Section: Disclosure and Consent of a minor client

Section #123 ....The SafeStop Center and it’s staff, volunteers and administrators will honor the confidentiality privileges of all clients; adult, adolescent and children. Whenever possible, informed consent will be gained from parents, caregivers or legal representatives. Minor children old enough to understand the counseling process will receive services with a client assent if parents, caregiver or advocate cannot be located.

Section #124.....The SafeStop Center staff can and may disclose confidential information if directed by a court ruling, or to provide necessary services for the minor client’s well being, or to consult with other professionals (only to the extent necessary to aid client), or to protect the client from harm injury to himself or others.

Section #125...The SafeStop Center staff will discuss with potential minor clients the center’s policies regarding informed consent, assent, limitations of the confidentiality agreement and precautions taken to protect information stored in any manner. These conversations will be documented at the start of services, and monthly thereafter. The confidentiality policy discussion may be made at a later date in the event of emergency crisis intervention.

Section #126...The SafeStop Center staff will get minor client’s permission to disclose information to an absentee parent, other than when court ordered. It is SafeStop Center’s policy to involve family of the minor client’s in counseling services whenever possible if doing so will aid the minor client. If said minor client does not have family, the staff will aid in having an advocate assigned to the child to aid in the decision making process.

Section #127...The SafeStop Center staff and volunteers will not use, circulate or post any photographs of minor clients without written usage agreement from parents, caregiver or advocate.