As a potential participant of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). I understand I have access to confidential information about youth, families or volunteers. I fully understand and accept the responsibilities inherent in my role to maintain the complete confidentiality of all personal information, documents and parties who are engaged in this partnership (collectively, the “Confidential Information”), including myself, BBBS and all its affiliates, employees and volunteers, public figures, as well as, all youth and families served by this partnership. The obligation of confidentiality persists indefinitely and is not limited to the period of time beginning with my participation in BBBS and ending at the close of my participation.
In order for BBBS to provide responsible and professional services, it is necessary for volunteers, youth and parent/guardians to disclose personal information. BBBS respects the confidentiality of information. Confidentiality applies to written records, electronic records, voice, verbal statements, pictures (motion or still) and the use of student/mentor’s name in agency publications. All records are considered property of the agency, not of agency staff, partner agencies, youth, parent/guardians or volunteers.
I further agree to the following terms:
In the event an actual breach of confidentiality or a release of Confidential Information has occurred or if a situation which I reasonably believe may result in a breach of confidentiality comes to my attention, I agree to immediately notify the designated BBBS representative and/or any other appropriate BBBS staff member. I understand and agree I am required to report such breach or threatened breach of confidentiality regardless of whether the breach is caused by my own actions or by the actions of another person.
According to the Confidentiality Policy, information from youth/volunteer records may only be shared with individuals/organizations as specified.
Identifying information regarding youth/volunteer may be used in agency publications or promotional material only if the youth/volunteer has given written permission.
Information shall be provided to law enforcement or courts only with a valid, enforceable subpoena.
Information shall be provided immediately to BBBS staff if child abuse, exploitation or neglect is to be reported.
Information shall be released to Child Protective Services and law enforcement where child abuse is suspected
If agency staff receives information indicating a youth/volunteer/PG may be dangerous to himself/herself/them or to others, steps shall be taken to protect the appropriate party, including a report to the law enforcement authorities.
Information shall be provided to the BBBS legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency/BBBS. Such information is considered privileged information and the law protects its confidentiality.
When a youth/volunteer is considered for a match, information is shared between the prospective parties. The identity of the parties is not revealed until after the parties agree to the match. Each party has the right to refuse the proposed match based on the anonymous information provided. Information shared may include: age, sex, race, religion, education, interests, hobbies, marriage and family status, living situation, sexual orientation, reasons for applying to the program, expectations for match participation, a summary of the reasons an individual was chosen for the match, and all other information deemed relevant. The individuals to whom the information is provided shall agree not to share the information with any other person.
Certain outside bodies, including members of the Board of Directors, may have access to youth/volunteer records for the purposes of program evaluation, audit, accreditation, and/or for purposes of operating and making available approved software, on-line sites and login portals. All such authorized persons and representatives shall enter into a Confidentiality Agreement before receipt of any information from youth/volunteer records.
Other than in the instances set forth above, information from youth/volunteer records shall not be released unless accompanied by an authorized consent to release information form signed by the represented party. If the youth is under the age of 18, the consent to release information form must be signed by the parent or guardian.
Thank you for your careful consideration and willingness to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of those participating in BBBS.