Are fingerprints and photographs collected by DJJ confidential information?

Are fingerprints and photographs collected by DJJ confidential information?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with court order
• D. Only for certain offenses

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality of juvenile records is the guiding principle. Fingerprints and photographs collected by the Department of Juvenile Justice are kept confidential to protect the juvenile’s privacy and support rehabilitation. They are not public records, and access is restricted to people with a legitimate need and proper authorization, such as the juvenile’s attorney, a parent or guardian, DJJ staff, a judge, or designated law enforcement or court personnel. This privacy helps reduce stigma and supports a better chance at successful reentry. There are legal exceptions where information can be released—such as by court order or other statutory permissions—but the default is that these records stay confidential.

Confidentiality of juvenile records is the guiding principle. Fingerprints and photographs collected by the Department of Juvenile Justice are kept confidential to protect the juvenile’s privacy and support rehabilitation. They are not public records, and access is restricted to people with a legitimate need and proper authorization, such as the juvenile’s attorney, a parent or guardian, DJJ staff, a judge, or designated law enforcement or court personnel. This privacy helps reduce stigma and supports a better chance at successful reentry. There are legal exceptions where information can be released—such as by court order or other statutory permissions—but the default is that these records stay confidential.