Limitations on confidentiality in the parenting coordination process exist. Parenting Coordination is not a confidential process, although information obtained or learned by the PC shall not be shared outside of the process except for specific, professional purposes.
The PC may share information between both parents. Communications between the parties and their children and the PC, or communications between the PC and other relevant parties to the parenting coordination process, or for communications with the court, are not confidential communications.
When parents are unable to agree and the PC must make a decision, information obtained from parents may be relied upon may be set forth in the parenting coordinator’s decision.
The parenting coordinator may also disclose the following information:
- When he has a reasonable suspicion that a child may be subject to maltreatment or neglect;
- Information that another person (for example a child or parent) may be subject to bodily harm; or
- If the PC learns that either parent intends to commit a felony.
If a parenting coordinator is also a licensed mental health professional, that person is a mandated reporter in Massachusetts and must report suspected instances of abuse or neglect. Because parenting coordination is a child-centered process, it is our policy to also report instances of suspected abuse or neglect. Your Parenting Coordination Client Agreement will specify terms surrounding confidentiality and reporting.