WRISC’S Commitment
WRISC is committed to upholding the highest possible standards of privacy in relation to the collection, handling, disclosing and disposal of client information.
WRISC adhere to the standards set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Victorian Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).
Additionally, we adhere to the Child Information Sharing Scheme (under Child Wellbeing and Safety 2005 (Vic)) and Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (under Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic)).
What is Privacy
Privacy legislation relates to how personal information is handled.
It covers:
- How personal information is collected.
- How personal information is then used and disclosed
- The accuracy of the personal information.
- How securely the personal information is kept
- A person’s right to access their personal information.
What are your Rights
Under the Acts you have the right to:
- Be informed about the type of personal information being held about you and how it is treated.
- Choose to remain anonymous while using this service*
- Choose what personal information you disclose. You have the right not to disclose everything to us*.
- Access the personal information held about you, and the right to correct that information if it is incorrect.
* This may impact on the level of service that can be provided to you.
Collection of Information
WRISC will only collect and document personal information about you that helps us provide the services you need. Information of a personal nature will be collected in a private, safe and secure environment.
Your WRISC worker will explain what will happen to your information, why it is being collected, who will see it, and where it will be kept.
Use of Information
WRISC will only use information about you to help us provide the services you need. We will only share your information:
- If we are required to by law (e.g. court order).
- To protect your safety, the safety of any children, or the safety of others.
- If you give consent for the information to be used for other reasons.
Consent means that you give permission for your information to be shared, what information you agree to share, and with whom it can be shared.
Protection of Information
The personal information WRISC holds about you is protected from loss and misuse by:
- Ensuring your information is protected on site.
- Ensuring your information is protected when off site, such as during outreach.
- Ensuring that only relevant staff in the service have access to your file.
Any breach of data security is immediately reported to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) for investigation and action.
Access to your Information
You have the right to view your personal information held by WRISC. If you would like to view your information, you will need to apply in writing and complete the “Application for Release of Information: Access to files” form. This can be requested by contacting WRISC.
If you need help with this, talk to your worker or call WRISC on 5333 3666 to speak to someone from the intake team.
What to do, if you think WRISC has breached privacy
If you feel WRISC has not respected your privacy, you have the right to put in a complaint and have this investigated. Additional information is provided on the “Complaints and Compliments” page.
You can also call one of the following organisations for advice:
- Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) 1300 006 842 between 10 am-1 pm, Mon to Fri
- Health Complaints Commissioner 1300 582 113 between 9:30 am-3 pm, Mon to Fri