About this resource
People have a right to know what happens to their information. This explainer covers what information is kept, why, who it may be shared with and when consent is needed, the person's choices, how to access their records, and the limits of confidentiality where there are serious safety concerns or legal requirements.
Purpose
To help clients understand and make informed choices about their information.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Social workers. Also relevant for community services and case workers, allied health and multidisciplinary teams.
Client or participant group: Clients of social work and community services.
Practice setting: Start of service and before information is shared.
Suggested uses
- Start of service
- Before referrals
- Consent conversations
- Service information packs
Instructions for practitioners
- Adapt to your organisation's privacy policy.
- Go through it with the client, not just hand it over.
- Explain limits of confidentiality clearly.
- Record the conversation.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read the explainer.
- Ask questions.
- Tell us your choices.
Accessibility considerations
Plain language. Interpreters and Easy Read versions recommended.
Scope and limitations
General information. Adapt to your organisation's privacy policy and legal obligations. It is not legal advice.
Research basis
Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk. Case management practice standards describe assessment, planning, coordination, review and planned exits with the person at the centre.
- Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand. (2013). National standards of practice for case management (3rd ed.). https://www.cmsa.org.au/
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
