Privacy Policy

It is the policy of Family Promise Rochester to protect the privacy of our clients and their families.  We do this not only to comply with any applicable state and federal privacy laws, but also to promote an atmosphere of professionalism and trust. Unwarranted disclosure of confidential information can damage our relationship with clients and make it more difficult for us to help them.  Therefore, no employee or volunteer may share confidential information about our clients or former clients with anyone outside of the agency without proper authorization.  

 

For the purposes of this policy, “confidential information” includes but is not limited to clients’ names, case histories, financial records, health records, legal documents, photographs, oral statements and other personal data maintained by Family Promise Rochester in the form of notes, files, computer records, or similar materials.  General information, policy statements or statistical data that is not identified with any individual or family is not confidential. “Proper authorization” means written consent from the client or by direction of a supervisor.    

 

Staff members are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of information relating to other staff members and volunteers in addition to clients. 

 

Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary consequences up to and including termination of employment or service. Violation of state and federal laws regarding confidentiality of records may result in criminal penalties and/or civil liability. 

 

Nothing in this policy is intended to prevent an employee or volunteer from reporting a crime or child abuse or neglect to appropriate state and law enforcement agencies.  Family Promise Rochester has endorsed the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics, which outlines mandated reporting for intent to harm self or others (duty to warn), or child abuse/neglect.