Staff and volunteers in Care Ministries follow a policy of confidentiality in all that we do. Here is our policy:
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WILLMAR
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY FOR STAFF/VOLUNTEERS
I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to respect the confidentiality of all people who are assisted by the church staff and volunteers.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES: Each staff member and volunteer is responsible for following the Confidentiality Policy. Investigation of complaints centered around confidentiality issues will be addressed by the Pastor and/or the Director of Care Ministries. Reports of these investigations and actions taken may be forwarded to the SPPR, or Church Council, as appropriate.
III. PROCEDURES/GENERAL GUIDELINES:
· One of the functions of staff and volunteers is to assist both our members and others when they have times of spiritual, physical, or economic difficulties. Our mission includes offering comfort during difficult times with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and service. In fulfilling this function, we often have access to sensitive personal information.
· We will respect the privacy of those we serve. It is the individual’s decision whether or not to speak with us about a personal issue, and what details to mention. Information is to be considered confidential unless we are given permission to tell others by the individual or their legal representative.
· We should ask permission before placing a name on the Prayer Chain or Joys and Concerns.
· If an individual requests to speak only with one specific staff person or volunteer, we should honor that request whenever possible.
· The concerns of others should only be shared for the purposes of fulfilling our spiritual mission, never for personal reasons.
· Special situations may arise when confidentiality cannot be preserved. When an individual expresses intent to harm themselves or others, these intentions will be reported to appropriate authorities, including parents, next-of-kin, medical personnel, or law enforcement.
IV. DISTRIBUTION: Staff, and volunteers in Care Ministry, Youth Ministry.
Effective date: 12/05/08
Review date: 12/05/09
