Which statement best describes confidentiality of records?

• A. Records are confidential and may be disclosed only to authorized individuals or entities as permitted by law or court order.
• B. Records are public.
• C. Records may be shared with anyone in the agency.
• D. Records can be disclosed only to birth families.

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality of records means information in a child-placing or family services file is protected and kept private. Access is limited to people who have a legitimate need to know and only when allowed by law or a court order. This protects privacy and safety, upholds trust, and ensures compliance with legal requirements. Because of this, records aren’t public and can’t be shared with just anyone in the agency; disclosures happen only to authorized individuals or entities—such as specific staff directly involved in the case, regulatory bodies, or the court—when permitted by law or with proper consent. Any disclosure is typically documented and safeguarded to maintain accountability. The idea that records can be shared broadly or only with birth families doesn’t align with how confidentiality is actually protected.