Which individuals may access confidential child records?

• A. Authorized staff, court orders, DFPS personnel, the child, and the child’s birth family as permitted by law.
• B. Any attorney or private investigator.
• C. The general public with a request.
• D. Only the foster parent.

Answer: (B)

Access to confidential child records is restricted to those with a legitimate need tied to the child’s welfare and safety. The people who may access them include authorized staff and DFPS personnel who are directly involved in the case, the child themselves, and the child’s birth family only as allowed by law (often through court orders or specific authorizations). General public requests, private investigators, and casual attendees do not get access without the proper legal basis. Attorneys may access records only when they have appropriate legal authorization or are acting in a represented capacity, not simply by virtue of requesting them.