Which statement best describes handling collateral information with consent?

• A. Request collateral information only from the parolee
• B. Ignore collateral information if it contradicts self-report
• C. Share collateral information with third parties without consent
• D. Verify accuracy and document sources, ensuring consent is respected

Answer: (D)

Collateral information should be handled with a focus on consent, verification, and documentation. The best approach is to obtain informed consent to contact collateral sources, gather information from those sources, verify it for accuracy (by cross-checking with other records or reports as appropriate), and clearly document both the sources and the consent status in the case file. This practice protects privacy, supports sound decision-making, and creates a transparent, auditable trail of how information was obtained and used.

Why this is the best fit: it ensures information is reliable by verification, and it respects the parolee’s and other parties’ privacy by documenting consent and sources. It also provides accountability for how collateral data is used.

Why the other approaches don’t fit: limiting collateral information to just the parolee can miss important corroboration; disregarding collateral when it contradicts self-report undermines accuracy; sharing collateral details with third parties without consent violates confidentiality and policy.