Home Visitors have a unique relationship with the families they serve, and parents often confide in them about private matters. A family has the right to expect that what is seen and heard in the home will be kept in the strictest confidence.
Written Materials
- Written material must be kept confidential, including the home visitor’s working file and central file in the office.
- Staff should never leave confidential records out in the open, including in a vehicle.
- When documenting, staff should write only what is necessary and factual. Subjective information, assumptions, and opinions should not be included.
- Parents have the right to read any and all portions of their files, so staff should always be thoughtful and professional in documentation.
Verbal Conversations
Anytime home visitors discuss a family with other Home Visitors, program staff, or agencies, it should only be for the purposes of assisting the family or child.
Health Information
All sharing of health information must conform to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and agency policy. See HIPAA for more information.
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