What does "identifying information" include in family law cases?

In family law cases, "identifying information" primarily refers to personal details that can directly identify an individual involved in the case, particularly when it involves matters such as abuse or neglect. This type of information is crucial for ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals like children.

Information about the child's alleged abuser is considered identifying because it can reveal the identity of the abuser, which is essential in legal contexts to address and remedy situations of harm. Such details are often critical in determining custody, visitation, and protective orders to safeguard the child and other family members. This emphasis on protection is particularly relevant in family law, where the welfare of children is paramount.

Other choices, such as the child's social history, educational details, or household composition, while important in the context of understanding the child's circumstances, do not typically fall under the definition of "identifying information" in the same way that details about an alleged abuser do. These latter elements are more about context rather than direct identification of individuals who may pose a risk.