278 The Coaching Toolkit for Child Welfare Practice
reporting requirements, professional privilege, and agency policies
vary by jurisdiction. It will be necessary for the organization or
coach to review policy regarding liability and the consent process,
particularly for those times when the coach will be observing the
learner with clients or when the coach may be in a situation to
interact directly with clients.
Internal coaches generally enjoy a higher degree of protection
and a greater level of permissible sharing because they are part of
the organization. However, confidentiality laws and conflict-
screening policies may still require careful attention to information
sharing levels within the organization. As coaches should not be
involved in making decisions regarding specific cases, the
partitioned structure and limits of information sharing must be part
of the initial planning when implementing a coaching program.
External coaches present an even more complex situation. As
outsiders to the organization, explicit arrangements are required.
Formal commitments, memoranda of understanding, and non-
disclosure agreements should not be overlooked. Conversations
with county counsel and/or risk management staff are strongly
encouraged. This will facilitate the development of a contractual
agreement with external coaches that allows them to maintain a
meaningful depth of communication with the learner while
protecting the coach, the families, and the agency from unintended
liability. Early engagement with risk management, legal counsel,
and/or conflicts specialists is ideal; waiting until a program is nearly