OUR COMMITMENT TO CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY 
When you use NextStep’s services, you have the following rights regarding the confidentiality of your personal information and communications with NextStep staff and volunteers:

  1. The information you provide to NextStep will be kept confidential to the greatest extent allowed by law.

  2. You may choose what information you want to provide to NextStep. You will not be denied access to services if you choose not to provide certain identifying information.

  3. The information that you provide to NextStep, including your name, address, phone number, and other personal information will not be shared with other individuals or agencies without your permission. We store this information in a secure database that can be accessed only by authorized NextStep personnel.

  4. NextStep staff may be required by law to report certain situations even if you don’t give them permission to share or report the situations, such as suspected child abuse or neglect and threats to self or others. Advocates will inform you of any reporting requirements and will tell you when they must make a report and what information will be shared. Even when these reports are made,NextStep will not share information beyond what is required by law, unless we have your permission.

  5. Some general information about the types of services provided and overall demographics (e.g., age and income ranges, average number of children, ethnicities) of people that use NextStep services must be shared with the agencies that fund us. However, information that specifically could identify you as someone who used NextStep services will not be shared unless specifically authorized by you in writing.

  6. If you choose to sign a release allowing NextStep to share any information with other agencies or individuals on your behalf, you may revoke the release at any time by informing us that you wish to do so.

  7. If you have any questions or concerns about this notice or your rights, or if you have a concern that your confidential information was not treated appropriately, please contact NextStep’s Executive Director at 207-667-0176 or by email at info@nextstepdvproject.org, with CONFIDENTIALITY ISSUE in the subject line.