 problems, this should trigger consideration of a fuller diagnostic assessment. The SDQ should be used as evidence to support a referral to local targeted or specialist mental health services, where appropriate. When decisions about placement choices are being made and where changes of placement occur, social workers, working in partnership with health professionals, should consider referral for specialist mental health assessment and treatment where it is appropriate. The SDQ should help inform these decisions. Professionals should ensure this information is shared securely and appropriately where changes of placements, including from care to adoption, occur. The data return for the Department for Education relates only to the part completed by the carer.34 34 Further information on the SSD903 Data Collection. 36 Annex C: Principles of confidentiality and consent NHS organisations and local authorities should have in place protocols which establish the framework for information sharing at an intra- and inter-agency level. These should reflect the HM Government guidance on information sharing. Children who become looked after may not return to their birth families but will become permanently part of new foster or adoptive families, or may move into independence without retaining links with birth families. The transfer of information about a child’s health status and history becomes very important. Accurate information about health history, and any current/ongoing medical conditions, may be vital to securing the right placement for a looked-after child. For this reason, obtaining consent to information sharing is a vital first principle to promoting the health of looked-after children. The person or third party will need to understand the reasons why particular informati