District Of Columbia § 4-1303.31 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 4-1303.31 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-1303.31. Definitions.
4-1303.31For the purposes of this part, the term:
“Agency” shall have the same meaning provided in , except that the term “agency” shall include:
The Social Services Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; and
The Child and Family Services Agency, whether under the administrative control of the Mayor or the court-appointed receiver.
The term “agency” does not include the executive branch of the federal government, its agencies, officials, and employees, or the Child Fatality Review Committee.
“Child fatality” means:
The death of a child as a result of child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, as certified by a physician, or the Chief Medical Examiner of the jurisdiction in which the child died or where the autopsy was performed; or
The death of a child where the Chief Medical Examiner cannot rule out child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment as contributing to the cause of death.
“Disclosing official” means:
The Mayor or such other official or officials of the District as the Mayor may from time to time designate in writing to perform the functions under this part; and
The Director of the Child and Family Services Agency.
“District” means the District of Columbia.
“Findings and information related to a child fatality or near fatality” means:
All public records in the possession of any officer or agency of the District that pertain to a child fatality or near fatality, or that are compiled, received, or created in the course of any investigation, assessment, or review conducted in connection with a child fatality or near fatality; and
A written summary that includes, to the extent possible, all of the following information pertaining to a child fatality or near fatality:
The name of the child, except that the name of the child shall not be disclosed in a case of a near fatality unless the name has otherwise previously been disclosed;
The name of the parent or other person legally responsible for the child, except that the name of the parent or other person legally responsible for the child shall not be disclosed in a case of a near fatality unless the name has otherwise previously been disclosed;
Confirmation of the receipt of all reports, accepted or not accepted, by an agency of the District for investigation or assessment of suspected child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, including confirmation that investigations or assessments were conducted; the results of the investigations or assessments; a description of the conduct of the most recent investigation or assessment and the services rendered; and a statement of the basis for the agency’s determination;
The basis for any finding of either abuse or neglect, including the results of any review of a community child protection team or any public agency;
Identification of child protective or other services provided to or any actions taken by any agency regarding the child, including the dates, outcomes, and results of any services provided and any actions taken;
Any actions taken by any agency in response to reports or allegations of abuse or neglect of the child, including the dates, outcomes, and results of any actions taken; and
Other pertinent information concerning the circumstances of any abuse or neglect of the child and the investigation of such abuse or neglect.
“Near fatality” means a child in serious or critical medical condition as a result of child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, as certified by a physician.
“Personal or private information” means information about an individual’s personal relationships, sexual preference or conduct, economic or financial needs or status, physical or mental health, substance use or abuse, work or school records, religious beliefs, or political opinions, unless such personal or private information is related to the cause of the child fatality or near fatality.
“Public record” shall have the same meaning provided in .
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 4-1303.31
What does D.C. Code § 4-1303.31 cover?
Section 4-1303.31 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 4-1303.31?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 4-1303.31" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 4-1303.31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.