The ACFB Fund

Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. The information below sets out how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information, as well as how you can access and correct any information we hold about you.

A Change for Better – The ACFB Fund Privacy Policy

All our in-house ACFB staff and vetted professionals sign and adhere to a confidentiality agreement. 

Our staff will endeavour to gain your permission to:

  • Talk with you about your present situation and record these details in a assessment of your needs
  • Share your personal information with other supporting professionals and agencies in a direct attempt to support your present situation
  • Share your anonymised information with researchers and funders to enhance our services

Personal Information

Personal information includes any information that could identify an individual such as name, contact details, location information as well as the content of any interactions you have with us. All personal information will be managed with care and respect in line with the Information Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act Codes of Practice and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. 

What Personal Information Do We Collect? 

When we collect personal information we comply with the Privacy Act (2020). Types of personal information that we collect include:

  • Your interactions with us, including emails and applications
  • Your personal details such as name, address, age, ethnicity and contact details. 

How Do We Collect Your Personal Information?

We collect your information on the application form you submit. This information then is put into our tracking form and only anonymised information is sent. 

How Do We Use Your Personal Information?

We collect your personal information to:

  • Help us improve and personalise our service to you
  • Receive funding from government or philanthropic organisations
  • Help us to get an overall picture of social issues and how they harm our community and what help people are seeking. 

How Do We Share Your Personal Information?

We do not share any of your personal details like name, address, and contact details with any other individual or organisation without your permission.

If there is a concern for your own safety or the safety of others, we may need to discuss your situation with other services e.g. the Police. We always attempt to seek your agreement first and act ethically in your best interests. 

Our professionals have regular external supervision where cases will be discussed to ensure they are practising within their code of ethics.

Our reporting requires that we provide statistical, non-identifying information. We also have regular audits of our service. 

How Can You Access or Change Your Personal Information?

You have the right to request to view any information held about you by us or any of the individual agencies at The ACFB Fund at any time. To do this, contact our Admin Team at: info@acfbfund.org.nz, and they will organise a date and time for you to view this information. 

If you would like to talk about your privacy and how we collect, store, distribute or use your personal information please contact our Director at: ashley@acfbfund.org.nz

How We Make a Difference

1. Mental Health Therapy: Through generous donations and fundraising efforts, The ACFB Fund provides mental health support to individuals who require mental health therapy but may not have the means to access it by funding their sessions via ACFB Fund vetted professionals.

2. ADHD and Autism Assessments: With the help of our Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Amy Marschall, we can offer discounted ADHD and Autism assessments without the wait times of other providers. Our assessments range from $150 to $1,500 depending on personal circumstances and income.

3. ACFB Accredited Clinics: We partner with Accredited ACFB Clinics, ensuring that individuals can connect with trusted professionals who are dedicated to providing accessible therapy.

4. Tech for Therapy: We believe in the power of technology to break barriers. Our Tech for Therapy Program equips therapists and clients with the necessary technology and education to engage in online therapy effectively.

If you are looking for autism related funding through NASC/ Whaikaha then this is not the assessment for you at this time.

Whaikaha have changed their minds after years of accepting telehealth diagnoses and have said our diagnoses no longer meet their long list of strict criteria. We will be providing support to those who already received a diagnosis with us but are not sure about going forward if we will continue the higher requirements now set forth by Whaikaha. 

In the meantime, we are advocating to anyone and everyone who might be able to help us and would love your support as well. Please make a complaint. You can find more information on the Whaikaha website here.

The ACFB Fund is not a crisis counselling centre, and we cannot provide emergency services for active or prospective clients.

If you’re in a life-threatening situation or experiencing a mental health emergency, this service is not appropriate for you at this time. Instead, use the following helplines to get the support you need:

  • Lifeline New Zealand: 0800 543 354 (call or text)
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
  • 1737 – Need to Talk?: Free call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor (available 24/7)
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116 (available 24/7)

These contacts are available for immediate crisis support and can help connect you to further assistance.