This is an outline of the partnership we envision establishing with you and your family. If you have any questions, please be sure to discuss them with your counselor.

Quality of Service

We strive to provide high quality service. All services provided by Family and Children's Services are delivered by qualified staff under the supervision of experienced personnel. There will be periodic reviews of your service plan, with ample opportunity for reassessment and refinement of the plan.

Fees

Many, but not all, of our programs charge a fee based upon a sliding scale that takes into account family income and, in some cases, family size and other expenses. Staff will work with you to determine your specific fee.

We accept insurance reimbursement, when available. We accept most insurance plans and provide out-of-network coverage to those who have plans in which we do not participate. We are a participating member in Maryland Health Partners and Medical Assistance.

Since our funders do not provide all the money needed to support these services, prompt payments are important. We ask that you pay your full fee at the time of service. This decreases our administrative costs, and lets us put more of every dollar back into services. We charge a $25 fee for checks returned due to insufficient funds.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Cancellations

If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, we request that you give is 24-hour notice of cancellation. We reserve the right to bill you for the full cost of any service if you cancel without 24-hour notification.

Non-Discrimination

Family and Children's Services believes that every individual and family has a right to equal and fair access to services. We are firmly committed to serving the citizens of Central Maryland without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic or national background, age, sex, physical or mental disability, health, and/or sexual orientation.

Grievances

We do everything possible to maintain a supportive environment for every client. However, a situation may arise in which a difference develops between the client and the counselor that they cannot resolve. When this occurs, the client may request an administrative review, submitting this request to the counselor or the program supervisor.

Right to Review Records

You have a right to review your record at six-month intervals. If you wish to do so, please inform your counselor. Please be aware that this right may not extend to the review of material related to other individuals who are receiving services along with you.

Confidentiality

Family and Children's Services recognizes and respects the confidential nature of all information obtained in the course of working with you and your family. We will not share information with individuals or agencies outside of Family and Children's Services without your written permission. However, under Maryland law, there are certain circumstances in which confidentiality for social workers, and those working under the direction of social workers, is waived and client information must be shared. Except where it may present a danger to others, we will inform you as a waiver occurs. Circumstances under which confidentiality is waived are as follows:

Risk of Harm to Self or Others : We are obligated to try to protect any client who, in our opinion, is at risk of harming him or herself or others. If a client is at risk of harming him or herself, we must alert medical and legal authorities, as well as family or significant others, as needed. If a client is at risk of harming someone else, we must inform legal authorities and/or the threatened individual(s), as appropriate.

Vulnerable Adults : We are required to make a report to the local Department of Social Services when we have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is in danger due to abuse, exploitation, neglect, and/or self-neglect.

Child Abuse and Neglect : Maryland law requires that any suspicion of child abuse or neglect be reported to the Department of Social Services or the police and the State's Attorney's Office. This requirement applies to past events, including prior suspected abuse or neglect of a child who is now an adult.

Certain Court Proceedings : Confidentiality rules do not apply to clients of social workers in non-delinquent juvenile proceedings, proceedings initiated by a child placement agency, guardianship and protective service proceedings concerning disabled persons and proceedings related to child abuse or neglect.

Other : Finally, confidentiality rules do not apply in court ordered examinations, proceedings related to placement in a psychiatric facility or when the client or client's estate introduces his/her mental condition into a court proceeding or brings a claim of malpractice against the social worker.

Your counselor will review confidentiality issues with you at the beginning of your treatment. Please ask questions about anything you do not fully understand.