Confidentiality
The information that is contained in each child's file and the information that a family shares with Head Start employees is not released to agencies or persons outside of the Head Start program with the written consent of the family.
The only time an agency would be contacted without a family's consent is if a staff person suspected child abuse or neglect within the family. If a staff person suspected abuse or neglect was occurring, they are mandated by law to report their suspicions to the appropriate agency.
The child's parents have access to their child's file but no other child's file. Information regarding a child or family may be shared with consultants and other Head Start staff if the information is needed for that person to adequately do their assigned duties and serve the family.
