has reached the age of twenty-one (21). After the child reaches the age of twenty-one (21), the following shall be maintained:
Personnel and financial records maintained by the child-placing agency shall be maintained for at least seven (7) years.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 29, r. 29-1637