NCJ Number
125769
Date Published
1990
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the legal and policy issues faced by agencies offering alcohol and other drug prevention and treatment services to youth focuses on whether agencies must comply with the Federal laws and regulations governing confidentiality and when they may offer services to minors without parental consent.
Abstract
Other issues include when and how agencies must report child abuse and neglect, how they can best screen employees and volunteers to ensure that no one on staff abuses or injures a client, and whether they are in compliance with applicable standards regarding the quality of care. The discussion concludes that any agency specializing in whole or in part in providing treatment, counseling, assessment, or referral services must comply with Federal confidentiality regulations. Information may be disclosed after the youth has signed a consent form or in medical emergencies, child abuse reports, and communications within a program. Discussion of additional legal requirements, checklist, and summary of State laws regarding parental consent.