What must the appointment order include regarding access to confidential records?

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Access to both the child and confidential records is necessary because the person appointed to represent the child must be able to observe, interview the child, and review information that bears on the child’s best interests. The appointment order should authorize access to the child so the appointee can assess welfare and interactions, and it should authorize access to confidential records—such as medical, educational, and mental health records—so the appointee has a full picture of the child’s needs and circumstances. Merely stating why the appointment is made or detailing how long it lasts or who pays does not give the appointee the information-gathering authority needed. Limiting to the child’s medical history would miss other crucial confidential materials that could influence custody, visitation, or support decisions. Privacy protections may govern disclosure, but the order must authorize access to both the child and the confidential records necessary for proper evaluation and advocacy.