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> Parents and children
Parents and children
The Data Protection Act has no minimum age requirement for applicants. Children can apply for their own records provided they are capable of understanding the nature of the request. A parent or guardian can apply on the child’s behalf only if
(a) the child has given consent, or
(b) the child is too young to have the understanding to make an application or is incapable of such understanding.
A parent concerned about a young child’s health probably would be able to see his or her medical record. But a parent wishing to defend him or herself against allegations of child abuse, or looking for evidence to support a custody claim, probably would not.
(a) the child has given consent, or
(b) the child is too young to have the understanding to make an application or is incapable of such understanding.
A parent concerned about a young child’s health probably would be able to see his or her medical record. But a parent wishing to defend him or herself against allegations of child abuse, or looking for evidence to support a custody claim, probably would not.
