Confidentiality is defined as keeping private the information shared by you, the client, with your BIPP Director/Facilitator. On occasion, other employees may need access to your records for agency teaching, supervision, and administrative purposes. These staff members will also respect the privacy of your records.
In accordance with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Community Justice Assistance Division and Texas Council on Family Violence Battering Intervention & Prevention Program guidelines:
Clients are required to sign Consent for Release of Information, which permits information to be released to the victim/partner and/or the designated representative, law enforcement, the courts, correction agencies and any others in accordance with agency policy.
As a client, you have the right to withhold or release information to other individuals or agencies. A statement signed by you is required before any information may be released to anyone outside CW OUTREACH. This right applies with the following exceptions:
1. When a court of law subpoenas information shared by you with your BIPP Director/Facilitator.
2. When there is a reasonable concern that harm may come to you or others, as in child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse of a disabled person. In accordance to the Code of Ethics of the Texas State Boards of Licensed Professional Counselors, Chapter 681, Subchapter C, Rule 681.43: A licensee shall report to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS) if required by any of the following laws:
a.The Family Code, Chapter 261, concerning abuse or neglect of minors;
b. The Human Resources Code, Chapter 48, concerning abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled persons.
Also, when staff determines that there is probability of imminent physical injury to self or others, staff will take safety initiatives and may, if appropriate, notify medical or law enforcement personnel and/or the victim/partner (Section 611.004 (a) of the Texas Health and Safety Code
3. When there is disclosure of sexual misconduct or sexual exploitation by a previous therapist or mental health professional. In accordance to the Code of Ethics of the Texas State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Chapter 681, Subchapter C, Rule 681.43:
A licensee shall report if required by any of the following laws:
a. The Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter K, Rule 161.131 et. Seq., concerning abuse, neglect and illegal, unprofessional or unethical conduct in an inpatient mental health facility, a chemical dependency facility or a hospital providing comprehensive medical rehabilitation services; and
b. The Civil Practice and remedies Code, 81.006, concerning sexual exploitation by a mental health service provider.
c. All personal data and possibly additional information will be submitted to TDCJ-CJAD by the program or provider for the purposes of performing program assessments and other research.
d. Media Involvement- Any media contact arranged by the CW OUTREACH program or provider shall include the presence of a CW OUTREACH employee to protect victim's confidentiality.
I have read and understand the above statement and voluntarily enter into BIPP services with the staff of CW OUTREACH.