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Information may be disclosed to non-DCF employees/sources (courts, legislators, defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, police offices, FBI agents, doctors, service agencies, landlords, creditors, loan agencies, relatives, news media, etc.), if such disclosure is based upon one of the following situations:

▪ When the participant/guardian consents to disclosure in writing and has been granted access to the information to be disclosed (Exception: information may be disclosed without written consent of the participant/guardian in emergency situations, such as death, confirmed abuse, neglect, exploitation, and accident, if disclosure is deemed to be in the best interest of the participant).

▪ When the disclosure of information is directly connected to the administration of DCF programs, such as establishing eligibility and providing services, which include obtaining services from non- DCF agencies/individuals through purchase or without cost.

Following are some guidelines for disclosure under this situation:

o Only that information necessary to accomplish the purpose of the disclosure is disclosed. o Second party information is disclosed only when written, signed permission is obtained from the individual/agency who compiled and submitted the information to DCF. o Information is disclosed to individuals or representatives of non-DCF welfare agencies or programs only when they give assurances that: • The confidential character of the information will be preserved. • The information will be used only for the purpose for which it is made available. • The standards of confidentiality established by the non-DCF agency/individual requesting the information must be at least equal to those established by DCF itself with regard to information by staff and the provision of office procedures regarding confidentiality. These assurances are provided when there is a service contract with DCF. • When disclosure concerns the intent of a participant to commit a crime, such information, and the information necessary to prevent the crime is disclosed to the appropriate authorities • When the disclosure is directly connected to an investigation, prosecution or civil proceeding conducted in connection with the administration of DCF programs • When the disclosure is authorized by a state plan/agreement developed by DCF in accordance with the federal Social Security Act or any other federal programs providing federal financial assistance and services; for example, SSI, OASDI, Title I - Department of Education, federal auditors

Rules on the disclosure of information are found in Appendix 5.

5. Show how the State establishes goals and what action it takes to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, with special emphasis on teenage pregnancies, and