Confidentiality
How is confidentiality maintained?
Client confidentiality is paramount and central to our work. We strictly adhere to HIPPA guidelines regarding confidentiality. The client dictates who his/her information is shared with, if at all. No information is shared/released without the expressed consent of the client. The only exception is when the client is at risk of harming himself/herself or others.
Client Assistance
What are the normal business hours?
Our business hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. Caller is encouraged to leave a message if you get a recorded message. All calls will be returned within 24 business hours.
Holiday/weekend follow up
Holidays observed by MaiFS are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Calls received on one of these holidays will be returned on the following business day if the caller has left a message and a phone number. If you have an emergency and immediate assistance is needed, call 911.
How does a client qualify for financial assistance?
Our trained counselors determine the financial need and level of financial assistance needed by individual clients. Like all our services there is no one size fits all.
What is the typical cost involved in rehabilitating a client?
This varies depending on the needs of a client. There is no “typical” cost just as there is no “typical” client.
Does your agency contact and work with the spouse/abuser of a client?
- We work directly ONLY with the client who is seeking our services
- Either spouse is free to contact us and receive our services independently
- If the client comes with the spouse for the initial appointment and they want marital counseling ( both need to be willing to get counseling), we share appropriate resources
- We do not seek out the spouse/abuser nor make meeting arrangements between the two parties
- We do not go to the homes where the abuser/perpetrator may reside
Do caseworkers encourage clients to seek divorce?
We never tell a client what to do. We lay out all the available options and let the client decide. Often clients call, when things are beyond repair (in the client’s mind) and they have decided to get a divorce. It is entirely their decision.
Are all services provided to clients free of cost?
Not all our services are provided free of cost. Individual client needs are determined on a case by case basis Counseling and resource sharing is cost free to the client.
What happens when clients call from out of state/India?
- We are unable to provide services if they are located in India or another country or state
- We direct them to seek legal advice in their respective country or state before taking further action
- We will encourage them to check with their local NGO/ respective state agencies
- Please click here for a list of our sister organizations throughout US
What does MaiFS expect in return from the clients for the services offered?
MaiFS offers its services to the clients with no expectations in return. Many of our clients do want to volunteer for MaiFS once they settle down.
If I call a board member or if I am a donor, would my "friend" get special treatment?
All our clients get the same treatment and it does not matter if the client was referred by a board member or a donor.
Community
What should a community member do who knows of a friend in the DV situation?
Direct the individual who is in the DV situation to the MaiFS Helpline at 888-664-8624 or 248-477-4985 for confidential and non-judgmental support. If the survivor is hesitant, offer your phone /support to make that call to MaiFS.
What can you do if you know a client receiving MaiFS' services is saying she/he is not satisfied or not being helped by MaiFS?
MaiFS provides services to clients based on what they share with caseworker.Sometimes, the client’s situation /needs would have changed since their last contact with the caseworker. Encourage the client to call caseworker again and talk about the changed needs and it will be addressed by the caseworker.
Do we seek community’s help in assisting a client?
There are times when we do seek help from the community especially with job assistance, medical referrals, etc.
Financials/Donor
Does the organization have any set sponsors/donors?
Yes, we have ongoing donors in the community whose generous contribution makes it possible for us to provide services.
How are the funds allocated?
Please click here for our financial statement.
What are the sources of income?
MaiFS largely depends on the donations received from the community and the fundraisers such as the Annual fundraiser in Spring, Walkathon held in Summer and Holiday Banquet held in December. These funds help us with our operating budget. We also receive Grants for special projects such As Empowerment.
Can I specify if I can donate for a specific client or a specific project?
All funds donated by the community unless specified for a specific project such as Grant Writing or Outreach go into a common pool of money used to help our clients.
General
How does the caseworker know that the client is speaking the truth about their situation and not taking advantage of resources available?
Our caseworkers are not able to know for sure if someone is lying at first.However, through multiple interactions, it does become apparent when someone is taking advantage of our services. Unless someone has mental health issues, most will not lie about their situation.Those clients that require financial assistance have to go through a detailed assessment and meet criteria in order to qualify.
How long does it take to rehabilitate a client?
Every client is different. There is no “one size fits all” theory in rehabilitating a client. Based on a client’s needs and wants, the case worker or the counselor determines the best possible approach.
When is a case closed?
A case is closed when the caseworker and the client determine that she does not need/want our services.