Women’s Rights Information Center (WRIC)

Confidentiality Policy

   Women’s Rights Information Center (WRIC) strives to abide by the highest ethical standards regarding confidentiality, and understands that improper release of personal information can be a violation of state and/or federal law.  Employees, volunteers, interns, and Board members are not permitted to disclose clients’ names or talk about them in ways that will make their identity known.   

   WRIC understands that confidentiality may equal safety, and that safeguarding and adhering to confidentiality requirements and best practices is essential to effective advocacy.  No personal and/or financial client information may be released without appropriate authorization.  Staff, volunteers, and interns are required to sign confidentiality agreements.  Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in the termination of employment, or other corrective action.

   All clients sign a confidentiality agreement with a Case Manager as part of the intake process.  It is a victim’s right to control disclosure of his or her personal information.  WRIC will not share a client’s personal information without informed written consent, and will not share any client information with collaborating agencies unless a time-limited release form is signed.  All paper and electronic files are kept secure with locking filing cabinets, controlled access to file storage areas, and controlled computer access.   

   Exceptions to Confidentiality Requirements:

Signed release:  Client permits the release of confidential information.

As a mandated reporter in the State of New Jersey, WRIC will notify clients at the onset of service that a report must be made when abuse is observed or suspected. 

NJ Duty to Warn:  WRIC is required to report a client’s plans to harm themselves or another person to law enforcement or the intended victim of a threat of harm. 

   Funders, evaluators, and others viewing non-identifying demographic and aggregate information may be allowed to see non-identifying compiled data, records, or policies and procedures as long as it is aggregated or the victim gave specific, time-limited, written informed consent.