You are an important source of information for the individuals who work with your family. In addition to you, others who may provide information about your child may include his or her pediatrician, early interventionist, child care provider, or physical or occupational therapist.
Information gathered about your family becomes part of your child’s records. To make sure that your family’s privacy is respected, there are federal and state rules which protect the confidentiality of records and guarantee you access to this information.
This fact sheet summarizes your rights regarding records.
Records – You have the right
- To know that your child’s and family’s records are confidential
- To know the type of information an agency needs to collect about your child
- To know where this information is kept
- To have information in the records explained to you
- To review your child’s records “without unreasonable delay” (within 45 days) or before a meeting or hearing about your child’s eligibility for services, evaluation or individualized family service plan (IFSP)
- To have copies of the records. You may be asked to pay for the copies (not the time it took to make them), unless the charge would prevent you from having copies
- To request that information in your child’s records be changed or removed if you believe it is wrong, misleading or violates your privacy
- To ask for a hearing if an agency refuses to change the records
- To include a written statement as part of your child’s records describing any disagreement you have with any of the information
- To see information only about your child
Confidentiality – You have the right
- To give permission in writing for others to see your child’s records, under most circumstances
- To be informed when an agency no longer needs to keep information in your child’s records
Your child’s records include a form that lists who has seen the records, the date and the reason for review. If you have questions about confidentiality, please contact your service coordinator.
