Access To Confidential Records
In order for Destination Elevation to provide responsible and professional services to mentees it is necessary for mentors, mentees, and parents or guardians of mentees to be asked to divulge extensive personal information about themselves and their families. The organization respects the confidentiality of the mentee and mentor records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares information about mentee and mentors only among the professional staff and board of directors, as needed. The right to confidentiality applies not only to written records, but also to video, pictures or use of mentee or mentor's name in organization publications.
All records are considered the property of the organization and not the staff, mentees or mentors themselves. In order to provide service, which is in the best interest of the children served by the program, information from outside sources, including confidential references, must be assessed along with information gained from mentors or mentees themselves. Records are not available for review by the mentees or mentors. Mentees and mentors shall sign a statement that he or she has read and understands the organization policy on confidentiality and agrees to program participation under the guidelines it sets forth.
Limits of Confidentiality
1. Information will be released to other individuals or organizations only upon presentation of an authorized "consent to release information" form appropriately signed by the mentee or mentor.
2. Identifying information regarding mentees and mentors may be used in organization publications or promotional materials, if the mentee or mentor has given written permission.
3. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena.
4. Information shall be provided to an organization's legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the organization. Such information is considered privileged information and its confidentiality is protected by law.
5. North Dakota state law mandated that suspected child abuse or neglect be reported to the appropriate county social services. All workers/mentors are responsible for staying aware of such reporting requirements of their respective jurisdiction and shall always comply with mandated procedures.
6. If an organization worker receives information indicating that a mentee or mentor may be dangerous to himself or herself or to others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical referral or report to the local law enforcement authorities.