Effective February 1, 2005
The privacy of our clients is very important to us. To better protect that privacy, this notice describes how protected personal information about a client may be used and disclosed and how that client can get access to this information. This notice is available on our website, and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.
The Type of Information We Collect:
The information we collect may consist of the following: financial, including income, savings, and/or government assistance, and debts for utilities, rents, etc; identifying and/or historical information regarding clients and members of that client’s household.
The Way We Use Information:
The data provided by our clients is used without identifying information for reporting requirements and advocacy. We are required to collect some personal information by law, or by organizations that give us money to operate programs. Other personal information is important to run our programs, to improve services, and to better understand our clients’ needs. We only collect information that we consider to be appropriate.
All information that is entered into a computerized database is protected by limiting access to that database to those employees who have signed an agreement to maintain the security and confidentiality of the information. Appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures have been put in place to prevent unauthorized access and to safeguard and secure the information.
Unless a client provides written permission, we will only disclose personal information when we are required to do so by law.
Client Privacy Rights
Inspect and Copy: A client has the right to inspect and copy his/her records.
Right to Amend: A client can ask us to change his/her records if he/she feels a mistake has been made. We can deny that request for certain reasons, but it must be in writing.
Changes to this Notice
We reserve the right to revise this notice. Any changes to this notice will be published on our website (www.bergencap.org).
Complaints
Any client who wants to exercise their rights under this notice, or wishes to communicate with us about privacy issues, or file a complaint can write to:
Allan DeGiulio, Ph.D.
Bergen County Community Action Partnership, Inc.
241 Moore Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-968-0200
No client will be penalized for filing a complaint.