Client confidentiality is very important.
The first time a client comes to us, we have them complete a basic information
form called the “Transient In-Take Form”. This captures basic information about
the client, their prior residences, homeless issues, closest family member, and
other things. Also on this form we notify the client that their information
will be stored in our computers and shared with other homeless service agencies
within the four county area of the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition. The shared
information about the client includes the answers to the intake questions and
their picture. The client signs the intake form noting their approval for this
information to be shared with outside agencies and the general public.
Sharing
basic information about the client with other service providers enables us to
better serve the client and address actions or behaviors that need counsel. Our
goal is to help the client not be homeless and to receive the necessary
resources to regain self-sufficiency for their lives.
There are times when
basic statistics are used from this data base. In these cases, the information
is NOT client specific. We are able to run reports showing the number of
females, or veterans or Hispanics that were sheltered in a particular period.
Such basic information is used to inform the community about our progress in
meeting needs and is used in grant applications to inform potential funders
about the work we do.
In both the cases noted
above, client information that is shared is authorized by those receiving our services.
Related to clients in our New Life Program, counseling files are not shared nor
are the input into the computer that stores the basic demographic information
about the clients. Client program and counseling information is used
exclusively by staff to assist the clients in their recovery programs.
Program client pictures
are used in Jericho Road Ministry publications after written and verbal
approval is given by the clients involved.
