CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is always an important consideration because of the types of written information you may have in your possession. Documents, personal information, and reports should all be kept in a safe place. Never leave these items out for other to see. What does that mean? If you are using your family car to make your visits, make sure that you do not leave personal information in your car at the end of the day.
Confidentiality about a child or a family extends to oral transmission, telephone, e-mail, text messaging, and social medica such as facebook or Instagram. Be extremely careful where you are when discussing a family or child.
WHEN IN A PUBLIC SETTING
The following is an example: A home visitor and her supervisor went to lunch and discussed a difficult child who was having discipline problems due to a difficult family situation. The person who was sitting in the booth behind them not only overheard the conversation but was a neighbor of the family they were discussing. After the person finished her meal she identified herself to the home visitor and her supervisor and expressed surprise at what she heard.
When you are in possession of personal documents or information you must remember the weighty responsibility you have to keep that information safe.
DIGITAL IMAGES
Another issue regarding confidentiality is digital images. Digital images can also have specific restrictions. Publishing an image of a child in any medium without permission from parents is a breach of confidentiality. Printing images of children without identifying them by name is also not allowed. Some providers are very experienced with computers and create their own advertising flyers or pamphlets with the pictures of children in their programs. There are also times when a provider may innocently post these types of pictures on social networks. Be a good resource and remind providers to always have written permission that specifically states what pictures of children in their program will be used for. They should keep signed permission slips on file.
SHARING INFORMATION
Home visitors always need to be cautious about engaging in gossip or sharing information about one provider with another provider. A provider may be a personal relative or friend of another provider. There are times when a provider may say, “I have something you should know but you can’t tell ____ I told you.” It is your responsibility to inform the person that you cannot promise confidentiality without hearing what she has to tell you. If they know something is wrong in a childcare home it is their responsibility to tell you. However, it is your responsibility to act on the information, especially if it puts the children in danger. Be careful to investigate any information carefully and not jump to conclusions.
YOUR PERSONAL LAPTOP
If you use a home laptop for work, make sure that emails or scanned copies of documents are kept in a password protected file. No family members should ever have access to any personal documents pertaining to families or children you service.
LEGAL ISSUES
Confidentiality can raise legal issues. There is the rare incidence when a child gets hurt and the parents decide to sue the provider. Your attendance and home visits reports may be subpoenaed for that time period. Know if your provider’s contract has a clause that allows you to release this information. If not contact the provider to get a signed release from her. If the provider will not sign a release, seek Bethel or Provider Resources legal counsel.