Child Welfare Licence (CWEL) Practice Exam

What constitutes a Class A misdemeanor regarding information release?

1. Unauthorized access to records

2. Unauthorized release of information

3. Unauthorized alteration of records

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Unauthorized release of information

The classification of a Class A misdemeanor for unauthorized release of information stems from the serious implications that such actions have on privacy and confidentiality. This type of misdemeanor reflects that an individual has intentionally disseminated private information without proper authorization, which can compromise the safety and trust of individuals whose information is being shared, particularly in sensitive fields like child welfare. Unauthorized release of information can lead to potential harm to vulnerable populations, including children and families involved in welfare systems. Because of the potential risks posed by such actions, including identity theft, emotional distress, or even physical harm, the law takes a strict approach in addressing unauthorized disclosures. While other actions, such as unauthorized access or unauthorized alteration of records, are certainly serious offenses and can also lead to different legal repercussions, they do not specifically capture the act of releasing sensitive information into the public domain without consent, which could be categorized under a different legal framing. Therefore, the answer that defines a Class A misdemeanor in this context is specifically focused on the unauthorized release of information and its implications.