Rural Hive Youth Support Privacy Policy

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 28 July 2026
Review Date: 28 July 2027 

1. Purpose

Rural Hive Youth Support is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of every young person, family, carer, employee, contractor, and stakeholder. This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, stored, and disclosed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all clients, parents and carers, employees, contractors, volunteers, students, referring agencies, and visitors to Rural Hive Youth Support. 

3. Our Commitment

We are committed to protecting personal information, collecting only what is necessary, keeping information secure, maintaining confidentiality and being transparent about how information is used. 

4. Information

We May Collect Personal information may include names, contact details, dates of birth, emergency contacts, and service information. Sensitive information may include health information, mental health, disability or additional support needs, education, employment, cultural information, assessments, goals, risk assessments, and case notes where relevant to service delivery. 

5. Why We Collect Information

Information is collected to provide mentoring and support services, develop individual support plans, communicate with families, make referrals, manage appointments, meet legal obligations, and improve our services. 

6. How Information Is Collected

Information may be collected through enquiries, registration forms, Welcome to the Hive appointments, assessments, parent, or carer discussions, referring agencies and other professionals where consent has been provided. 

7. Consent

Where possible, informed consent will be obtained before collecting or sharing information. Parent or guardian consent may be required for young people under 18 years unless otherwise permitted by law. 

8. Confidentiality

Information shared during mentoring sessions remains confidential except where disclosure is required by law, including mandatory reporting, risk of harm, court orders, or other legal obligations. 

9. Information Sharing

Information will only be shared with consent, with professionals involved in a client's support, or where required by law to protect the safety of a person.

10. Storage of Information

Client information is stored securely using password-protected electronic systems, secure cloud storage, and locked filing systems. Access is restricted to authorized personnel.

11. Record Retention

Records are retained in accordance with Australian legal requirements and organisational policy before being securely destroyed.

12. Website Privacy

Our website may collect limited information such as browser type, pages visited and cookies to improve user experience. Personally, identifying information is only collected when voluntarily provided.

13. Access to Information

Clients may request access to their personal information by contacting Rural Hive Youth Support. Access may be refused where permitted under privacy legislation.