Michelle Donoghue

Beth's cousin, Ali, is moving into First Access' Community Accommodation. Ali has diagnosed bipolar disorder. Beth has seen Ali lose all of her confidence due to being a victim of violence and is feeling very protective of her. Beth is worried about her cousin's rights and the kind of care she will receive. She has heard wonderful reviews about First Access but has a few questions regarding how information is kept (both electronically and in hardcopy) and who will have access to this information.

Michelle is a counsellor at First Access and will be supporting Ali. She calls Beth to answer her questions and make sure she feels confident and at ease about Ali moving into her accommodation.

During the conversation, Beth says to Michelle:

'I would like for my cousin to feel safe and looked after. She realises that she requires more care than I or other family members can provide and has agreed to go into care, but she is worried about being treated like a child, being told when to go to bed, when to eat and so on. I'm concerned about who will have access to her medical and financial information. How does First Access ensure the security of hardcopy and computerised records? A couple of parents where my kids go to school, l work at First Access. I'm worried that they'll have access to Ali's personal information. Ali has an adult daughter who she speaks to occasionally. Will her daughter have access to her information?

a) Refer to the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) Code of Ethics.

https://www.acwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ACWA-Code-of-ethics-Jan-2017.pdf

Explain how Michelle should inform Beth about Ali's rights once she has moved into her First Access accommodation.

b) What should Michelle tell Beth regarding worker and organisation legal and ethical obligations relating to confidentiality and Ally's privacy of personal information?

c) What should Michelle tell Beth regarding who is permitted to access Ali's information?

d) List three ways electronic and/or hardcopy records should be maintained securely in a community services workplace.