PRIVACY POLICY

Respecting the privacy of our clients, donors, members, staff, volunteers and of the agency itself is a core value of COPE. Personal and financial information is confidential and will not be disclosed or discussed with anyone without express permission. Care shall also be taken to ensure that unauthorized individuals do not overhear any discussion of confidential information and that documents containing confidential information are appropriately secured at all times. Employees, volunteers and board members of COPE may be exposed to information which is confidential and/or privileged in nature. It is the policy of COPE that such information must be kept confidential both during and after employment or volunteer service. Staff and volunteers, including board members, are expected to return materials containing privileged or confidential information at the time of separation from employment or expiration of service. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential or privileged information is a serious violation of this policy and will subject the person(s) who made the unauthorized disclosure to appropriate discipline, including removal/dismissal.