Upon request, Truhan provided copies of forms the program uses to record information. There is even a form asking about any mental illness or venereal disease of the participant. The impression is given that the only information which is collected is what the parent provides, perhaps by filling out a form or answering questions and then only for benign purposes. But observations and conversations and physical appearances are collected also and seem designed to look for risk factors. Sarita Rogers from the Children s Trust Fund confirmed for Massachusetts News that data entered into the computer at local agencies is available to the Department of Health and to other agencies with written consent.
Information is also available to staff at the local agency.
As mandated reporters, Healthy Families must report anything they feel is child abuse or neglect or if they feel somebody is a danger to themselves or others. There is no detail which isn t discovered and recorded about the girls who are visited. Observers say that anybody familiar with how social services work in Massachusetts and most states are well advised not to volunteer information or even allow someone into the house. Describe your relationship as a couple. Length of relationship.