1 STATEMENT
1.1 Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all participant information. The appropriate collection, use, and disclosure of participant’s personal information are fundamental to the operation of the CABLC.
1.2 We will strive to provide participants and families with excellent service, which includes treating all personal information with the utmost respect. Every employee and volunteer must abide by our commitment to privacy in the handling of personal information.
2 PROCEDURE
2.1 Information Collected
- The participant information collected by CABLC is directly related to the participant’s well-being while in attendance at CABLC. CABLC will obtain all personal information from the participant and/or parent/guardian directly. Information will be limited to what is needed for that purpose, and information collected will be used only for that purpose.
2.2 Accuracy
- CABLC will endeavour to ensure that all personal information is based upon accurate and timely information. CABLC will up-date participant information annually and/or as needed. Incident reports will be completed as per our Policy OP PA 5.7.
2.3 Consent
- CABLC will not share information about its participants with any person outside the Centre without prior written consent from the participant and/or the parent/guardian. This consent will specify the person(s) with whom CABLC are sharing information and will be time-limited.
2.4 Access to Information
- Access to personal information will be authorized only to the Staff of CABLC or its Board members who require access in the performance of their duties and to those otherwise authorized by law.
2.5 Safe Guarding Information
- Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre is committed to maintaining the privacy and the confidential nature of any discussions between our families and our staff. CABLC will keep any and all records for its own information. All information provided to us will be kept strictly confidential and is protected in compliance with Canada Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, (PIPEDA).
- CABLC will only share information with other agencies acting on the behalf of our participants, on the understanding that they are also bound by laws and ethics to safeguard our privacy. Other organizations and agents must agree to abide
- By our Privacy Policy and may be asked to sign contracts to that effect. CABLC will give them only the information necessary to perform the services for which they are engaged, and will require that they not store, use or disclose the information for purposes other than to carry out those services.
- CABLC computer systems will be password-secured and constructed in such a way that only authorized individuals can access secure systems and databases.
- Paper files will be kept in locked filing cabinets with access only by the Program Coordinator or staff in her absence.
- E-mail messages that include personal information, such as participant, parent or guardian name will be used to respond to inquiries. Sensitive communications will not be sent electronically unless the e-mail is encrypted, or the browser indicates that the access is secure.
2.6 Access and Correction
- With limited exceptions, CABLC will give participants, parents, and guardians access to the information CABLC retains about participants within a reasonable time, upon presentation of a written request. If CABLC denies a request for access to personal information, CABLC will advise in writing of the reason for refusal.
2.7 Openness
- Parents, guardians and participants may access CABLC Privacy Policy at any time by requesting a copy from the Supervisor of Operations. Questions or concerns about the privacy policies should be directed to the Board of Directors. A response will be given in a quick and timely manner.
2.8 Retention
- Participant information will only be retained for the time it is required for the purpose described and once information is no longer required i.e.; participant no longer attends CABLC, personal information will be destroyed. However, in very rare cases, personal information such as incident reports may be kept for longer periods.
2.9 Exceptions to Confidentiality
- A staff or Board member of CABLC is subpoenaed to court or otherwise required by law to reveal information about a participant including written records.