Social Justice – Privacy and MSD – Brenda Pilott

Brenda Pilott, manager of Social Service Agencies New Zealand presents a power-point and answers questions about her organisation’s response (and that of other social service agencies -Rape Crisis, Alcohol and Drug programme providers) to Government moves forcing them to share client files with the Ministry of Social Development.There’s real concern about the merit sharing individual client files has, compared to anonymous data with research merit. The Ministry claims a desire to better coordinate services,however this can lead to retraction of services for vulnerable people, and breach of privacy.This is a classic dilemma-share client details by name or risk closure through reduced funding.  Should government policy advisers know which people access which services? Privacy of those affected by rape, domestic violence and addicts is seemingly ignored