May release pertinent information involving child abuse to ACS?

May release pertinent information involving child abuse to ACS?

• A. Yes, except sealed records and identity of adult victims of sex crimes
• B. No
• C. Yes, with no exceptions
• D. Only with a court order

Answer: (A)

When information about suspected child abuse is relevant to protecting a child, it can be shared with ACS so they can properly assess risk and arrange services. The key is sharing what is necessary to safeguard the child and support the family, not revealing everything. However, privacy rules apply: sealed records cannot be released, and the identity of adult victims of sex crimes is protected and should not be disclosed. So information can be shared with ACS when it’s pertinent, but those two protections limit disclosure in those specific situations.

When information about suspected child abuse is relevant to protecting a child, it can be shared with ACS so they can properly assess risk and arrange services. The key is sharing what is necessary to safeguard the child and support the family, not revealing everything. However, privacy rules apply: sealed records cannot be released, and the identity of adult victims of sex crimes is protected and should not be disclosed. So information can be shared with ACS when it’s pertinent, but those two protections limit disclosure in those specific situations.