What is required for secure storage of case records to protect privacy and confidentiality?

• A. Restricted access
• B. Public access
• C. No retention
• D. Not required

Answer: (A)

Protecting privacy and confidentiality of case records means only people with a legitimate need to know can access them. This limits who can view sensitive information about children, families, and services, both for physical files and digital systems. In practice, it’s supported by measures like locked storage, controlled access to file rooms, unique user IDs, strong passwords, role-based permissions, encryption where appropriate, and keeping access logs. When access is restricted, the risk of unauthorized viewing or disclosure drops, and you’re more likely to meet privacy requirements and maintain client trust. Public access would expose private information, and retention must follow policy, so those options aren’t appropriate.