Confidentiality, advocacy and the child's right to be heard

Children and young people in residential care retain rights to privacy. Personal information should not be shared casually because multiple adults are involved in a child’s care. When a child can grasp what confidentiality means, their wishes about privacy should be taken seriously. Staff must also be clear that confidentiality has limits and that some information must be shared where there are safety, safeguarding or serious welfare concerns.

An advocate can support a child who feels unable to challenge adults directly. Advocates help children understand decisions, express disagreement, prepare for meetings and make complaints safely. Staff should view advocacy as part of enabling a child to be heard, not as a threat.

What good frontline practice looks like

• Explain privacy in plain language.
• Do not promise secrecy you may not be able to keep.
• Share private information only on a need-to-know basis.
• Offer advocacy where the child needs help to be heard.
• Record important requests and concerns clearly.

Children are more likely to trust adults when privacy is respected honestly rather than promised carelessly or dismissed casually.