Learn more about our confidentiality policy
Confidentiality
At Small Talk Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), the safety and well-being of children and their families are at the heart of everything we do. Ensuring confidentiality is critical to building trust, protecting sensitive information, and fostering an environment where children and families feel safe to share their experiences. The delicate nature of the cases we handle requires us to safeguard personal details and case information at all times, respecting both legal requirements and the privacy of those involved. By maintaining strict confidentiality policies, we create a secure space where children can seek support without fear of judgment or exposure, ultimately helping us to provide the highest level of care.
This page is intended to provide you with further information about your rights to confidentiality and the legislation that informs our policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact your therapist or family advocate.
Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain professionals to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Centralized Intake at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). These people are mandated reporters and have established relationships with children based on their profession. All Small Talk Staff are mandated reporters. You can find a list of mandated reporters and copies of the Child Protection Law below.
The Michigan Mental Health Code requires therapists to report information to the appropriate authorities when a client is in imminent danger (due to suicidal ideation, self-harm thoughts and/or behaviors, or harm from others), when there is suspected harm (to others, threats to harm someone else or when others are in imminent danger), and/or when under the order of a subpoena. Click the link below to read the Michigan Mental Health Code.
The Michigan Mental Health Code states a client 14 years of age or older may request and receive mental health services for up to 12 sessions on an outpatient basis without the consent or knowledge of the client’s legal caregiver. The client’s legal caregiver shall not be informed of the services without the consent of the client, unless the mental health professional treating the client determines that there is a compelling need for disclosure based on a substantial probability of harm to the client or to another individual, and if the client is notified of the intent to inform the client’s legal caregiver. You can access the Michigan Mental Health Code by clicking the link below.