In reporting suspected maltreatment, how is confidentiality handled?

• A. All information must be kept confidential and never shared.
• B. Information shared is limited to those who need it for assessment and services; certain details must be disclosed to the appropriate agencies; reporting overrides privacy.
• C. Only the child's name is shared with agencies.
• D. Family privacy is not a concern.

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality when reporting suspected maltreatment is about balancing privacy with child safety. Information is shared only with people who need it to assess and provide services for the child, such as child protective services, healthcare providers, and appropriate law enforcement. There are legal duties to report, so certain details must be disclosed to the right agencies. Importantly, the act of reporting overrides ordinary privacy protections to ensure the child’s safety and proper investigation.

That’s why this option is the best: it reflects sharing on a need-to-know basis and recognizes that reporting requirements take precedence over privacy. The other choices imply hiding information or sharing minimal details, which would hinder safeguarding the child and fulfilling legal responsibilities.