Mission Statement of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Catholic Charities fulfills the Church’s role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, and professional services to improve the quality of personal and family life while respecting the unique resources of each individual.

Our Client is:

• Any person receiving assistance or service from Catholic Charities.

Services Provided are:

• Inclusive of departmental programs which may involve either person-to- person, telephone or mail contact.
• Any activities or actions initiated on behalf of or in response to a request for services.
• Within the availability of the agency’s resources and capacities, in keeping with the Mission Statement, and may include training, assessment, counseling, case management, shelter, basic needs, and general information.

Our Client has the Right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Receive treatment and other services without regard to race, gender, age, religious affiliation, national origin, or disability or any other discriminatory factor.
• Receive services in a confidential manner.
• Know and understand the circumstances when their private information must be shared due to a legal or ethical requirement.
• Authorize the disclosure of confidential information by signing a valid consent.
• An individualized service plan and subsequent review, when appropriate.
• An explanation of services and responsibilities.
• Know the times services are available.
• Know the fee, if any, for planned services.
• Be informed whenever possible when an appointment is delayed or rescheduled.
• Refuse services and be informed of any consequences of such refusal, including consequences associated with refusing services mandated by court order.
• Information providing grievance procedure relevant to the service provided.

Our Client is Responsible for:

• Being able to actively participate while receiving services, with no interference from the effects of alcohol, drugs or other mood-altering substances.
• Giving reasonable notice if an appointment cannot be kept.
• Respecting the rights of those providing and receiving services.
• Paying all fees, where appropriate.

Other rights and responsibilities may be listed within the department serving our clients. This information may be obtained from the assigned worker.

Our Worker is:

• Any person delivering services on behalf of Catholic Charities.

Our Worker has the Right to:

• Use general information for demographic and statistical services.
• Take steps which may involve law enforcement when necessary to protect the clients or others.
• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• To be safe from harm or threat.

Our Worker is Responsible for:

• Treating each person in a caring and respectful manner.
• Delivering appropriate services within the limits of the agency resources, capacities, and mission based on the assessment of a client’s needs and concerns.
• Protecting the privacy of the client receiving services.
• Informing clients when legally or ethically required to disclose confidential information.
• Obtaining a valid consent from their client or a person legally authorized to consent on behalf of a client before sharing confidential information.
• Providing a safe office environment.
• Reporting suspected child or elder abuse or neglect, regardless of the otherwise confidential nature of the information as required under the law.