It is the policy of Circle of Friends to protect the confidentiality of participants and their families.  With the exception of the limitations listed below, program staff will only share information about mentors, mentees, and their families with other Circle of Friends professional staff, and only as needed to serve the child.  Further, all prospective mentors, mentees, and parents/guardians will be informed of the scope and limitations of confidentiality by program staff.  Additionally, mentors are required to keep information about their mentee and his/her family confidential.

No information about mentored children or their families is shared with any person or agency outside Circle of Friends without written permission of the parent or guardian.

Exception: Children and their families have been informed that information may be shared if:

1. A child has been abused, neglected or endangered.
2. A child has hurt or threatened to hurt someone.
3. A child has threatened to hurt himself or herself.

Circle of Friends staff may share with mentors the follwing information, which in addition to safety concerns, are permitted within the scope of confidentiality:

• The youth's general attendance and attitude at school.
• The youth's general performance in school, including successes and challenges.
• The youth's general performance at home, including successes and challenges.

 

REVIEWED MAY 2021