When determining eligibility for certain services and providing needed and appropriate resources, human service agencies and education institutions often require that children and families share very private information about themselves. Laws and statutes are in place to protect the privacy of these individuals and to ensure that this information is released only when necessary. This information may include histories of emotional instability, marital conflicts, medical problems, physical or sexual abuse, alcoholism, drug use, limited education, or erratic employment. Confidentiality provisions also prevent the improper dissemination of information about children and families that might increase the likelihood of discrimination against them .
Harm can occur even if records show that the information is unproven or inaccurate.
Protecting confidential information can be necessary to protect personal security . For example, in a domestic violence situation, an abused woman who leaves home may be in great danger if law enforcement personnel disclose her new location. Confidentiality provisions also protect family security . Restricting the information that human service agencies receive may also protect job security . Children and families also want to avoid prejudice or differential treatment by people such as teachers, school administrators, and service providers.