Safe, Private and Confidential

Waratah is a safe place because:

• There are no identifying signs on the building.
• The location of Waratah is not given out, or known, by the general public.
• The service provides privacy and confidentiality.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Waratah provides a private and confidential service to people wherever possible and will not disclose information to another party without a person's prior consent, unless there are concerns for that person or someone else's safety.

It is the professional responsibility of all service providers to share relevant information about a child to promote their wellbeing. The Children and Community Services Act 2004 allows relevant information about a child to be shared, provided that it is done in good faith. The Act allows for the protection of children to be the paramount consideration that overrides client confidentiality.

Confidentiality exceptions

In some circumstances there are special legal requirements where Waratah must disclose information. These are:

• Subpoenas and Court Orders which require the release of information.
• Child abuse including sexual abuse to a child less than 18 years of age. Under mandatory reporting laws in WA, Waratah must report the sexual assault or sexual abuse of young people up to 18 years of age to the Department for Child Protection.
• Any indication of risk to the safety of others.

If you would like further information on confidentiality, you can contact the CEO on (08) 9791 2884 or by email waratah@waratah.asn.au.

Responsibility

Maintaining privacy and confidentiality is the responsibility of both counsellors and clients. If you attend Waratah as a client you can help all those who attend remain safe by assisting with the following:

• Please do not tell anyone the name/s of people you see visiting Waratah.
• Please do not repeat personal information from conversations you may participate in or may overhear while visiting the centre.
• Please do not use your mobile phone whilst visiting the service.

Maintaining privacy and confidentiality ensures your own safety and also ensures you are not placing other people in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation.

Complaints

In the event that you feel your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information has been compromised, or you would like to lodge a complaint about any matter, please contact our CEO by email at ceo@waratah.asn.au or lodge a complaint by post to the following address:

CEO Waratah,
PO BOX 644,
Bunbury, W.A .6231

If you feel unhappy or dissatisfied with the service you receive at Waratah, please do not hesitate to raise these matters on our online feedback form or on the feedback forms onsite and provide your details for the CEO to make contact with you and discuss your concerns.