A student informs a primary welfare officer that he/she is being abused at home. Can this information be passed on under the privacy laws?
Yes, mandatory reporting steps in and privacy gives way. If a member of a school is not mandated to report, for example a psychologist, they still have an ethical duty to report the abuse under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Department of Human Services have guidelines on the process for making such a decision (Word – 36Kb) and the reporting requirements.
Related Questions
- Regular professional supervision was provided as part of the primary welfare officer’s previous position when s/he worked in community welfare positions. How can we provide supervision?
- How does a newly appointed primary welfare officer make the links between school programs and community agencies that can provide assistance?
- A student informs a primary welfare officer that he/she is being abused at home. Can this information be passed on under the privacy laws?
