‘We are committed to being open and honest in our work and in the relationships we build with others to achieve our goals. We ensure all Good Shepherd people [and those who use its services] are treated equitably, impartially and fairly, with dignity and respect.’

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service acknowledge the right of every individual to access those systems, structures and services that ensure human dignity. In providing high quality, equitable services and programs, the collection of personal information is often a necessity.  Therefore, in collecting, storing and using personal information individuals’ privacy and dignity will be preserved.

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service will apply the relevant information privacy principles identified in Health Records Act, Victoria 2001, Information Privacy Act, Victoria 2000 and the Privacy Act, Commonwealth 1988 to the collection and use of personal information.
Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service will:

• act respectfully, with integrity and maintain confidentiality in the collection of personal information
• collect only information required to provide the program or service outcome for the client
• explain that not providing information may have consequences, including exclusion from a service or program
• explain the reason for collecting the information and to whom and under what circumstances the information will be disclosed
• explain that their disclosure of information may have  legal obligations for Good Shepherd workers
• explain the individual’s rights in the provision, access,  amendment and passing on of sensitive and personal information
• explain the complaints process, including access to grievance procedures, the right to third party mediation and to have the complaint heard by the relevant statutory authority
• explain to the individual the storage and security of the personal information collected
• use personal information for the purpose for which it is collected  or for a directly related secondary purpose to assist the individual; or for accountability, advocacy, research or evaluation
• ensure that personal information is current, complete, accurate
• ensure that personal information is secure and protected from misuse, loss or disclosure
• destroy or remove identifying personal information when it is no longer required
• ensure that no personal information is used in Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service publications, website or media releases unless identifying information is removed and its use authorised by the appropriate individual/authority
• ensure that an individual complaining about the collection, use and/or storage of their personal information has the Complaints Policy and procedures made available to them.

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service recognise the right of individuals to:

• withhold consent to the collection of personal information
• withhold consent to the passing on of identifiable personal information, unless where necessary to prevent harm to the individual or another individual or where required by law
• provide only the information necessary to achieve the service or program outcomes
• access and if necessary correct their personal information collected by the Agency
  be assured of confidentiality and respect in the collection of personal information.

HOME  CONTACT  SEARCH  PRIVACY  ©2007