When sharing information with DFPS and other agencies, which practice aligns with confidentiality rules?

• A. Share only relevant information and comply with confidentiality rules.
• B. Share information only if you believe it will help the other agency.
• C. Share information beyond what is relevant to every agency.
• D. Share only with written consent from the child.

Answer: (D)

Confidentiality means sharing information only with those who have a legitimate need to know and with proper permission. The best practice here is to share information only with written consent from the child because written consent creates a clear, auditable record of exactly what can be shared, with whom, and for what purpose. This protects the child’s privacy by limiting disclosures to what was explicitly approved and gives the child a say in who can access their information. It also helps ensure you and your agency stay aligned with privacy laws and internal policies that require documented authorization before releasing information to DFPS or other agencies.

There are times when information must be shared without consent due to mandatory reporting, safety concerns, or court orders, but when consent is feasible, obtaining it in writing is the most protections-oriented approach.