This course content was created by CACWA for CAC advocates and was generously contributed to WA-SAST by them for the benefit the entire field. If you work for a CAC, you may prefer to take this course online at CACWA. Click Here.

Description: This interactive e-learning module equips advocates working with minor victims of abuse and their caregivers with the knowledge and skills to maintain confidentiality and navigate complex situations. Participants will explore the ethical, legal, and relational dimensions of confidentiality and privilege, while practicing strategies to communicate boundaries in clear, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive ways.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the legal, ethical, and trauma-informed foundations of confidentiality in CAC advocacy work.
• Explain the special considerations and challenges of maintaining confidentiality when working with minor clients and their caregivers.
• Identify mandatory reporting responsibilities, legal exceptions, and key distinctions between confidentiality and privilege.
• Apply best practices in drafting, presenting, and documenting specific, time-limited, survivor-led Releases of Information (ROIs).
• Practice communicating confidentiality boundaries and MDT roles to clients using age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and empowering language.
• Recognize common pitfalls and avoid practices that may unintentionally breach confidentiality in MDT, small-community, or court-related contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to protect privacy across different case scenarios, data collection systems, and documentation methods.