How long should records of child sexual abuse be kept according to regulations?

The record retention requirement of 45 years for child sexual abuse cases is rooted in the need for long-term accountability and the potential for disclosures or legal actions that may arise years after an incident occurs. Child sexual abuse cases can have lifelong effects on victims, and because these cases might not be reported immediately, organizations are mandated to maintain these records well beyond the age of the victim at the time of the incident.

Keeping records for this extended period allows for the possibility of future investigations, legal proceedings, or therapeutic needs of the individuals involved. Additionally, it aligns with the understanding that trauma can manifest long after the events have taken place, and survivors may seek justice or therapeutic interventions later in life. This policy aims to ensure that information is accessible whenever it may be needed, whether for legal purposes or support services for survivors.

This requirement emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, ensuring that appropriate measures and responses can be made even decades after the events in question.