Effective Date: January 20, 2025
1. Introduction
Bright Path Youth Services (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of the youth in our care, their families, and our staff. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in compliance with Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA), particularly Part X, which governs the handling of personal information in the child and youth sector.
2. Definitions
- Personal Information: Any information about an identifiable individual, including but not limited to name, date of birth, contact details, health information, and any other data that can identify an individual.
3. Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information directly from individuals or their authorized representatives for purposes related to our services, including:
- Providing residential care and support services.
- Developing and implementing individualized care plans.
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth in our care.
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
4. Use of Personal Information
Personal information is used solely for the purposes for which it was collected or as permitted by law. This includes:
- Delivering and managing our programs and services.
- Communicating with individuals and their families regarding services.
- Assessing and improving the quality of our services.
- Fulfilling legal obligations and reporting requirements.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not disclose personal information without consent unless required or permitted by law. Situations where disclosure without consent may occur include:
- Reporting to a children’s aid society if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child may be in need of protection.
- Complying with a court order, summons, or legal requirement.
- Addressing situations where there is a risk of serious harm to an individual or group.
6. Safeguarding Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. Measures include:
- Implementing physical, organizational, and technological security safeguards.
- Restricting access to personal information to authorized personnel only.
- Providing training to staff on privacy and information security.
7. Access and Correction
Individuals have the right to request access to their personal information and request corrections if necessary. To make such a request, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond within 30 calendar days, with a possible extension in limited circumstances.
8. Privacy Breaches
In the event of a privacy breach, we will take immediate steps to contain and mitigate the breach, notify affected individuals as required, and report to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario as necessary.
9. Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
Privacy Officer Bright Path Youth Services [Address] [City, Province, Postal Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will be available on our website, and the effective date will be updated accordingly.
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, and other applicable privacy legislation.