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Confidentiality Policy
Confidentiality is when the stuff you share stays private — and it is for everyone who comes to Valley Crisis Center, even if we can't help you.
What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality is when the stuff you share stays private.
Valley Crisis Center's goal is safety. We know that sharing your story can be unsafe. We know that not everyone needs to know, even family. We get that your business is no one else's business.
If you need us to share your info with anyone else we need your permission first. Without your say-so, your info stays private.
Confidentiality is for everyone who comes to Valley Crisis Center, even if we can't help you.
Confidentiality questions
How do I share my info?
If you need Valley Crisis Center to share your info with someone else, let us know. We'll help you do a Release of Information. With a Release, you have full control over what we tell someone else and for how long.
I was told my child has to talk to you first, why?
If your child is 12 and up, they have the same right to confidentiality as an adult.
We know that as a parent, this is hard, but it is very important to give your child space to talk and tell us what they want to do.
An agency called me and told me you told them I wasn't a client, but I am, why?
If an outside agency calls and asks us about you, if we don't have your okay to talk to them, we tell them that we can't confirm if you are a client or not and to reach out to you to do a release if you are.
Can I be anonymous?
If you are just wanting information on services before making a decision, you do not have to provide us with any information.
What if I don't want to share my info anymore?
If you don't want someone you previously allowed to have your information to have access anymore, let us know and we'll cancel that release.
Is there any reason you may have to break confidentiality?
Valley Crisis Center works hard to prevent confidentiality from being broken, but we do have advocates who are mandated reporters and are required by law to report three things:
- Elder Abuse, Child Abuse, or Dependent Adult Abuse
- Thoughts of suicide or a suicide plan
- Thoughts of homicide or a homicide plan
If an advocate is a mandated reporter, they are required to tell you beforehand. You have a right to refuse to talk to them and speak to another advocate.
California Evidence Codes protecting confidentiality
Domestic Violence
- Evidence Code § 1037
- Evidence Code § 1037.1
- Evidence Code § 1037.2
- Evidence Code § 1037.3
- Evidence Code § 1037.4
- Evidence Code § 1037.5
- Evidence Code § 1037.6
- Evidence Code § 1037.7
- Evidence Code § 1037.8
Sexual Assault
- Evidence Code § 1035
- Evidence Code § 1035.2
- Evidence Code § 1035.4
- Evidence Code § 1035.6
- Evidence Code § 1035.8
- Evidence Code § 1036
- Evidence Code § 1036.2
Human Trafficking
The complaint process
Do you believe your confidential information was shared without your permission? If so, you have the right to file a complaint.
If you believe that Valley Crisis Center Advocates did not treat you with respect, violated your safety, or you were denied services you believe you are qualified for, you have the right to file a complaint.
There are three ways to do so:
- Stop by one of our office locations to receive a complaint form and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to our Administration department.
- Download the form below, print, fill it out and mail to P.O. Box 2075, Mariposa CA 95338
- Download the form below, print, fill it out, and drop it off at our main office at 812 W. 18th Street, Merced CA 95340