We are bound by the trust people place in us to keep their conversations confidential. This trust is extended to clients, staff, board members and fellow advocates.
Advocates, staff and board members will, to the best of their abilities, ensure confidentiality and privacy in regard to history, records and discussions about the clients we serve. The very fact that an individual is served by FOCUS must be kept private and confidential. Disclosure can only be made under specific conditions, described below. This means advocates, staff and board members shall not disclose any information about a person, including the fact that the person is or is not a client of FOCUS, to anyone outside the organization unless authorized by the Director or other authorized personnel as mandated by Wyoming State Statute 1-12-116 , and the exceptions listed below:
Exceptions to Confidentiality
1. The victim, or legally responsible other person, consent in writing to the disclosure with a Release of Information form.
2. The discloser is required by State of Wyoming law to report suspected child, elder or disabled adult abuse, or neglect, as per W.S. 14-3-210 (iii).
3. Disclosure in juvenile court per W.S. 14-3-210 (iii).
4. Disclosure may occur in the contact of the local Child Protection Team as per W.S. 14-3-212.
5. Disclosure which may be made in the course of a site visit, audit or program evaluation conducted by an agency representative.
6. To the extent necessary to defend FOCUS against a lawsuit initiated by , or on, the behalf of the the victim.
7. When a client poses a threat of harm to themselves or others.
8. When a client has been killed under circumstances suggesting homicide, the Executive Director may choose to disclose that FOCUS served the deceased victim. This disclosure should be made with the written permission of a family member. Disclosure of pertinent information related to the victim, the abuser and the history of violence perpetrated by the abuser should be directed to the Weston County Attorney.
The mission of FOCUS is to provide safety, shelter, education, emergency funds and advocacy support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking to persons in Weston County.
