Information Sharing

A child's records are an important source of information for them. They provide information about the sequence of events which brought about Children's Social Care intervention into their life and (in many instances) explain the reasons for decisions about their care. These can be key to helping a child to understand themselves and their past. It may also be helpful for the child in later life when they want to understand more about their childhood. See Keeping Memories.

• All records, irrespective of whether they are paper or electronic, should be securely kept and electronic messaging (e.g. e-mails) should also be sent in a secure and safe way so as to preserve their confidential and professional nature.

  You may need to share limited information with close family members and your own children depending on their age and understanding. If you are unsure about how much to share ask the child's social worker and/or the supervising social worker.

  You can share basic information with doctors; health visitors etc., but if they need further information that you are unsure whether you can share, give them the social worker's contact details. If professionals visit the child/young person at home you should ask to see their identification card.

  Whenever personal information is shared with another person or agency, it should always be recorded and for what purpose.

  If you are attending a meeting and information is shared with you, make sure you know whether you can share this information with the child, young person or parents before sharing this information.

  At times effective sharing of information is essential for the early identification of need.

You will have information kept on you including your form F (or equivalent) assessment, supervision meetings, any allegations, a list of the children you have supported  and training and development records.

These will be kept for at least 10 years after the date that your approval was terminated.

If personal data is shared without the consent of the person or when there was no legal basis for the sharing, the Foster Service  will carry out an investigation into the circumstances.

Breaches of confidentiality will be taken seriously and may result in action being taken for example a review of your approval.

The Fostering Service will provide training around recording, data protection and information sharing. However if there are anything that is not clear then you should seek advice from the supervising social worker and/or children's social worker.