This memo answers the questions:
1. Is communication between DV shelter staff and clients confidential?
2. Are shelter workers mandatory reporters of child abuse?

Most shelter workers do not have a legally recognized confidential relationship with our clients. This memo will educate you and them about the limitations on confidentiality so that information detrimental to the client will not be passed unwittingly from the client to someone who can be subpeonaed to testify against them. The memo also outlines the likelihood that DV workers are mandatory child abuse reporters.

Family law changes often. Be sure to update and confirm any information you find on on this wesite with current research.