Confidentiality and Use of Information
Steady Path Society sits with families at some of the hardest moments of their lives. What you hear while helping us belongs to them, not to you and not to us. This document says what that means in practice.
Confidentiality
All information, records, documents, and materials accessed or received through Steady Path Society must be treated as strictly confidential. This includes any personal, sensitive, or identifying information relating to clients, participants, staff, volunteers, and community members.
Protection of vulnerable individuals
Because Steady Path Society serves vulnerable populations, the individual agrees to exercise a high level of care and discretion when handling, discussing, storing, or accessing confidential information.
When you must speak up
Confidentiality does not cover a child who may be at risk. If you have reason to believe a child needs protection, the law in British Columbia requires you to report it, and that duty stands even though the information is confidential. It overrides this agreement. Call Provincial Centralized Screening on 1-800-663-9122, at any hour of any day. You do not have to be certain, and you do not have to give your name. Reporting something you honestly believe carries protection from being sued, even if you turn out to be mistaken. Tell Cordelia as soon as you can afterwards so she can support you and the family. Making that call is never a breach of this agreement, and nobody will be dropped as a volunteer for making one.
Permitted use
Information, documents, resources, materials, and other intellectual property belonging to or provided by Steady Path Society may be used solely for purposes authorized by Steady Path Society and in connection with its programs, services, and activities.
No unauthorized use or disclosure
Information or materials obtained through Steady Path Society must not be copied, shared, distributed, published, reproduced, or used for personal, commercial, organizational, or any other purpose without prior written authorization from Steady Path Society.
Continuing obligation
The obligation to maintain confidentiality continues after the individual's involvement with Steady Path Society ends.
Acknowledgement
By agreeing to this document, online or by signature, the individual confirms that they understand and agree to comply with these confidentiality and permitted-use requirements, and acknowledge the importance of protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of the individuals served by Steady Path Society.
Questions about any of this go to contact@steadypathsociety.org. Ask before you agree, not after. There is no wrong question here.
Print this page for a paper copy. The signature lines appear on the printed version.