WizeTherapy is committed to being open with you about the way we handle your/ your child’s personal information, and in doing everything we can to safeguard the confidentiality of that information. We do this by;

• Having systems in place that protect your privacy with regards to the collection, storage and sharing of your information. 
• Regularly updating our practices in response to changes in technology, organisational processes and relevant legislation.
• Complying with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
• Making sure you are aware of your rights when it comes to accessing the information we have.

The following points will help you understand how we collect your information, how we store it to maintain confidentiality and when we might need to share it in relation to the services we provide. It also lets you know your rights with regards to accessing information.

Collection

• We only collect personal information about you /your child that is directly relevant to effective service delivery and the organisation’s duty of care responsibilities.
• We never collect information about you/ your child without your knowledge.
• We always seek your written consent prior to obtaining information from any other source.

Storage

We have procedures in place to ensure that personal information is stored securely and is not left in view of unauthorised staff or the general public.

Most of our information is stored electronically. We have a policy on Privacy and Management of Client Information that includes security measures to keep this information secure (e.g. passwords, software to protect against data breaches).

We ensure that personal information about you/ your child is only held by WizeTherapy as long as it remains relevant to the delivery of effective services and the organisation’s duty of care obligations.

It is recommended that health information on children under 18 years is kept until they turn 25. For adults, information is kept for a minimum of 7 years. This information is stored securely in an archived file.

Sharing of information

We will always seek written consent from you prior to releasing information about you/ your child to any other source.

We only share information with outside organisations or individuals where it is relevant and beneficial to therapy outcomes to do so or where there is an obligation/ duty of care relating to legal or child safety matters.

We also ensure that only those organisation staff who need access to specific information will be granted access.

Your rights

You have the right to know the nature of the personal information that is held by WizeTherapy about you/ your child.

You have a right under the Freedom Of Information Act (1982) to view information we have about you/ your child provided this does not contravene other orders (e.g. Family Court) or where it is deemed that the provision of information might pose a risk to the health or safety of an individual. 

If you have any concerns about a breach of your privacy, you should contact the WizeTherapy Executive Manager of Quality Services immediately.

If you are a NDIS participant and wish to make a complaint about how WizeTherapy has handled your private information, you can contact the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.