Privacy & Confidentiality
East Metro Youth Services is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with accreditation standards established by Children’s Mental Health Ontario and the law. An administrator from our human resources department is responsible for enforcing our privacy policy, and all EMYS personnel are well acquainted with its requirements and practices.

Identifying Purposes and Obtaining Consent Personal information is treated with the utmost care at EMYS. We inform our clients how the data we collect will be used, and we will not – without express permission or consent from the client – use it for any other purpose. This consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Limiting Collection
EMYS collects personal information relating to the purpose specified to the client, and collects only what is necessary.

Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
Personal information is not used or disclosed for purposes other than for those specified to the client, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law. Personal information is not retained longer than needed.

Accuracy
EMYS strives to ensure that information is accurate, complete and up-to-date so that the best decisions regarding treatment can be made.

Safeguards
EMYS protects personal information from:

• loss or theft;
• unauthorized access, use, or disclosure;
• copying;
• or modifying.

We ensure that the level of security is appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.

Openness
Our privacy policies are made readily available to everyone.

Individual access
EMYS strives to ensure that individuals know what personal information about them has been collected, how it is being used, and to whom it has been disclosed. We can also inform our clients how to verify its accuracy and completeness, and how to have it corrected, if necessary.

Challenging Compliance
Should you feel that EMYS is not upholding its privacy policy, you may address this concern with the human resources business administrator or privacy information officer through a simple complaint procedure. For information contact: Janice Haydar.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality of client information is one of our fundamental principles. All EMYS employees, students, and volunteers must sign an oath of confidentiality prior to their involvement with the agency, and are expected to uphold this agreement.

General Principles Governing Confidentiality
Effective therapeutic practice can be achieved only in a secure atmosphere of confidentiality.

In cases where danger to self, others, or property is imminent – and can no longer be handled within the context of treatment

• our obligation to the individual and to society requires that we break confidentiality, but only to the extent necessary to protect life or property.

EMYS staff, students, and volunteers are bound by the Child and Family Services Act to report to the appropriate authorities any instance of a youth alleging abuse or otherwise indicating the need for protection.

EMYS is required by law to keep records of provided services. These records are the confidential property of the agency.

Staff members are expected to protect client privacy by storing records and other documents securely, and by shredding any material that has the client’s name or other identifying information when it is no longer needed.

Client information is discussed only with those who, by the nature of their position, have a need to know. It is never a subject of casual conversation. Any breaches of confidence, or unauthorized access to records, are taken seriously and will result in disciplinary action.