Statement of Rights

The House of Hope, Inc./Stepping Stones is committed to insure that you are respected and receive professional services that protect your dignity and that you retain all rights, benefits, freedoms, and privileges guaranteed by law. To this end, the following Statement of Rights has been formulated:

ü          Services will be provided to you without discrimination. Ethnicity, race, gender, religion, national origin, culture, sexual orientation, age, language, social status or disabilities will not affect services to you nor will you be refused any services based on limited financial resources. Service will be provided with a minimum of waiting time.

ü          Your medical and agency records and information are private and confidential and cannot be released to anyone without express consent given by you or your guardian. (Your records can be subpoenaed by Court without your permission.) The House of Hope/ Stepping Stones will maintain accurate clinical records.

ü          You have the right to have access to information pertinent to you in sufficient time to help you make a decision.

ü          You have the right to informed consent or refusal and expression of choice regarding services you receive, the staff who provide the services, release of information, services you receive from outside sources, and involvement in research projects.

ü          You have the right to an individual treatment plan and will be expected to participate in your plan, and determine the duration of treatment, unless court ordered. You will receive a copy of your treatment plan.  You will be assigned a primary counselor who will meet with you individually one time per week.  Your primary counselor will assist you in obtaining services throughout your treatment program as well as making referrals to other service agencies; and know the name and professional credentials of anyone working with you.

ü          You may request in writing to participate in any staff meeting regarding yourself and review clinical records.

ü          You have the right to freedom from abuse, financial or other exploitation, retaliation, humiliation and neglect.

ü          You will be advised of the effects and side effects of any medication prescribed by a physician involved in your treatment.

ü          If you are involved in a research project, you have the right to adherence to research guidelines and ethics.  You have the right to refuse to participate in, or be interviewed for, research project(s).

ü          You have the right to access or referral to legal entities for representation.

ü          You have the right to self-help and advocacy support services.

ü          If you feel your treatment and/or rights have not been provided fairly, or reasonably, you may present your concerns in writing to the Advocacy Committee and you have a right to investigation, resolution and/or legal recourse. You may contact the DCF Office of Consumer Affairs at (954) 566-6215 if you have a grievance.

ü          You are under the protection provided under FS Chapter 397.501 which ensures the protection of your rights while receiving substance dependence services.

ü          Consistent with providing professional and quality services, you will be given an opportunity to evaluate all aspects of your treatment and the personnel with whom you were involved.  This will be accomplished through surveys and focus groups.

ü          The House of Hope / Stepping Stones has the right to:

o    Bill for services either directly, or other third party payees.

o    Communication with Criminal Justice System as mandated by Court Order.

o    Refuse services with explanation.

The phone number for the State Abuse Registry is1-800-962-2873.