CAFAS and Confidentiality

CAFAS data is confidential and is stored in a database within each agency or hospital. It is considered part of the client's clinical record. As such, it is protected in the same manner as other information contained in the clinical record.

Release of CAFAS information to persons other than the client requires that the parent/guardian consent (Form 14). You do not need to have a Form 14 to rate the CAFAS; this is a part of the clinical process.

Version 5.07 and up of the CAFAS software enables agencies to assign separate passwords for specific sites, thereby limiting within-agency access to CAFAS data.

Because the CAFAS software uses an HTML web server and browser (i.e., Internet Explorer), it is commonly believed that you are connected to the Internet when using the software. This is NOT the case. There is no risk of access to your internal agency database by persons external to your agency site.

MCYS has asked Sick Kids and Children's Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) to collect aggregate data from all CMCHs and prepare an annual report in March. The data collected are non-identifiable and, as such, their collection for this quality assurance purpose under contract for MCYS does not contravene privacy laws (e.g., HIPPA) .

A Client Brochure describing the tools and their use to the clients of children's mental health services is now available in English and French.

Client Information Brochure for CAFAS® and BCFPI®-English

Client Information Brochure for CAFAS® and BCFPI®-French