Information gathered by the Vanderhoof Alcohol & Drug Services (VADS) staff, including the fact that a client has made an appointment here is treated as confidential. There are some exceptions however, that are as follows:

1.  If the client discloses that a minor (i.e.- a person under the age of 19 years) may be in need of protection from neglect or abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), VADS staff are legally obligated to report such information to the Ministry for Children and Families.

2.  If a client discloses the intention to harm himself/herslef or any other person, VADS staff are obligated to report such information as appropriate to the circumstances.

3. If any member of VADS staff receives a subpoena in a legal matter pertaining to a client, that staff member is obligated to truthfully answer any questions put to him/her in court. VADS can also be compelled, by subpeona or court order, to produce client files in legal proceedings.

4.  If a client signs a "Permission to Release Information" form, VADS staff will make a reasonable effort to discuss the matter with the client before complying with his/her request.

5.  If a person appears to be unfit to operate a motor vehicle and VADS staff has reason to believe that person intends to drive upon leaving the premises, the police will be notified.

6.  If client information is requested by Worker's Compensation Board, under the Worker's Compensation Act, as part of an investigation of a claim, VADS staff must comply.

7.  If a client is court ordered to attend for counselling, VADS staff are required to disclose to the court the client's attendance or non-attendance.

8.  If the College of Physicians and Surgeons requests access to client files in order to investigate the skill and knowledge of a doctor, as provided for under the Medical Practitioner's Act, VADS must comply.

9.  If the client is a minor and his/her parent or guardian seeks information about the client and his/her involvement with VADS, the counsellor will consult with the client, who has the right to give or withhold consent to release information about himself/herself.

The Client's Bill of Rights

1. Clients have the right to know what the problem is (from the perspective of the practioner) in clear language that the client understands.

2. Clients have the right to participate in selecting goals and objectives in their treatment.

3. Clients have the right ot know specifically what is going to happen during the counselling process - who is supposed to do what under what conditions.

4. Clients have the right to know how long the counselling is likely to last in terms of time.

5. Clients have the right to know of alternate methods for dealing with their problems and what the probability of success for selected methods in the resolution of their difficulties.

6. Clients have the right to know how much the counselling will cost them. If they do not directly pay fees, it is equally a right to know the value of the services being provided.

7. Clients have a right to know what records will be kept and who will have access to them.

8. Clients have the right to know in advance about termination of services.

9. Clients have a right to take increasing control over their own lives, so far as they are able, or to know (or have a guardian know) why this is not so.

10. Clients have a right to be a part of, and informed about, the evaluation of their situation in order that they might profit from and make decisions based on this data.

11. If the client is involved with more than one agency, the client has the right to be involved in choosing who will manage their overall care.

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