Under what condition can a report of child abuse be subject to public inspection?

A report of child abuse can be subject to public inspection when a criminal or civil court proceeding is initiated. This condition exists because, during legal proceedings, evidence and reports relevant to the case can be presented in court, where they may be examined by the public and the involved parties. This transparency is crucial for ensuring that justice is served and for allowing appropriate scrutiny of the legal process.

Other conditions, such as requests from teachers, family members, or psychologists, do not qualify for public inspection because confidentiality laws protect the privacy of the involved parties, especially the child. Reports are typically kept confidential to protect the interests and safety of the child until legal proceedings necessitate their examination for court purposes.