VIC Consequences to DHS Case Manager Breaching Privacy Laws?

[Sal1]

Are there any consequences if a DHS case manager breaches privacy laws?

A case manager has provided my mobile phone details to my granddaughter's carer with instructions to text or call me. I have not had any conversation or signed a release of information providing permission to share any of my details.

Thanks in advance (the carer has messaged me 3 times).

 

[Lance]

Hi,

I'm not sure you have provided enough information to answer. Were you the child's primary caregiver prior to DHS being involved? Had you expressly told the DHS case manager to withhold your number from your grandchild?

My understanding is that the DHS case manager is to help the child or youth to normalise their life and minimise the likelihood of reoffending. So I guess if you didn't want your grandchild to contact you, you probably needed to express that when you provided DHS with your number. They were most likely trying to do what they thought was in the best interest of your grandchild. Perhaps you should call DHS and raise the issue for them to resolve.