Care Teams

Confidentiality and Liability Agreement 

Respecting privacy is a core value at Utah Foster Care (UFC). Volunteers agree to maintain confidentiality for families and children they work with or encounter while participating in the Care Communities program. This includes verbal and written information, as well as digital content like photos and videos, including release of information on social networking mediums and other public forums. 

This rule of confidentiality safeguards individuals and families from being identified or embarrassed due to information about their applications for or receipt of services from Child and Family Services (DCFS) or UFC. Unauthorized sharing of information could harm relationships with families and children. 

Volunteers may have access to confidential information, which includes details such as the identities of foster families, children in their care, DCFS staff, and biological family members. This information must be handled according to its classification rules. Access and use of confidential information are limited to purposes aligned with the Care Communities Program guidelines. UFC will inform all participants of any updates to these rules. Volunteers agree to maintain confidentiality during and after their service and return or securely dispose of confidential materials when their service ends. 

I agree to: 

• Uphold and maintain the confidentiality of the foster family I serve along with the child(ren) placed in the home, and their biological family. 

• Not share names, ages, genders, or any identifying details about the foster family and the child(ren) in their home, except with Care Team Leaders, Care Team Members, or other individuals within my own organization who already know them, and only in ways that won’t reveal the identity of their biological family. 

• Share basic information about child(ren) placed in the home only with the permission of their foster parents, if it does not allow others to potentially identify the biological family of the children in care. 

• Provide identifying information about the child(ren) and family to UFC and DCFS staff assigned to the child(ren) and their family and associated social service professionals via written and verbal communication with UFC as needed. 

• Not share any personal details about the foster family, the children they care for, or their biological family on social media or public forums, including personal emails, texts, or other messages, except when communicating with Care Team Leaders and other Care Team Members. 

• Consult with the Director of Care Communities before disclosing any information if I am unsure how to handle any information I encounter and handle the information according to UFC instructions. 

• Inform the Director of Care Communities as soon as possible if I believe any violation of this policy (unintentional or otherwise) has occurred. 

Liability Waiver and Release 

In consideration of volunteering with the Care Communities Program, I release Utah Foster Care and Utah First Lady Abby Cox Show Up Initiative (Show Up), their employees, officers, agents, volunteers, and affiliates from liability for any claims, injuries, or damages arising from my volunteer activities, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. 

I understand that UFC’s insurance covers approved volunteer activities including transportation and food provision. I waive any right of subrogation my insurance carriers may have against UFC and Show Up and agree to notify my insurance carriers of this waiver. 

I agree to INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS UFC, Show Up, and their representatives from any claims, costs, or liabilities arising from my volunteer activities. 

I understand that volunteering does not create an employer/employee relationship with UFC or Show Up. 

Acknowledgment and Signatures 

I have read, understood, and agree to both the Confidentiality Agreement and Liability Waiver. I understand I am signing this voluntarily. 

Tami Carson is a dedicated professional in the field of child welfare in Utah. With a 5-year background in foster care, she has passionately advocated for children and foster families. As the Director of Care Communities, she oversees this program that surrounds foster families with ongoing support and is committed to helping others show up in the lives of Utah’s foster families and the children placed in their homes.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from BYU-Idaho. Her academic journey has equipped her with a solid foundation in social work and programs to strengthen families.

Throughout her career with Utah Foster Care, she has collaborated with a variety of organizations, community partners, and individuals who support and care for children whose families are working to heal. These experiences have highlighted the goodness of individuals and organizations in Utah, and strengthened her resolve to facilitate support for our foster families.

In partnership with Utah First Lady Abby Cox, their shared mission is to surround foster families with meaningful connection from within their own community. Tami firmly believes that consistent support strengthens relationships and empowers foster families to continue providing foster care, improving outcomes for Utah’s vulnerable children.