Creating an exception to certain mandatory reporting obligations for licensed social workers when working under the supervision of an attorney and permitting an attorney to require a licensed social worker to keep ethical obligations of attorney-client privilege while working under the supervision of such attorney.

SB 446 creates an exception to Kansas' mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements for licensed social workers working under an attorney's supervision in specific legal contexts. It exempts social workers from reporting suspected child harm if the suspicion arises solely during criminal, civil, domestic, or juvenile legal representation where the attorney is providing direct services. The bill also allows attorneys to require social workers to maintain attorney-client privilege in these situations, treating the social worker as an extension of the attorney's office. This exception applies only when social workers are directly supervised by an attorney handling a case involving the child, not in general practice.