The Driver - Privacy

Privacy is a huge issue. You can imagine how clients receiving alcohol and/or drug counseling do not want their employers or insurers to know as this may harm their employability or coverage. There are many services for which it is prudent for the client to be as anonymous as possible. Receiving social services has a stigma attached that can harm custody battles, justice issues and many other relationships. In general counseling and social services are viewed as negative services to receive, and even though this is a poor and uninformed perception, it is real and prejudicial.Privacy is a paramount issue and people will refuse service if they think their privacy may be violated. There are some basic human rights issues to be understood in protecting the privacy of individuals receiving services. However, it is not as simple as just keeping everything confidential. There has to be some measure of accountability by agencies receiving donations or government money for the provision of these services. There is a necessity for a measure of success and some reality to the reporting process. This level of accountability and the necessity of reporting on an accurate basis makes technological solutions attractive, but also complicated in their approach to privacy. Please see below for the expanded discussion on privacy.

Another interesting privacy issue is the relationship between professional ethical standards (lawyers, counselors, doctors) as opposed to legislated privacy standards. They may not line up and might well conflict.