When working with minors, what is a recommended confidentiality approach?

• A. Obtain age-appropriate assent, share information only as necessary, maintain privacy for sensitive issues, and consider parental involvement in care
• B. Share all information with parents regardless of sensitivity
• C. Never involve parents in any aspect of care
• D. Keep assent only and never inform about plan

Answer: (A)

The main concept tested is how to handle confidentiality with minors in a way that respects their growing autonomy while ensuring safety and proper care. The best approach is to obtain age-appropriate assent from the minor, explain what information will be shared and why, share information only as necessary to provide or coordinate care, protect privacy on sensitive issues, and involve the parent or guardian in decisions about care to the extent appropriate. This balance helps build trust with the youth, supports their development, and keeps families informed enough to support safety and treatment without exposing them to unnecessary disclosure.

Sharing everything with parents regardless of sensitivity undermines the minor’s privacy and autonomy; never involving parents neglects the guardian’s role in safety and support; focusing only on assent and never informing about the plan fails to engage the minor in decisions and undermines care coordination.