Confidentiality
The cornerstone of The Family Centre is confidentiality; protecting the privacy and dignity of all clients using our services. TFC insures that all individuals receiving service will be assured of this protection, unless otherwise mandated by law.
TFC employees, contractors, students and volunteers:
- Are required to sign a commitment to confidentiality
- Are expected to treat these policies as a matter of the highest priority
- Are required to be proactive in insuring the security of all materials pertaining to clients
- Will only release information about a client if the client has voluntarily signed a release of confidential information form which specifies:
- What information is to be released
- Who is to receive the information
- The period of time the authorization is in effect
- The ways in which the client may revoke the authorization
- Information about clients may be shared by workers within the TFC in so much that the sharing is for the purpose of providing quality service to the client.
Limitation on Client’s Rights
Information must be shared with other agencies when mandated by law.
- Under the Child Welfare Act 1985 S. 3(1) – (6) – related to protecting children from neglect or abuse
- Under the Mental Health Act 1978 – when there is reason to believe there is danger of harm to self or others
- If compelled to testify by Court Order
Information may be shared with others in the following situations:
- Past criminal offences will be assessed on an individual basis as to the need to breach client confidentiality.
- Youth under the age of 18 years who still reside with their parents/guardians may receive services from The Family Centre, but the youth will be urged to gain the consent of the parents, unless this consent is deemed harmful for the youth.
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