Page 9 - The Client Volume 2

THE CLIENT VOLUME II PAGE 9
KNOWLEDGE SHARING

The Many Sides of Confidentiality

Princton Herron
Team Leader- Child and Family Support Unit
Child Protection and Family Services Agency
South East Region
According to social work ethics and best practices, The confidentiality principle encompasses what is contained within
confidentiality is paramount. It is a core principle that intake forms, data sheets, treatment plans, intervention notes and
must be adhered to. The Oxford Dictionary states that case recordings. It acknowledges the importance of data storage.
something confidential is meant to be kept a secret. The methods being implemented in the storage of this data are to
The need for secrecy becomes apparent when one be considered. Whether it is securely kept in folders, in locked
considers the type of information often shared during cabinets or exposed on top of desks, it draws attention to the
the case management process. For example, a child possible risks of documents being misplaced or lost, ending up in
who shares details about an incident of molestation the wrong hands, or being seen by the wrong eyes. In all instances,
needs to know that the strength and courage it took to the risk should be minimal. Furthermore, who has access to the
share this information with the case manager was documents must be properly regulated and limited with the
worth it. That child must be assured that the case necessary checks and balances to ensure proper records are being
manager will only use that information to help them kept of who and when access is given.
and will only disclose it if it is a necessary part of the
efforts to provide the needed help. It is hard enough The physical environment should always be considered when
for our clients to share their deepest thoughts or thinking about confidentiality. These considerations should include
circumstances with an individual. If this shared whether the room/site is soundproof or other clients or colleagues
information is likely to be overheard, exposed or can overhear discussions from the case manager's cubicle. These
recklessly divulged to others due to a lack of are the potential challenges to examine when case managers plan
confidentiality, the potential loss of trust and trauma an engagement with a client. The case manager should also assess
to the client would be detrimental. As a case manager, the setup of the intervention site to ensure that the practitioner and
it is paramount that there is no room for maleficence. client are not in full view of individuals while in a session, as this,
too, compromises confidentiality. In some cases, it is taken for
Upholding the confidentiality principle is a tried and granted that practitioners can share case information with other
proven way to help keep our clients safe or, in many practitioners. However, sharing clients' information should always
cases, away from further harm or trauma. However, be exercised in a balanced manner. It should always be in a
there are limits to what can be kept confidential. controlled setting that facilitates case conferencing; even then,
Considerations regarding keeping the client's some information must be withheld.
information confidential must be explained at the
onset of the case management process so there is a The dynamic nature of the matter of confidentiality must be
thorough understanding and an agreement on this considered. It is a central pillar within the case management
matter. In addition, the limits to confidentiality must process that must be enhanced and emphasized to ensure the
be made abundantly clear. These limits persist when viability and success of the intervention being provided to our
there is risk of self-harm or harm to others, or where clients. Confidentiality is a multifaceted principle; case managers
applicable laws dictate that certain information must must understand and recognize its crucial and profound impact.
be divulged in a regulated and structured way.

The Guidance Counsellor’s Job

Risky Business!

Rochina Anderson
National President
Jamaica Association of Guidance Counsellors
in Education
The Jamaica Association of Guidance Counsellors in Education (JAGCE) commend
the Ministry of National Security (MNS) on its commitment to and support for a
psychosocial response to crime and violence and the provision of case
management services to the Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy (ISSS).
The ISSS seeks to, among other things, engage students displaying high levels of
anti-social behaviour to help them, through case management, improve their
behaviours. The Guidance Counsellors of the respective schools would have
engaged these students. The Ministry’s Case Managers work closely with the
Guidance Counsellors of the schools involved in the ISSS, and they face many of
the challenges that Guidance Counsellors face. Given the role of the MNS in the
safety and security of the citizens of Jamaica, JAGCE wishes to highlight an area
of great concern to Guidance Counsellors. If this area of concern is adequately
addressed, benefits will also accrue to the Case Managers employed by the MNS.