BBBS of Southwest Louisiana
respects the confidentiality of client and volunteer records and, with the
exception of the situations listed below, shares information about clients and
volunteers only among the agency professional staff. All records are considered the property of
the agency and not the agency workers or clients or volunteers themselves. Records are not available for review by the
clients or volunteers.
1. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America and its affiliates will have access to an
individual’s information without written consent.
2. Information
will be released to other individuals or non-BBBS organizations only with the
client’s or volunteer’s written consent.
3. Identifying
information regarding clients and volunteers may be used in agency publications
or promotional materials unless the clients or volunteer request otherwise.
4. For
purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, 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 client and volunteer
records.
5. Members
of the Board of Directors or evaluators appointed by the Board shall have
access to client files upon authorization of the Board of Directors.
6. Information
shall only be provided to the agency’s legal counsel in the event of litigation
or potential litigation involving the agency.
7. Information
shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or courts pursuant to a
valid and enforceable subpoena.
8. State
law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the State of Louisiana
Department of Social Services Office of Community Services Children Youth and
Family Services at 800-814-1584.
9. If
an agency worker receives information indicating that a client or volunteer may
be dangerous to himself or herself or to others, necessary steps may be taken
to protect the appropriate party. This
may include a medical referral or report to local law enforcement authorities.
10. At
the time a child or volunteer is considered as a match candidate, information
is shared between the prospective match parties. The information shared about the volunteer
may include but not be limited to such items as: age, sex, race religion, interests, hobbies,
marriage, family status, sexual orientation, living situations, etc. Information about the child may include but
not be limited to such items as age, sex, race, religion, interests, hobbies,
family situation, etc.