When you are a client at LACASA Center, your identity, status and any services you receive are completely confidential. Your identity will be revealed only with your written permission for a specific and clearly defined purpose. The exception to this would involve legal and mandated reporting requirements (see below).
We offer comprehensive services which often involve a team of professionals. It is necessary that we share information about you and your family members among LACASA team members who are working with your family.
Confidentiality & Your Records
Our staff observes confidential safeguarding of information about all clients. Records are kept for a specified period of time and then destroyed. For adults, records are kept for 10 years after the completion of services. For children, records are kept 10 years after a child’s 18th birthday. Records will not be destroyed if there is a pending litigation.
Legal & Mandated Exceptions
At times, there are some exceptions to confidentiality. Any information requested for release by a Court Order shall be referred to the President/CEO for determination.
Additionally, information may be shared without written consent of a client under the following mandated reporting circumstances: risk of suicide, child abuse, and/or vulnerable adult abuse; homicide/credible threat of harm to others and/or incapacitating medical emergencies; alleged crime committed on agency property; as well as internal and/or external program audits.
Client Rights
- No client shall be favored or discriminated against because of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, physical and/or intellectual developmental disabilities, membership in any labor organization, political affiliation, or economic background
- Clients have the right to self determination within the guidelines and mission of the LACASA program
- Clients have the right to be treated with dignity and respect
- All Clients have equal rights to receive services without being judged or unnecessarily criticized
- Clients must be informed of the agency’s mission, goals, rules and limitations which will affect their use of services
- Clients have the right to access their own records of services received
- Clients have the right to register their concerns and disagreements regarding LACASA policies, procedures or staff as outlined in the client grievance procedure
For a complete brochure, which includes our grievance procedures, contact your counselor.
Fast Facts
Fast Facts- 71% of pet-owning women who entered shelters reported that their batterer injured, maimed, killed, or threatened the life of a family pet
- 75% of those threats occurred in front of the family’s children
- 21 states have enacted legislation that include provisions for pets in DV protection orders
- 55% of domestic violence victims report that their pets are very important sources of emotional support, making threats against them particularly devastating
