Access to Confidential Records
In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County (“Agency”) to provide a responsible and professional service for children, it is necessary for volunteers, children and parents/guardians to be asked to divulge extensive personal information about themselves and their families. Agency respects the confidentiality of the child and volunteer records and, with the exception of the limits of confidentiality listed below, shall not share information about children, parents/guardians and volunteers with any other person outside of Agency, without written consent.
All records are considered the property of Agency and not Agency staff, children and parents/guardians, or volunteers themselves. In order to provide a service that is in the best interest of the children served by the program, information from outside sources, including confidential references, must be assessed along with information gained from the children, parents/guardians and volunteers themselves. Records are not available for review by the children, parents/guardians or volunteers. Parents/guardians and volunteers shall be provided, at the time of application, a copy of this Confidentiality Policy, along with the exceptions that define the limits of confidentiality. Parents/guardians and volunteers shall sign a statement that he/she has read and understands Agency’s policy on confidentiality and agrees to program participation under the guidelines it sets forth.
Limits of Confidentiality
1. Information will be released to other individuals or organizations upon presentation of an authorized Consent to Release Information, appropriately signed by the parent/guardian or volunteer.
2. Identifying information regarding children and volunteers may be used in Agency’s
publications or promotional materials if the parent/guardian or volunteer has given written permission.
3. For purposes of program evaluation, and with the prior approval of the board of directors, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America may have access to child and volunteer records. These outside organizations shall be required to respect Agency’s policy on confidentiality. Outside parties shall be required to use information only for the purpose(s) stated in the approval action of the board of directors. Known violations of Agency’s Confidentiality Policy will be reported to the supervisor of the individual involved and appropriate disciplinary action shall be requested.
4. Members of the board of directors have access to client files only upon authorization by formal motion of the board of directors. The motion shall state who shall be authorized to review records, the specific purpose for such review, the period of time required to comply with Agency’s Confidentiality Policy and may use the information only for purposes stated by the approved action of the board of directors. Known violations shall be reported to the board president. A violation of Agency's Confidentiality Policy by a board member shall constitute adequate cause for removal from office.
5. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena.
6. Information shall be provided to Agency's legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving Agency. Such information is considered privileged information, and its confidentiality is protected by law.
7. State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities at the Department of Social Services. All workers are responsible for staying abreast of such reporting requirements of their respective jurisdiction and shall always comply with mandated procedures.
8. If Agency staff receive information indicating that a child or volunteer may be dangerous to himself, herself or others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical referral or a report to the local law enforcement authorities.