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What to do - if children & young people need additional help

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WTD Documents viewed so far: Acting as Lead ProfessionalKnowing what information I can share

Knowing what information I can share

We need to work together to give the most effective support to children and young people. To do this we must share information.

In some circumstances there is a duty to share information and we would need to justify why we did not.

There is a legal right to share information when it is in the best interests of the child or young person. However information sharing must be done in a way that is compatible with the Data Protection Act, the Human Rights Act and the common law duty of confidentiality.

It is generally best practice to seek consent before the information is shared, unless to do so would increase the risk of serious harm to a child or young person. If consent can be obtained, it will overcome many of the obstacles to disclosure.

If consent is denied, then information cannot be shared, unless it is the view of the practitioner that a failure to share the information may result in the child or young person suffering or being likely to suffer serious harm.

In considering this balance, the practitioner may seek to consult with relevant colleagues in their own or other agencies.

The Seven Golden Rules for Information Sharing

Consent to information sharing and the CAF form

Regional Information Sharing Agreement

More help with Information Sharing: How to guides


Information Sharing “Embedding Good Practice” Guide

Information Sharing Guide

Information Sharing Guide: Questions and Answers


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This information has been developed for use by people who provide services to
children & young people in Wiltshire.


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