1. Introduction
Welcome to the FJ Household App ("the App"). This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use the FJ Household mobile application. The App is designed to support foster and kinship carers registered with agencies using the Family Journey case management system.
This App is provided in connection with MacKillop Family Services and connects to the Family Journey platform. By using this App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
To provide the App's functionality, we collect and process the following types of information:
2.1 Carer Account Information
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Physical address
- Login credentials (password - stored encrypted)
- Household details and care preferences
2.2 Children's Information
As a carer, you will have access to information about children and young people in your care, including:
- Names and ages
- Medicare and NDIS numbers
- Medication schedules and health information
- School information
- Cultural plans and school reports
- Photos and Life Story memories
- Calendar events and appointments
2.3 Documents and Files
- Compliance documents you upload
- Photos of your household for compliance purposes
- Signed forms and certificates
- Photos and notes added to children's Life Stories
2.4 Calendar and Event Data
- Appointments and visits scheduled for children
- Household events (home visits, training sessions)
- Case manager notes linked to events
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- App Functionality: To provide core features including access to children's profiles, Life Story creation, calendar management, and document storage
- Account Management: To create, maintain, and secure your carer account
- Communication: To facilitate communication between carers, case workers, and agency staff
- Compliance: To help track and manage carer compliance requirements such as police checks, reviews, and certifications
- Case Management: To synchronize information with the Family Journey case management system used by your agency
- Record Keeping: To maintain accurate records of children's care, important moments (Life Story), and placement information
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We take your privacy seriously. Here's how we share (or don't share) your information:
4.1 Who Has Access
- Authorized Carers: You can access information about children in your care as assigned by your agency
- Agency Case Workers: Your assigned case workers and agency staff can access your household information and children's records through Family Journey
- Family Journey System: All data is synchronized with and stored in the Family Journey case management platform
4.2 What We DON'T Do
- We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties
- We do NOT share data with advertisers or marketing companies
- We do NOT use your data for analytics, tracking, or profiling
- We do NOT share children's information with unauthorized parties
4.3 Legal Obligations
We may disclose information when required by law, such as:
- In response to valid legal processes (court orders, subpoenas)
- To protect the safety and welfare of children
- To comply with mandatory reporting obligations
- To protect our legal rights and comply with regulations
5. Data Storage and Security
5.1 How We Protect Your Data
- Encryption: All data transmitted between the App and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/SSL protocols
- Secure Storage: Data is stored securely within the Family Journey system with restricted access controls
- Authentication: Access requires secure login credentials
- Limited Access: Only authorized carers and case workers can access relevant information
5.2 Photo Storage
Photos taken within the App are stored on our secure servers and synchronized with Family Journey. They are NOT stored locally on your device. This means you may not have access to photos after a child's placement ends, but the photos remain part of the child's permanent Life Story record.
5.3 Data Retention
Information is retained in accordance with child welfare record-keeping requirements and agency policies. Children's Life Story records are maintained as part of their permanent care history.
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Access and Updates
- You can view and update your profile information directly in the App under the Profile tab
- You can change your password at any time through the Profile section
- Contact your agency case worker to update household information or placement assignments
6.2 Data Deletion
You can request deletion of your personal data by contacting your agency case worker or the contact information provided below. Please note:
- Some information may be retained to comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Children's records and Life Stories are maintained as part of their permanent care history
- Deletion requests will be processed in accordance with data protection laws and child welfare regulations
6.3 Account Deactivation
If you are no longer providing foster care services, your agency will deactivate your account. You will lose access to the App, but children's Life Story records you contributed to will be preserved.
7. Children's Privacy
This App involves information about children and young people in foster care. We are committed to protecting their privacy and welfare:
- Information about children is only accessible to their assigned carers and case workers
- Children's Life Story content is carefully managed to preserve their personal history
- Photos and sensitive information are protected with strict access controls
- We comply with all child protection and privacy laws
- When appropriate, young people can access their own Life Story through their own secure app account
8. Third-Party Services
The FJ Household App connects to the Family Journey case management system. Your use of the App is also subject to Family Journey's terms of service and privacy practices. We do not integrate with any advertising networks, analytics services, or other third-party tracking tools.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes:
- We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Significant changes will be communicated through the App or via email
- Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
We encourage you to review this privacy policy periodically.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or your personal information, please contact:
Primary Contact:
Your Agency Case Worker (contact details available in the App under Profile)
11. Legal Compliance
This App and privacy policy are designed to comply with:
- Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988
- Child protection and welfare legislation
- Relevant state and territory privacy laws
- Google Play Store requirements
If you believe we have not complied with privacy laws or this policy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
12. Consent
By using the FJ Household App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this privacy policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.