Part 3: Confidentiality rules explained
Confidentiality rules shape every parenting coordination session. Learn what stays private, what may be shared, and why this matters for your family in BC.
Please note,
this explanation reflects the interpretation of the writer only and is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for an explanation of your own contract. Interpretations may vary, and the BC Court is the ultimate decider of what the terms of a contract mean. This information is offered for general guidance only. If you disagree with anything here, feedback is welcome.
Prefer to read? Grab the transcript summary.
Understanding Confidentiality in Parenting Coordination Is Parenting Coordination confidential? Sometimes. Parenting Coordination does not follow the same confidentiality rules as counselling or solicitor-client privilege. Different categories of information are treated differently under the Participation Agreement. Can I send the Parenting Coordinator a private email that the other parent never sees? Parents should be cautious about assuming ordinary communications are completely private. Parenting Coordination is a dispute-resolution and implementation process, and information may need to be used to facilitate discussions, make recommendations, or resolve disputes. Does that mean nothing is confidential? No. Certain types of information, particularly intake forms, screening interviews, and family violence screening information, are generally treated differently and receive special protection. Why is screening information treated differently? Effective screening depends on parents being able to speak openly about safety concerns, family violence, and power imbalances. Special protections help make those discussions possible. Why isn't everything confidential? Because Parenting Coordination is designed to help resolve disputes and implement parenting arrangements. The process often requires the Parenting Coordinator to gather information, communicate with both parents, and consult with professionals involved with the child. Can the Parenting Coordinator speak with teachers, counsellors, doctors, or other professionals? Yes. The Participation Agreement generally allows the Parenting Coordinator to communicate with professionals and other sources of information relevant to the parenting issues being addressed. Do parents automatically get to see everything those professionals say? Not necessarily. In some circumstances, the Parenting Coordinator may determine that disclosure of certain information could harm a child or negatively affect an important relationship involving the child. Does complete transparency mean parents get every note, document, and conversation? No. The Agreement recognizes that some information may require protection and that complete disclosure is not always appropriate in every circumstance. Who owns the Parenting Coordinator's file? The Parenting Coordinator's file generally remains the property of the Parenting Coordinator. This may include notes, drafts, screening materials, administrative records, and other working documents. If parents are paying for the service, why don't they own the file? Because the Parenting Coordinator is a neutral professional rather than an advocate for either parent. The Agreement contains specific provisions governing access to records and their production if required in future proceedings. Can I secretly record meetings or calls with the Parenting Coordinator? Generally, no. The Participation Agreement typically prohibits undisclosed audio or video recordings of meetings, telephone calls, and virtual conferences. Why are secret recordings prohibited? The goal is to promote candid discussion, professionalism, and transparency. The process is intended to operate through open communication rather than covert recording. What's the biggest misunderstanding about confidentiality? Many parents assume Parenting Coordination works exactly like therapy or exactly like solicitor-client privilege. In reality, the Agreement creates different confidentiality rules for different categories of information. What's the key takeaway? Do not assume that everything is confidential, and do not assume that nothing is confidential. The Participation Agreement creates a structured confidentiality framework that balances candid communication, child protection, fairness, and effective dispute resolution.
What exactly stays confidential?
Straight answers about how confidentiality works in parenting coordination.
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