Is a child-placing agency immune from civil and criminal liability for releasing background information?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if information is redacted
• D. Only for civil liability

Answer: (A)

Sharing background information is protected because, when a child-placing agency releases information in good faith and within its legal authority, it has immunity from civil and criminal liability. This allowance helps ensure that essential, factual disclosures about a child or a potential placement can be shared with families and professionals to safeguard the child’s welfare, without fear of liability simply for performing the permissible release. The key is that the release must be done in accordance with applicable laws and procedures and in a manner consistent with truth and relevance. Immunity isn’t a blanket shield for intentional wrongdoing or releases outside authorized channels; it’s about permitting normal, proper disclosures to occur without exposing the agency to liability for doing its job.