Family Rights Group :: Confidentiality Policy

Confidentiality Policy

Family Rights Group has significant contact with families. Confidentiality will normally be assured to anyone seeking advice or advocacy. Staff will not pass on information to other agencies without the direct permission of the client who has contacted us. In most situations this permission will be requested in writing, unless it is agreed that there is a matter of urgency and then verbal permission will suffice in which case written confirmation will be sought as soon as possible. However, there is one exception to this general principle. If information is disclosed or circumstances arise in which an adviser or advocate thinks that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm and that the relevant statutory agencies are unaware of this information, then the adviser/advocate will encourage the client to pass this information to the relevant statutory agency. If the client is unwilling to pass on this information themselves, then the advice and advocacy worker may inform the relevant agency and will inform the client of the information they have passed on. A decision to break confidentiality must be discussed between the staff member and their line manager or if they are not available, another member of the management team, and a record of the discussion will be maintained. The only exception would be in an absolute emergency where there is immediate threat to life or limb. In circumstances where a decision is made to break confidentiality, Family Rights Group will continue to be available to offer advice and advocacy to the family, or if this is not appropriate, will refer the family to a solicitor. Any referral to Children’s Services will be either made or confirmed in writing and a copy given to the client. Our policy will be made clear on publicity materials relating to the advice and advocacy service. In addition it is our practice that as soon as a client gives any information which raises concerns about the safety of a child or an adult, we will ensure that the caller is aware of this policy, before continuing the conversation. An agreement will be drawn up with families for whom we undertake direct advocacy. This agreement will describe the confidentiality policy and set down the following arrangements for storing documents and records:

Documents will be returned as soon as the immediate work has finished OR will be destroyed after six years;
All written files which include personal information will be kept in locked cabinets when not in use. Family Rights Group also adheres to the Data Protection Act with regard to all personal information kept on computer files.