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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 17/12/2025

Forest City Healing Centre (“FCHC”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information entrusted to us. Respect for privacy is fundamental to how we support individuals and families engaging with our services.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and Canada’s *Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act* (PIPEDA).

1. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to personal information and, where applicable, personal health information relating to:

  • Individuals seeking information about our programs
  • Guests participating in FCHC services
  • Former guests
  • Family members or support persons, where relevant
  • Website visitors and individuals contacting us electronically

It applies to information collected through admissions processes, program participation, communications, and limited online interactions.

2. What Is Personal Information?

Personal Information
Information that identifies an individual, such as name, contact details, date of birth, or payment information.

Personal Health Information (PHI)
Information relating to an individual’s physical or mental health, health history, or the provision of health-related services, as defined under PHIPA.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information primarily:

  • Directly from individuals (in person, by phone, or electronically)
  • From authorized family members, substitute decision makers, or referral sources, with consent or as permitted by law
  • From other service providers involved in care or support, where appropriate

We aim to collect only the information reasonably necessary to support safe, effective participation in our programs and related administrative functions.

4. How We Use Personal Information

Personal information may be used for purposes such as:

  • Assessing eligibility and suitability for admission
  • Supporting participation in programs and services
  • Safety, risk management, and continuity of care
  • Coordinating with external professionals or supports, with consent
  • Administrative, billing, and operational purposes
  • Quality improvement, program evaluation, and accreditation activities
  • Meeting legal, regulatory, or insurance obligations

Where possible, we use de-identified or aggregated information for planning and evaluation.

5. Consent

Except where permitted or required by law, FCHC collects, uses, and discloses personal information with consent.

  • Consent may be express (written or verbal) or implied, depending on the circumstances
  • Individuals may ask questions about how their information is used
  • Reasonable limits may be placed on certain disclosures
  • Consent may be withdrawn, subject to legal, safety, and contractual requirements

We will explain any implications of limiting or withdrawing consent.

6. Disclosure Without Consent

In limited circumstances, and as permitted or required by law, FCHC may disclose personal information without consent, including:

  • To reduce a serious risk of harm to the individual or others
  • To comply with mandatory reporting requirements
  • In response to a court order or lawful authority

In such cases, only the minimum necessary information is disclosed.

7. Group and Community Confidentiality

Participation in group programming is part of FCHC services. Guests are expected to respect the privacy of others and not share personal information disclosed by fellow participants outside the program setting.

8. Safeguarding Information

FCHC uses reasonable physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, or disclosure.

Access to personal information is limited to individuals who require it to perform their role.

9. Retention and Destruction

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill its purpose and to meet legal and regulatory requirements. When no longer required, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.

10. Electronic Communication and Website Use

We may communicate by phone or electronic means when appropriate. While reasonable precautions are taken, electronic communications may carry some risk.

Our website and online forms are intended for general inquiries and first contact only. Please do not submit detailed or sensitive health information through the website or general email.

11. Information Stored or Processed Outside Canada

Some service providers used by FCHC may store or process information outside Canada. In such cases, information may be subject to the laws of other jurisdictions. We use reputable providers and contractual measures to protect information.

12. Access to and Correction of Information

Individuals have the right, subject to legal limits, to:

  • Request access to their personal information
    Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Requests should be made in writing to our Privacy Officer. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and explain any limitations that apply.

13. Questions or Concerns

Questions, concerns, or requests related to privacy may be directed to:

Privacy Officer
Forest City Healing Centre

534 Queens Ave London, Ontario, N6B 1Y6

Email: edvinjose@fchc.ca

If concerns are not resolved, individuals may have the right to contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

14. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, standards, or FCHC practices. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised date.

15. Disclaimer

This Privacy Policy is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice.