Sharing information about children and young people

If you are worried about sharing information about a child or young person, seek advice from named or designated professionals for safeguarding children.

If your concerns are based on information given by a child, explain to the child that you may be unable to maintain confidentiality, explore the child’s concerns about sharing this information and reassure the child that they will continue to be kept informed about who the information is being shared with and what action is being taken.

When gathering collateral information from other health disciplines and agencies, use judgement about whether to explain to the child or young person the need to gather this information for their overall assessment.