WIGAN CHILD CONTACT CENTRE
Confidentiality Policy
Confidentiality Policy
We recognise that the contact process requires explicit confidentiality that all Child Contact Centre workers are obliged to observe. Therefore, we will ensure that:
- Volunteers undertake not to discuss or disclose any details relating to a family outside of the Child Contact Centre.
- Volunteers do not make verbal or written reports in any family proceedings.
- The dates and times of a family's attendance will be made available to referring agencies upon request. No other information will be released unless
a) a child is felt to be at risk of harm either inside or outside of the Child Contact Centre or
b) anyone using the Child Contact Centre or a volunteer is at risk from physical violence.
- Clients' personal details, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers will not be passed to any other person (including former partners) or to any agency without their permission. The only exceptions to this will be if a child is felt to be at risk of harm or anyone using the Child Contact Centre or a volunteer is at risk of physical violence.
- Volunteers should never give out their own telephone number or address, only talk in general terms about themselves and avoid disclosing personal or intimate information. Volunteers should not make arrangements to meet individuals or families outside of the Child Contact Centre. If a volunteer meets an individual or family away from the Child Contact Centre they should not introduce them to their family or friends.
- A volunteer should tell the Co-ordinator if somebody known to them comes to use the Child Contact Centre.
- Assessments on Child Contact Centre premises will only be carried out by CAFCASS or Social Services staff when prior agreement has been obtained from the family and from the Centre co-ordinator.
- All information relating to families and volunteers will be kept in a secure place.
- All information relating to families and volunteers which has not been used for three years will be treated as confidential waste and disposed of as such.
- Child Contact Centre users, referrers, volunteers and staff will all be aware of, and have access to this policy, which will be reviewed regularly.
Policy last reviewed - November 2024