Privacy Policy Statement
Our Commitment
During the course of offering adoption services, Adoption By Choice (ABC) gathers and uses personal information. Protecting the privacy of the personal information that is shared with us has always been fundamental to the way we operate. We recognize that anyone from whom we collect personal information should expect us to take measures to safeguard this information and that, in most instances, our use of this information is subject to consent. We have developed a privacy policy and practices that demonstrate our commitment to protecting the privacy of the personal information of our clients, partners and website visitors.
What is Personal Information
Personal information is any information that can be used to identify a specific individual, but does not include business contact information, such as that you would find on a business card.
Purpose of Collection of Personal Information
The purpose for which ABC collects personal information will be identified at or before the time the information is collected. We may collect personal information for the purposes of operating our programs and services, registering for any ABC events, (for example, conferences or educational/support groups) or for other purposes as necessary.
Consent
ABC seeks consent for all personal information we collect, use or disclose prior to or at the time of collection. If an individual has voluntarily provided information, s/he has consented to the collection, use and/or limited disclosure of his/her personally identifiable information. As required by law we will not use that personal information for any purpose other than for which the individual has consented.
Should ABC require personal information for a new purpose, we will seek consent, as required, for that new use.
Limits for Collecting, Using, Disclosing and Keeping Personal Information
Personal information collected by ABC is kept in confidence. Except where permitted by law, we do not collect, use or disclose personal information of individuals unless that individual has given consent and provided the information on a voluntary basis for identified purposes.
There may be occasions where more specific personal information is necessary for us to proceed with a request for information, or to provide a service. In such cases, we will provide a description on the information we need. In all cases ABC limits the amount and type of information collected to that which is required to provide the requested information or service. All such personal information is kept strictly confidential.
We retain personal information only as long as is necessary to provide individuals with the requested service or information and then delete or destroy this information as appropriate to do so. However, in some cases, legal reporting and retention requirements require us to retain information for a specific amount of time.
ABC does not sell or trade any personal information with third parties. ABC may transfer information to a third party service provider where information processing is outsourced in the course of certain administrative procedures or services. Where personal information is transferred to a service provider for processing, the provider is required to comply with our Privacy Policy and is prohibited from using or disclosing personal information transferred to them or obtained by them for any purpose other than the provision of services to ABC.
Safeguarding Personal Information
We respect the privacy of our clients, partners, website visitors and internet users, and will protect that privacy as vigorously as possible. We store personal information in electronic and physical files that are secure. Our security measures include:
- Secure locks on filing cabinets
- Computer System Firewall
- Virus Protected Software
- Passwords
Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect all personal information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information transmitted to us or received from us electronically. We have no way of protecting that information until it reaches our organization. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best efforts to ensure its security on our servers.
Accuracy of and Access to Personal Information Collected
We make every effort to maintain the personal information as accurate, complete, current and relevant as necessary for the identified purposes, however we rely on our clients to notify us if there is a change to their personal information that may affect their relationship with our organization. We do not routinely update personal information.
Individuals have the right to review the personal information that is in the custody and control of ABC. ABC will inform individuals of what personal information we have, what it is being used for and, wherever possible, to whom it has been disclosed.
The Privacy Officer will assist with access requests. If we are not able to disclose all the personal information we have about an individual, ABC will provide reasons for our inability to do so, unless prohibited by law.
Updating of Privacy Policy
We review our privacy practices periodically and will update our policy as required. Please check this website on an ongoing basis for information on our most up-to-date practices.
Contact Information
Questions, concerns or complaints relating to Adoption By Choice ’s Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information should be directed to:
Ramone Kindrat,
Program Director
#250 3115 12 Street N.E
Calgary, Alberta T2E 0A3
Phone: (403) 245-8854
Fax: (403) 245-8897
Email: calgary@adoptionbychoice.ca
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