Privacy Policy

Catholic Charities North Dakota

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Client Rights

As a Client/Ward of Catholic Charities North Dakota, you have a right to:

  • Be treated with respect, courtesy and competence.
  • Be shown respect for your religious beliefs, social views and cultural backgrounds.
  • Be informed of the counselor’s/worker’s assessment of the problem and ways it can be dealt with.
  • Share in setting goals and discussing treatment/services and the number of sessions with the counselor/worker.
  • Be aware that if you disagree with treatment plan, you may ask the program supervisor for assistance.
  • Expect confidential handling of written service records in accordance with the law and professional standards. These records contain personal and psychological information, case notes, letters, etc.
  • Receive information about the Agency’s fee schedule and financial assistance.
  • Obtain the name of the worker who is responsible for providing or coordinating your care.
  • Examine your case files. You may add materials that support or dispute information contained in your files. Client files belong to the agency and may not be removed from the premises.
  • Know the reasons for transfers, referrals and discontinued sessions.
  • Know that counselors/workers must report suspected abuse or neglect of minors/vulnerable adults to authorities.
  • Refuse to be treated by student interns or any non-clinical staff.
  • Receive translation, interpretive, sign language services or communication technology (i.e., telephone amplification, TTY, etc.) if needed.
  • Be informed of procedures for filing a complaint if unsatisfied with services received.
  • Receive assistance so information is provided in a way that meets your communication and/or literacy needs.
  • To be free from restrictive behavior management interventions that restrict, limit or curtail freedom of movement.
  • Catholic Charities North Dakota’s professional staff are encouraged to conduct or participate in research efforts directed towards improving the services delivered to clients. You have the right to refuse to participate in research. Catholic Charities North Dakota will continue to provide you services whether or not you agree to participate in research.
  • Fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment including the consistent administration of program rules and expectations.

Client Responsibilities

As a Client/Ward of Catholic Charities North Dakota, you are responsible for:

  • Taking an active part in counseling and service by sharing ideas and asking questions. Providing accurate and complete information.
  • Being open to looking at problems in new ways and trying new behaviors.
  • Telling the counselor/worker if you cannot keep an appointment. (If you are paying for services, you may be charged if you do not give us 24 hours advance notice.)
  • Paying any fees that have been agreed upon.
  • Respecting the privacy of other people served by the agency.
  • Following a service plan. You must respect the agency’s right to discontinue services if you do not follow the service plan.
  • Catholic Charities North Dakota reserves the right to deny further services if you do not fulfill the above responsibilities or if the service’s funding is cut.
Procedures for Filing a Complaint

If you have a problem or complaint, first discuss the issue with your counselor/worker. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you have the right to do the following:

Fill out this form or call Catholic Charities North Dakota and let the receptionist know that you have a problem or complaint. You will be connected with one of the staff, who will assist you. We may be contacted by phone at 1-800-450-4457.

 

When writing or calling with a complaint, include the following information:

  • The nature of the complaint or problem
  • Where and when it took place
  • Person with whom you had the problem or complaint
  • All other facts and circumstances surrounding the problem or complaint
  • Your signature and the date at the bottom of the form

Catholic Charities North Dakota assures that if you file a complaint:

  • You will not be intimidated, threatened, coerced or discriminated against because you have made a complaint.
  • Catholic Charities North Dakota will investigate any complaint.
  • You will be notified of the disposition of the complaint you have filed.
  • If you are not satisfied with Catholic Charities North Dakota’s internal process, you may file a complaint with the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners or the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
For Intercountry Adoptions:

If after following the above steps you continue to feel that your complaint has not been resolved adequately you may then contact the US Central Authority directly.

Their contact information is as follows:

Website: http://adoptionusca.state.gov/HCRWeb/WelcomeForm.aspx

Mailing Address:
US Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues, Adoption Unit (SA-29)
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20520

Phone Number: (888) 407-4747
Fax Number: (202) 736-9080