All staff and volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island (the “Agency”) are required to abide by this Confidentiality Policy. Any breach of this policy will be considered grounds for termination.
Agency Service Delivery Staff will explain the confidential nature of our service to the volunteer, child and parent/guardian as early as possible in the orientation and/or screening process. At all times thereafter Service Delivery Staff will ensure the privacy of case information.
Information contained in the Casework files will not be disclosed by the Agency to any person without written approval of said person except in the following cases:
1. Where the safety of a child depends upon divulging this information. This could include suspicion of neglect or abuse of a child. The proper authorities will be informed when necessary. This could result in the disclosure of confidential information without written consent from the person to Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s insurers and or legal counsel, as may be appropriate in connection with any legal proceeding or inquiry;
2. When subpoenaed by the courts;
3. Where required by law; and
4. During periodic agency accreditation reviews; case records, including relevant personal information will be shared to authorized representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
In the event that confidential information is requested to support a custody or access application, or for any court matter other than a “child protection” case, the Agency will only release the information if required to do so by a Judge’s Order.
No staff member or volunteer shall use confidential information from the agency to advance any personal interest, financial or otherwise.
In accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s National Standards:
• No information will be provided to persons or organizations outside of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, and its agents, about parents, children or volunteers without their express prior written consent except where required by law.
• All information and records, including electronic records, shall be kept secure (for example, in a filing cabinet, desk, etc. under lock and key, password protected, etc.) and confidential at all times.
Case records will be accessible only to the Caseworker, Executive Director, Casework Supervisor, and in appropriate situations, other Caseworkers.
I hereby make formal application to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island to make available their service to my child. It is my understanding that the intention of the Agency is to match my child, in an individual or group program, with a responsible adult, (minimum 18 years old, however, where appropriate supervision takes place, the volunteer may be younger), with my child for the purposes of shared activities, friendship and support. I understand that all efforts will be made to select a Mentor who is compatible with my child.
In consideration for this service and other valuable consideration provided to my child by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island, I release the agency of all responsibilities and liabilities in connection to their services provided in good faith, to myself or my child. I permit the agency to release any relevant information, including my personal information, to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and their insurers, as may be appropriate in connection with any legal proceeding, inquiry or risk thereof.
I understand that the collection of personal information about me or my child will be held in strict confidence and is to be used solely for the purposes of administering the program. I further agree that information about my child may be shared, at the discretion of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island, with my child’s Mentor so that my child’s needs in a Mentoring relationship may be best met.
I understand that I am under no obligation to accept a Mentor for my child, that the Agency is under no obligation to provide my child with a Mentor and that this application is the property of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island. I also agree that my child will participate in the Pre-Match Training Program administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island.
By signing this Assumption of Risk, Release and Indemnity Agreement, you (on behalf of a mentee (the “Participant”), if applicable) are waiving important legal rights, including the right to sue. Please read carefully. This agreement must be completed in full before you (or the Participant, as applicable) can take part in any further in-person meetings with mentors that are authorized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island (respectively, “Meetings”, “Mentors”, and the “Agency”).
Therefore, in consideration of the Participant participating in any further Meetings and for other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Undersigned), the Undersigned hereby:
1. Freely ASSUMES ALL RISK in respect of the Participant’s participation in the Program;
2. RELEASES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES the Agency and all of its predecessor, subsidiary, parent, related, affiliated and successor companies, including but not limited to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (collectively, the “Organizations”) and all of their respective present and former officers, directors, employees, volunteers (including Mentors), representatives and agents of the Companies (collectively, the “Released Individuals”) (the Organizations and the Released Individuals are collectively referred to as the “Released Parties”) from any and all responsibility, liability, cause of action or claim of any kind whatsoever in respect of the Participant’s participation in the Meetings due to any cause whatsoever including negligence or breach of any other duty of care on the part of the Agency or the Participant’s Mentor and including the failure of the Agency or the Participant’s Mentor to safeguard or protect the Participant from the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the Program;
3. INDEMNIFIES all of the Released Parties from and against any and all liability incurred by any or all of them as a result of, or in any way connected with the Program; and
4. Agrees that the provisions of this agreement shall ensure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the Agency and the Participant’s Mentor and shall be binding upon the Undersigned’s heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and personal representatives.
I hereby consent to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (National Office) and its associated member Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island the use of any photographs, audio and/or video recordings of my child or youth as taken or produced by media personnel and/or National Office or Local Agency staff at recreational events or match outings, or otherwise authorized by the National President & CEO, local agency President/Executive Director/CEO or Board of Directors, and that this media may be used by Local Agency and/or by the National Office for purposes of promotional material including brochures, posters, newsletters, media information, advertisements, audio-visual productions and digital media, (such as the local agency websites and social media). Photographs or video productions may also be shared with community and school partners for program promotion.
Note: It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify the office if the status of this consent changes.