Privacy & Confidentiality Statement

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Espoir Mediation & Advocacy Center is deeply committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and personal information of every person we serve. We understand that seeking help often requires vulnerability — and we take seriously our responsibility to handle your information with the highest level of care, professionalism, and respect.

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Our Commitment to Protecting Your Information

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All client information shared with Espoir — including your contact details, presenting concerns, household information, and session content — is treated as strictly confidential. Information is stored securely, accessed only by authorized staff members involved in your care, and never sold, shared, or disclosed without your explicit consent, except in the limited circumstances described below.

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What Information We Collect and Why

• Contact information (name, address, phone, email) — to communicate with you and schedule services

• Household and income information — to determine your sliding scale fee (self-reported; no documentation required)

• Presenting concern and service history — to understand your needs and provide appropriate, quality services

• Session notes — maintained for continuity of service and professional accountability

We collect only the information necessary to serve you effectively. We do not collect or retain unnecessary personal data.

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When Information May Be Shared

Espoir will not share your personal information with any outside party without your written consent, with the following limited exceptions:

• Mandatory reporting obligations: Illinois law requires certain professionals to report specific situations involving the abuse or neglect of children, older adults, or individuals with disabilities. If a mandatory reporting situation arises, we will make every reasonable effort to inform you.

• Imminent safety concerns: If there is a credible and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, we may be required to take steps to ensure safety.

• With your explicit written consent: If you authorize us to share information with a third party (such as an insurance company, healthcare provider, or legal resource), we will do so only as directed.

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Your Rights Regarding Your Information

As a client of Espoir, you have the right to:

• Request access to the information we hold about you

• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information

• Withdraw your consent to services or data use at any time

• Ask questions about how your information is stored and protected

• Request that your records be deleted, subject to applicable legal retention requirements

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Compliance and Standards

Espoir Mediation & Advocacy Center complies with applicable Illinois privacy laws, including the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), and adheres to the ethical standards of the mediation and advocacy professions, including those set forth by the Illinois Mediation Act and applicable professional codes of conduct.

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