But because of confidentiality laws, they were never told that his mother had a prior conviction for assaulting another son.

California's confidentiality law, which took effect in April 1985, is considered the strongest in the nation.

His statements could not be confirmed because of states' confidentiality laws.

Yet the confidentiality law continues to forbid any public access to information about the case.

Many of those documents would be covered under confidentiality laws.

Florida has strict confidentiality laws barring the release of such information.

Such groups often say they are restricted by confidentiality laws from discussing their cases, even when a child dies.

They declined to say more on the ground of confidentiality laws.

Citing confidentiality laws, the agency will not discuss Elisa's case.

"As they stand, our confidentiality laws serve no one or no purpose."