Child Protection information sharing guidelines
The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 authorises certain professionals to share information with Child Protection and family services (including Child FIRST intake teams) about vulnerable children and families.
Sharing information is important because effective service provision relies upon all relevant information being available. In addition, the most vulnerable families often need assistance from more than one agency, and information needs to be shared for these agencies to work effectively together.
Guidelines for the Sector
Te guidelines have been produced to assist professionals in understanding when they can share information.
- Registered Community services - Family services and out-of-home care services
- Registered medical practitioners and nurses - Medical practitioners, nurses, people in charge of or employed in a relevant health or mental health service
- Registered School Teachers and Principals - School teachers and principals
- Authorised information holders or professionals employed by service agencies - All other professionals authorised to share information
Quick Reference Guides for professionals
The Quick Reference Guides are for authorised professionals providing support to vulnerable children and their families, including children's services managers, disability services managers, medical practitioners, family violence, school teachers, nurses, psychologists, public servants and relevant professions from health services.
