Volunteer Resources

Confidentiality Policy and Agreement for Volunteers

Respecting the privacy of our clients, donors, members, staff and volunteers and of Utah Foster Care itself is a basic value of Utah Foster Care. Volunteers will strive to maintain the confidentiality of the families and children being served. Information regarding the clients, including verbal and written information, as well as images and digital information (such as digital photographs and video clips, etc) is confidential and will be safeguarded. This includes the release of information in social networking mediums and other public forums.

Confidentiality is essential when working with sensitive information in the form of verbal communication, written communication, and the general use of data. This adherence to confidentiality protects against identification, exploitation, or embarrassment that could result from the release of information which would identify individuals or families as having applied for or having received services or assistance from the Division of Child and Family Services or the Utah Foster Care Foundation.  Unauthorized release of information could have a detrimental effect on the relationship with the child and/or family.

Volunteers of Utah Foster Care may be exposed to information which is confidential or privileged and proprietary in nature. It is the policy of Utah Foster Care  that such information must be kept confidential both during and after volunteer service. Access and use is limited to purposes that are consistent with fundraising, community awareness, and mission-related goals of Utah Foster Care. Volunteers, including board members, are expected to return privileged or confidential materials at the expiration of service.

Unauthorized disclosure of confidential or privileged information is a serious violation of this policy and will subject the person(s) who made the unauthorized disclosure to appropriate discipline, including removal.

 Agreement

• I understand that if I, as a volunteer, serve less than 5 hours over a 6-month period, I will be asked to complete annual training requirements which include an hour of on-board training.
• I understand if I serve more than 20 hours per quarter, I will be asked to complete 4 hours of annual training requirements.
• As a representative of Utah Foster Care, I will act in a respectful and professional manner in all situations, including but not limited to: public events, parent’s night out, trainings, and online forums.
• I will utilize trauma-informed behavioral interventions provided or recommended by Utah Foster Care for the children and families we serve.
• I will provide competent, reasonable, and caring structure and supervision for the children and families we serve.
• I can expect to be treated with respect by Utah Foster Care as a volunteer.
• I have the right to access technical assistance, training, and consultation on an ongoing basis.
• Utah Foster Care will maintain ongoing communication and support.
• Utah Foster Care will provide ongoing instruction to volunteers on rules and standards.
• Utah Foster Care will track continuing training hours for volunteers.

Certification

I have read Utah Foster Care’s policy on confidentiality and expectations presented above. I agree to abide by the requirements of the policy and inform the volunteer coordinator immediately if I believe any violation of the policy (unintentional or otherwise) has occurred. I understand that violation of this policy will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of my service with Utah Foster Care.