Any information received by a teacher, counselor, or administrator under this subdivision shall be received in confidence for the limited purpose of rehabilitating the minor and protecting students and staff, and shall not be further disseminated by the teacher, counselor, or administrator, except insofar as communication with the juvenile, his or her parents or guardians, law enforcement personnel, and the juvenile’s probation officer is necessary to effectuate the juvenile’s rehabilitation or to protect students and staff.

(C) An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this paragraph is    a    misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

2. The purpose is to simultaneously serve the public interests and preserve confidentiality.   Law enforcement may receive information on a "need-to-know" basis.  Release of such information must be logged.  Youth’s information includes photo graphs, whether taken or released.

3. As a general rule, all contact with the media should be referred to the administration, unless previously authorized by the Chief or Assistant Chief.  Questions regarding policy about releasing information in general can be referred directly to the Chief or Assistant Chief.   Questions regarding new programs, recent incidents, tours, etc., can be referred to the Chief Deputy Probation Officer.

4. In the event a media representative calls asking about the disposition of a particular youth for a specific event, refer the call to the on-duty supervisor or Chief Deputy Probation Officer.  It is the Probation Department's policy not to give out names, ages or circumstances of arrest for reasons of confidentiality.

5. Parents will be provided information about the charges for which the youth is being held and the general well-being of the youth.  Exceptions may be made, such as for medical problems, as needed.  If in doubt, call a supervisor for consultation.   Court reports and court ordered evaluations will not be divulged.

6. If someone from the general public inquires about a specific case, politely tell the person that we cannot discuss any youth with anyone other than the youth's parent(s), guardian(s) or attorney, or refer the telephone call to a supervisor.

7. Related agencies may receive information on a need-to-know basis.  Release of such information must be logged. Behavioral Health, in particular, will not have a reciprocal arrangement regarding release of information without a signed consent from their "patient."