Confidentiality Protocols

At Arella, strict confidentiality is essential to ensure the well-being and trust of all participants. We implement these measures to create a respectful environment where mentors and mentees can openly share their experiences and seek support without fear of their personal information being exposed. Here are our key confidentiality practices we have in place:

Use of Aliases: Mentors and mentees may choose to use an alias to protect their identity and maintain privacy throughout their participation with Arella. This ensures that you feel secure and empowered without the risk of unwanted exposure. Only our internal Arella team will know your real identity, while you will use your alias in interactions with your match and others in the program

Secure Communication: We encourage using private and secure channels for all communications between mentors and mentees. For all virtual meetings, we use platforms with basic security features, such as password protection.

Private Meetings: We use carefully selected venues to ensure that all in-person meetings are conducted in secure settings that protect your privacy. For virtual meetings, we use secure platforms and ensure that access is restricted to authorized participants only.

Protecting Information: We are dedicated to safeguarding your personal information by storing records securely and limiting access to only those who need it. We handle all data with care.

 

Photo Policy: Photographers will be present at our events to capture meaningful moments and support our mission. Before any photos are taken, we will make announcements to inform everyone. Additionally, photographers will ask for your consent before capturing any images. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please feel free to gracefully step aside during the photo sessions.

Social Media Caution: For mentees involved in ongoing investigations or legal proceedings, Arella advises against engaging in social media or sharing new photos. This precaution helps prevent any inadvertent influence on the investigation or legal process, preserving the integrity of your case.

Sharing Guidelines:

• Internal Program Confidentiality:
  Within our internal program, we uphold the highest standards of confidentiality. Personal information shared with Arella is strictly protected and will only be shared with your explicit consent. We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is maintained with the utmost seriousness and integrity.

 

• Group Settings: In group settings, while we strive to foster a respectful environment, we acknowledge that we cannot control how others may handle information shared during discussions. We will discuss expectations and rules regarding privacy at each group event to ensure clarity. We encourage all participants to be mindful of others' privacy and to consider the impact of sharing personal details in a group. Your cooperation in respecting confidentiality helps ensure a supportive experience for everyone.

Emergency Procedures: We have a basic plan to address immediate safety concerns, including contacting emergency services while respecting confidentiality as much as possible.

Training Required: All staff and volunteers receive training on the importance of confidentiality and respectful practices to ensure that sensitive information is handled properly.

Regular Check-ins: We periodically review our confidentiality practices to ensure they are effective and make adjustments as needed.

Basic Safeguarding: Confidentiality is a core component of our overall policies, which also address issues like harassment and discrimination, ensuring that we handle all matters with respect and care.

 

Maintaining a Supportive Environment: We are committed to fostering a  respectful space for everyone, regardless of religion, race, or any other characteristic. To uphold this commitment, we have a protocol in place for addressing situations where individuals are disruptive or not aligned with our values. If necessary, this protocol includes a clear process for removing individuals, while also providing them with resources and referrals to other organizations that may be a better fit. We will review our rules and expectations at each event and meeting to ensure everyone is informed. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work together to maintain a positive and supportive environment for all.
 

Our dedication to creating a respectful and nurturing space is at the heart of our mission, allowing you to focus on your healing and empowerment journey within a truly supportive and confidential framework.

 

If you have any questions or need further clarification on our confidentiality practices, please do not hesitate to reach out to support@arella.org.