[Data protection. Barrier or helpful orientation for cooperation in early intervention?]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• The healthcare system is the primary contact for parents and children up to age 3.
• Essential support services, particularly for at-risk families, are often located within the child welfare system.
• A gap exists in transitioning families between these systems for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a lawful and effective plan for transitioning families between the healthcare and child welfare systems.
• To ensure functional data protection and maintain trust in the doctor-patient relationship.
• To facilitate access to necessary additional help for children and families.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing legal frameworks governing data transfer between healthcare and child welfare.
• Examination of conditions under which information can be shared without parental consent in cases of potential child endangerment.
• Review of new federal state laws concerning data transfer for child protection.

Main Results:

• A plan for a lawful and functionally adequate transition between healthcare and child welfare systems is described.
• Functional data protection is crucial for maintaining trust and enabling consensual transitions.
• Legal provisions allow for information transfer without consent under specific circumstances of child endangerment.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a structured transition plan can improve access to essential services for vulnerable families.
• Healthcare professionals must navigate legal requirements for assessing child endangerment and facilitating support.
• New legislation supports data sharing in critical child protection cases, balancing privacy with safety.