Code of Confidentiality and Boundaries Protocol Agreement

Confidential information is any information which is obtained in the course of providing services. This includes information which identifies an individual or which might cause harm or damage to the client. Also included is information for which no consent to release information was given by the client. Whether the individual is or is not in the program is also considered confidential.

When inquiries from anyone are made for any type of information, the staff person will reply; “I cannot confirm or deny that any individual has sought or is seeking services with us.”

Because implicit and negative disclosures of information are prohibited, the above reply should be used whether or not the women are a resident of The O’Connor House.

1. No personal information should be shared with anyone outside of staff including other residents.
2. There is to be no secret personal data record keeping.
3. A resident can correct or amend a record of identifiable information about themselves.
4. There can be no use of unique identifiers such as social security numbers unless required by a federal or state-funding source.
5. Information specific to The O’Connor House residents cannot be provided to a third party such as a funding source unless the resident consents.
6. Volunteers should not be discussing information that a resident share with them to another volunteer.
7. Staff members should not engage in dual or multiple relationships with residents or former residents.
8. The rules of confidentiality apply even to those who are making inquiry to residents about whom they have prior knowledge. If an outside party contacts TOCH regarding a current or past resident no should be provided and leadership should be made aware of the contact.
1. Staff can take the contact information of the person inquiring.

1. The resident is the primary source of information about themselves.
2. The resident should fully understand the implications of sharing personal data including the ethical obligations of the advocate to respect privacy and protect confidentiality.
3. The residents expressed written informed consent should be a prerequisite for transmitting or requesting information from third parties, such as another agency.

1. I will not give out my personal phone number, email, address, or Facebook account to any house residents.
2. I will not collect personal phone numbers, email, addresses, or Facebook accounts of any house residents.
3. I will not engage in physical touches such as an extended hug, kiss, or hand holding with the residents.
4. I will not share or discuss my own personal life with the residents.
1. Although I may be able to relate to residents, when a resident discloses information, I will spend this opportunity listening and discussing their experiences, rather than my own.
2. If I feel as if sharing my experience with a resident will be helpful, I will seek guidance from leadership at The O’Connor House.
5. I will not use my own funds to support resident needs/wants that are not assumed by The O’Connor House.
6. If I happen to be contacted by a resident outside of The O’Connor House, I will notify The O’Connor House before furthering contact.
1. If the contact occurs in-person and is unavoidable, I will contact The O’Connor House immediately following the interaction.