Juveniles/Probation officers

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Oct 13, 2008

UMmm isn't there something in there agreement to follow juvi probation that all that is released. I think they have all access to anything the child is doing. Health wise, medications, anything that could contribute to behavior changes ect.

Thornbird · Oct 13, 2008

Juvenile justice is quite different from adult, the focus is on what's best for the child. They usually work closely with child/family services (DCF here) to try to get whatever services a kid needs that might help them get on/stay on the right track. They are always looking for any signs of abuse or neglect. They can sometimes get the county/state to pay for things they otherwise wouldn't like a dermatologist for a kid with severe acne that affects self-esteem. Also, if the court actually has custody ( the child is in a detention or mental health facility) then they are required to provide all medical care needed during that time. Unless the parental rights have been taken away, the parents must sign a release for the PO to receive health, mental health, substance abuse and education information on their child. If you are ever uncomfortable with the information you are asked for then you can ask to see the release. Without a release or a court order you aren't required to give any info, there should be one or the other.

houstonlvn · Oct 13, 2008

Thanks, that has to be it. (parents sign consent).

I was sure there had a be something.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2008

I was a juvenile probation officer for many years before I became a nurse. I supervised thousands of children in my time. If there was a significant health issue impacting the child's ability to function in society, I was entitled to the medical records. This was pre-HIPAA but I'm sure access is still there. Honestly, most of the time it was just to get the child the right help.

Many times I was a member of the IEP team at the school and it would have been impossible to not know what the medical issues were. There were confidentiality laws in my state and information was held in confidence. Even today, I won't talk about the children under my charge and that's been 25 years.

houstonlvn · Oct 15, 2008

Thanks,

please understand, not doubting that it is needed info most of the time, but am wondering how it stands under hippa. and if info is limited, am still looking for final answer though, and will post will I understand it all.

Thanks

Thornbird · Oct 15, 2008

You will definitely find that parent/guardian signed releases or there is a court order. This is standard in these cases. The release should be on file where you can access it. Juvenile PO's are quite different than adult PO's and this info can be vital to providing appropriate services to children. It is really more of a social services situation than law enforcement. Kudos to you for looking out for the best interests of your young clients.

Thornbird · Oct 15, 2008

There is normally no limitation on the info to be released as the most sensitive info (substance abuse, mental health, STD's ) are the most crucial for those providing children's services. Remember also, that if they are in detention facilities, during that time they are minors in custody of the state and the state is obligated to provide all needed care for them. The Juvenile PO is the person responsible for answering to the Court on care needs and how they are met.