Confidentiality
Privacy Is a Fundamental Human Right
People calling The Center seeking supportive services from us are always welcome to remain anonymous if they are uncomfortable giving their name. If they do choose to provide us with their name, federal and state confidentiality laws require us to protect their privacy, and we are glad to do so.
The Center does not reveal the identity of those who are receiving services (including those staying in shelter). The Center will not confirm an individual or family is receiving services or shelter unless required to do so by law.
The Center staff will not make any client’s information public without the client’s written permission, except as required by law (see limits of confidentiality below) or as agreed upon within program guidelines. Prior to The Center staff releasing or obtaining information from other community agencies or individuals, staff will request written permission in all cases—except in a life-threatening situation—as required by law. A client may review their file or obtain copies of information from the file by signing a written release of information. Clients may also complete an authorization for release of information to named professionals when they wish for specific information to be relayed. A client can make a verbal consent to release written information. A client can also choose, at any time, to revoke their consent.
We Will Not Ask Your Documentation Status
We will never ask for your citizenship or documentation status to seek services and we will always provide you with a interpreter free of charge. We know that domestic and sexual violence affects individuals regardless or race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientations or country of origin. We are ALWAYS here to help
1-844-BE-SAFE-1.
Nunca pediremos su ciudadanía o documentación para buscar servicios y siempre le proporcionaremos un intérprete gratis. Sabemos que la violencia doméstica y sexual afecta a individuos sin importar raza, religión, identidad de género, orientación sexual o país de origen. Siempre estamos aquí para ayudar 1-844-237-2331.
Confidentiality in Shelter
Individuals or families living in shelter at The Center are kept confidential. The Center will not reveal who is staying in shelter or confirm who is in shelter to anyone except when required by law to do so.
Clients seeking shelter services at our Southern Indiana Campus will be asked for additional information for Homeless Management Information System purposes. Please see the HMIS Statement of Privacy Practices to understand more about how that information is used.
Limits of Confidentiality
We will not disclose information about our clients to anyone outside The Center without a signed release of information, except as required by law or agreed upon by program guidelines as outlined below. These situations may include:
- Abuse and Neglect. We are required by law to report the abuse or neglect of a child, or vulnerable adult to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or to local law enforcement.
- Duty to Warn. We are required by law to report instances where a client expresses a threat of violence that may harm anyone, including a potential for suicide.
- Under 18 Years of Age. If a client is under 18 or has a legal guardian, we may share information with the client’s parent or guardian. However, we will not share information with a parent who has abused the client or who may not be acting in the client’s best interest, as determined by a judge if necessary.
