Sexual Assault Crisis Centre Terms of Service
PLEASE READ TERMS OF SERVICE CAREFULLY
The Terms of Service contain very important information about the Client’s rights and obligations as well as limitations and exclusions that may apply to you. They contain limitations of liability. Please read them carefully.
The “Provider” is also referred to as Master Social Worker (“MSW”), Registered Social Worker (“RSW”); “therapist”, “counsellor”; and may use another designation. The appointment with the Provider may be referred to as “online session” or “session.” The services detailed below in the heading Services are provided by the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County “SACC” and defined as “Service” or “Services”. The client receiving services from SACC is defined as the “Client.”
The Terms of Service (“Terms”) contained herein govern the Client’s relationship with SACC. Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using the Service. Access to, and use of the Service, is based on the Client’s acceptance of, and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to all visitors, users and others who access or use the Service. By accessing or using the Service you agree to be bound by these Terms and accept all legal consequences.
Confidentiality – Informed Consent
Services provided are strictly confidential. Personal health information (collection, use and/or disclosure of the Client’s personal health information) will not be released without informed, written consent from the Client except where required by law.
It is the Client’s responsibility to choose a private place for online sessions without others present and devoid of distractions and ensure that they are using secure equipment and a secure location.
Exceptions to confidentiality:
Confidentiality on the part of the SACC therapist may be waived (under certain circumstances) wherein the Provider is bound by law to report to legal authorities under the following circumstances:
- If the SACC therapist assesses the need to consult with the SACC clinical team (Clinical Supervisor and/or Clinical Director) to provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional and training purposes and personal health information will not be disclosed to third parties without informed, written consent from the Client.
The provider is required by law to report when;
- The Social Worker assesses by law that there is a risk of harm to the Client or others;
- The Social Worker assesses that a child may have been harmed in the past, or that a child is at risk of harm in the present or future. In all cases, the Social Worker has a legal duty to report this;
- The Social Worker assesses that there is a risk to the country or threat of terrorism;
- The Social Worker is bound to report a colleague to their College for professional misconduct; and/or
- The Social Worker is required to defend themselves against a complaint filed with their College.
- The Provider is required by a court order (subpoena), issued by a judge, this may require the Social Worker to release information contained in records and/or require a SACC therapist to testify in a court hearing.
The Social Worker may communicate with the SACC clinical team regarding your case when;
- You are transferred to another Social Worker. To benefit your progress, intake information, assessment results and a clinical summary of your case may be provided to your new Social Worker. We will request your consent prior to forwarding this information.
- To benefit your progress, in supervision meetings with the SACC clinical team.
Sharing of Information
If it is decided between the Client and the Provider to share information for reason of referral or consultation, a formal consent form will be completed and signed in advance by the Client. The Client has the right at any time to withhold or revoke consent. The Provider does not provide completion of forms or letters for employers or for court purposes. Advance notice is required for letters of attendance.
Circle of Care
According to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, information may be released to health care providers (“Circle of Care”) who are directly involved in provision of the Client’s healthcare unless the Client directs the Provider in writing not to release such information. In all other instances, written, informed consent is required for information to be released.
Crisis and Emergencies
The Service is not to be used for crisis or emergencies. When in crisis, the client can contact our Crisis Line 519-253-9667 or call the Transitional Stability Centre (“TSC”) or crisis agencies in the Client’s province:
- http://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/”>Canadian Crisis Centres
IF THE CLIENT IS EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY OR IF THE CLIENT IS PLANNING OR CONSIDERING SUICIDE OR FEEL THEY ARE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS, THE CLIENT MUST IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.
Expectations and Demonstration of Mutual Respect
The Client shall not use any mood-altering substance the day of their Session. The Provider may cancel the Session if it is suspected that the Client is under the influence of alcohol or a drug which may affect cognition and comprehension. The Provider may cancel the Session if they determine at their discretion the Client’s behaviour and/or conduct in the Session is inappropriate.
Employees
SACC Providers are employees of the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County Inc. They are vetted, experienced professionals, registered with their provincial or federal regulatory body, College, and adhere to the principles of these regulatory organizations.
Services
SACC provides online video counselling (videoconferencing) and talk counselling for those who have been impacted by sexual assault and sexual abuse. Clients must be residents of Essex County. The Service is only available to Clients residing in Windsor, ON and residents of Essex County. The Service may include ongoing therapy in the treatment modality best suited for the client as well as referrals to outside sources that may include other health professionals. Treatment plans may be adjusted as needs change.
Security
There are extensive safeguards built into the SACC servers’ operating system upon which it runs. SACC ensures protected end-to-end encryption across all devices.
Registration and Assessment
Prior to SACC providing the Services, the Client will complete an online registration and once completed, it will be sent to the assigned Provider to be assessed. By completing the online registration form, the Client is agreeing to comply with, and be bound by the Terms.
Session Process
The Client will be assigned to a Social Worker. The Social Worker will then provide the Client with available times and dates for a session. The Client will receive a confirmation email with the date and time and instructions.
Length of Treatment
The Provider will create a treatment plan and together with the Client, will determine the length of Service. (See ‘Discharge/ Termination’)
Contact Information
The Client shall ensure at all times that the Provider has current contact information. It is the Client’s responsibility to let the Provider know if there is any reason that the Provider should not leave a message when contacting the Client by phone.
Rescheduling Policy
Notice is required to cancel or reschedule the Client’s Session.
Discharge/ Termination
Discharge of the Client and termination of the Services will occur when goals are met or the Client expresses a desire to no longer use the Service. When possible, the discharge plan will involve the Client to determine needs going forward. If there is no contact for a period of 30 days, the Client’s chart will be closed.
Termination or suspension of access to the Service may be immediate, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, if the Client breaches the Terms. All provisions of the Terms shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity and limitations of liability. Upon termination, the Client’s right to use the Service will immediately cease. If the Client wishes to terminate the account, the Client shall inform the Provider and discontinue using the Service.
Discharge and termination of Service will occur if there are two (2) consecutive ‘no shows’ or three (3) consecutive cancellations for scheduled appointments.
Electronic Communications
SACC will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of electronic information sent and received, such as emails.
However, because of the risks outlined below, the Provider cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of electronic communications and will not be liable for improper disclosure of confidential information that is not the direct result of intentional misconduct of the Provider. Thus, Clients must consent to the use of electronic communication that may include Client information. When the Client electronically accepts the Terms of Service, consent to the use of electronic communication is included and the Client agrees with the following conditions:
- Use of electronic communications to discuss sensitive information can increase the risk of such information being disclosed to third parties.
- Despite reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and security of electronic communication, it is not possible to completely secure the information.
- Online services may have a legal right to inspect and keep electronic communications that pass through their system
- Electronic communications can introduce malware into a computer system, and potentially damage or disrupt the computer, networks, and security settings.
- Electronic communications can be forwarded, intercepted, circulated, stored or even changed without the knowledge or permission of SACC or the Client.
- Even after the sender and recipient have deleted copies of electronic communications, back-up copies may exist on a computer system.
- Electronic communications may be disclosed in accordance with a duty to report or a court order.
- Videoconferencing may be open to interception due to lack of user end security and use of Wi-Fi. SACC video conferencing uses encrypted software.
- If email or text is used as an e-communication tool, the following are additional risks: Email, text messages, and instant messages can more easily be misdirected, resulting in increased risk of being received by unintended and unknown recipients; Email, text messages, and instant messages can be easier to falsify than handwritten or signed, hard copies. It is not feasible to verify the true identity of the sender, or to ensure that only the recipient can read the message once it has been sent.
- While SACC will attempt to review and respond in a timely fashion to the Client’s electronic communication, the Provider cannot guarantee that all electronic communications will be reviewed and responded to within any specific period of time. The Services will not be used for medical emergencies or other time-sensitive matters.
- If the Client’s electronic communication requires or invites a response from the Provider and the Client has not received a response within a reasonable time period, it is the Client’s responsibility to follow up to determine whether the intended recipient received the electronic communication and when the recipient will respond.
- The Client is responsible for following up on the Provider’s electronic communication and for scheduling appointments where warranted.
- The Provider may forward electronic communications to staff and those involved in the delivery and administration of the Client’s care in the Circle of Care. The Provider might use one or more services to communicate with those involved in the Client’s care. The Provider will not forward electronic communications to third parties, including family members, without the Client’s prior written consent, except as authorized or required by law.
- Some Services might not be used for therapeutic purposes or to communicate clinical information. Where applicable, the use of these Services will be limited to education, information and administrative purposes.
- The Client agrees to inform the Provider in writing of any types of information the Client does not want sent via the Services, in addition to those set out above.
- The Provider is not responsible for information loss due to technical failures associated with the Client’s software or internet service provider.
Provider-Client Electronic Communication Agreement
To communicate with the Provider providing the Service, the Client must:
- Reasonably limit or avoid using an employer’s or other third party’s computer. Inform the Provider of any changes in the Client’s email address, mobile phone number or other account information necessary to communicate via the Services.
- If the Services include email, instant messaging and/or text messaging, the following applies: Include in the message’s subject line an appropriate description of the nature of the communication and the Client’s full name in the body of the message. Review all electronic communications to ensure they are clear and that all relevant information is provided before sending to the Provider. Ensure the Provider is aware that you have received an electronic communication from the Provider, such as by a reply message or allowing “read receipts” to be sent. Take precautions to preserve the confidentiality of electronic communications, such as using screen savers and safeguarding computer passwords. Withdraw consent only by email or written communication to the Provider.
- If the Client requires immediate assistance, or if the Client’s condition appears serious or rapidly worsens, the Client should not rely on the Services. Rather, the Client should call the Client’s doctor’s office or take other measures as appropriate, such as going to the nearest Emergency Department. (See ‘Crisis and Emergencies’)
Copyright
The content, organization, gathering, compilation, magnetic translation, digital conversion and other matters related to this site are protected under applicable copyrights, trademarks and other proprietary (including but not limited to) intellectual property rights. The copying, redistribution, use or publication by the Client of any such content or any part of this site is strictly prohibited. The Client does not acquire ownership rights to any content or document obtained through this site. The posting of information or materials on this site does not constitute a waiver of any right in such information and materials.
Indemnification
The Client agrees to indemnify and hold Sexual Assault Crisis Centre of Essex County harmless from any liability, loss, claim and expense, including reasonable attorney fees, related to the Client’s violation of the Terms.
Non-transferable
The Client’s right to use this site is not transferable. Any password or right given to the Client to obtain access is not transferable.
Changes to Terms of Service
SACC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is made, SACC will make reasonable efforts to provide at least thirty (30) days’ notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at SACCs sole discretion. By continuing to access or use the Service after those revisions become effective, the Client agrees to be bound by the revised Terms. If the Client does not agree to the new Terms, in whole or in part, these Terms of Services (as amended) are immediately terminated and no further Services shall be provided.
Client Acknowledgment and Agreement
By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, the Client acknowledges that they have read and fully understand the Terms of Service and acknowledges to be bound by the provisions herein.
Disclaimer
(1) THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS CENTRE OF ESSEX COUNTY (“WE”, “US”, OR “OUR”) ON WWW.SACCWINDSOR.NET (THE “SITE”) IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. ALL INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS PROVIDED IN GOOD FAITH, HOWEVER WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE ACCURACY, ADEQUACY, VALIDITY, RELIABILITY, AVAILABILTY OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE.
(2) All responsibility or liability for any damages caused by viruses contained within the electronic file containing the form or document is disclaimed