Youth Confidentiality

a. Federal Confidentiality guidelines as outlined in the Federal Register dated July 1, 1975 (modified in 1997) and entitled "Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations" is regulations governing organizations which receive federal monies to case management services. The above regulations were set in place to protect the confidentiality of youth in facilities like HomeBase Youth Services Transitional Living Program. The staff at HBYS cannot give any information to anyone outside of this facility unless a resident has given his/her consent in writing prior to the release of information, nor can the staff inform anyone that a youth is residing at HBYS without youth consent. There are some circumstances in which information may be released without consent. Such would be the case in:

• A medical emergency where the youth is unconscious or unable to give information that is necessary to make a sound determination about appropriate emergency treatment.
• Court orders that generally apply to the investigation and prosecution of youth or former youth.
• Crimes on premises or against program personnel or property.
• Investigation of a felony by a law enforcement agency when HomeBase Youth Services youth is a suspect.
• Child abuse.
• Psychiatric emergencies such as suicidal ideation or medication mismanagement.

Youth Mail

a. Youth mail can be sent and received uncensored and unopened unless it is suspect to contain unauthorized, dangerous or illegal material or substances, receiving or sending unopened mail is contraindicated in the service plan, or restricted by court order. If mail is suspect to contain unauthorized, dangerous or illegal material or substances the mail may be opened in the presence of designated personnel. Youth may be furnished with stationery and postage if determined to be appropriate.

Youth Telephone Calls

Under the above guidelines each resident will need to list those persons in which he/she would give his/her consent to the knowledge that they are a resident of HBYS. With this acknowledgement, youth will be able to talk with those listed on the staff phone list and visit with them at the residence. Please note that the names listed should include only family members or the persons previously approved by the Youth Development Coordinator. Those listed will be asked to identify each resident by a code word or number that will also be determined by the youth and Youth Development Coordinator.

When a telephone call comes in for a youth, staff are trained to answer the phone as follows, "I cannot confirm nor deny that he/she is a residence here or receiving services from us. If you would like to leave a message you may do so."

Release of Information

Written permission is to be obtained from the youth before information is released or disclosed. The written permission is to be in a language understood by the youth.

Release of information forms will indicate the following:

• youth
• individual, agency or entity requesting and to receive the information
• the specific information to be released
• the expiration date or condition when the release will be terminated
• purpose of the disclosure and
• shall be signed and dated by the youth
• All forms will be filed in the youth's record along with a copy of information released and a statement indicating permission and understanding that the permission may be revoked
• The written permission is maintained in the youth's record

Employee, Non-Employee, Volunteer Confidentiality

Employees, non-employees, volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as an employee, non-employees, volunteers.

HomeBase Youth Services is entrusted with important information relating to the personal lives of families. The nature of the relationship requires maintenance of confidentiality. In safeguarding the information received, the agency earns the respect and further trust of families within the community.