01/01/2026
🌟 Sharing your child’s health information – important update from 1st January 🌟
From 1st January, our practice is updating how we share children’s health information. These changes help make sure children are kept safe, listened to, and supported as they grow.
Here’s what will change:
👧 Children under 12
Information is usually shared with a parent or guardian.
If a younger child is able to fully understand the decision, we may assess their understanding (this is called Gillick competence) and take their views into account.
🧒 Children aged 12 and over
From 12, children are generally considered able to decide who can access their health information.
They may choose to keep some information private or to share it with a parent or guardian.
👦 Young people aged 16 and over
From 16, young people are automatically considered able to make their own decisions about their health and who can access their records.
💙 Why this matters
Children’s levels of understanding grow with age. These changes help ensure:
• Their voices are heard
• Parents and guardians remain involved where appropriate
• Decisions are safe, age-appropriate, and in the child’s best interests
📌 Examples of how this might work
• If a parent requests access to their child’s record, we may check with the child if they understand and agree before sharing.
• If a child is invited to take part in research and fully understands what it means, their decision may be respected, even if a parent disagrees.
Our goal is to support children, young people, and families by sharing information safely and appropriately.
📘 Want to learn more about Gillick competence and information sharing?
Visit: https://www.kafico.co.uk/post/gillick-competence-in-information-sharing-and-record-access
If you have any questions, our team is here to help.
