Ethics & Privacy

The Code of Ethics:

• Personnel will treat clients/families with dignity and will respect their unique differences in culture, religion, race, and sexual orientation.
• Personnel will respect the confidentiality of each client/family. Personnel will not release any identifying information verbally or in writing without the client’s signed permission (excepting the threat of suicide, homicide, or suspected child abuse or when requested by a Court of Law).
• Personnel will respect, safeguard, and advocate for the rights of each client and/or family.
• Personnel will be knowledgeable about and adhere to all relevant municipal, provincial, and federal laws.
• Personnel will make every effort to complete a standard assessment at the beginning of the service provision, except when the client is in crisis.
• Personnel will treat clients holistically, encompassing family, peer groups, and community.
• Personnel will cooperate with other service providers which offer service to our clientele.
• Personnel will recognize and respect the contributions of colleagues, employers, and other service providers. Personnel will represent themselves in a professional manner at all times. Personnel will contribute to and promote a collegial and supportive working environment.

Recognizing that Community Bridge staff are a catalyst for change, personnel will:

• Utilize current and knowledgeable methods and techniques in order to provide quality service to our clients.
• Actively seek out opportunities to learn and develop as well as support growth in our co-workers and other service providers.
• Remain committed to personal growth and wellness as essential to being an effective service provider.

Our Privacy Policy:

Community Bridge will diligently protect the confidential nature of information regarding persons and families served. The Executive Director is the privacy officer for Community Bridge and as such is the person responsible for ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and for dealing with any complaints regarding privacy protection.

Community Bridge employees, practicum students, trainees, and volunteers will swear oaths of confidentiality upon hire.

Community Bridge client files will be protected from unauthorized access at all times. Files will be will be secured in locked cabinets and after hours, in locked rooms. Computer files will be password and firewall protected. Client information will be removed from all computers prior to disposal.

Community Bridge will take measures to reduce the risks of unauthorized collection, use, or disclosure of personal information through faxing and emailing.

Community Bridge employees will obtain written consent from the client or guardian before confidential client information is released, except required by law. Client Information may be shared within the Community Bridge network for case management, quality assurance, and supervision and eligibility purposes.

Community Bridge will ensure that offices and rooms for interviewing or counseling persons served are soundproofed.

Community Bridge prohibits the involuntary participation of persons served in public performances without the informed consent of that person or his/her parent or legal guardian.

Community Bridge prohibits coerced use of public statements by persons served that express gratitude to the organization; and the use of photographs, videotapes, audio-taped interviews, artwork, or creative writing for public relations or fundraising purposes without the informed consent of that person, or his/her parent or legal guardian.