Privacy Policy

LLast Revised: August 26, 2015

PRIVACY POLICY

This Privacy Policy applies to all Web sites owned, operated or controlled by Foster and Adoptive Family Services (“FAFS”), and any other website owned, affiliated with or controlled by FAFS that links to this Privacy Policy (collectively, the “Sites”). Information on or available through the Sites may be collected by FAFS as set forth herein. This Privacy Policy is designed to tell you how we collect and use personal information so you can make an informed decision about using the Sites. You should read this statement carefully before using a Site or submitting any personal information to us. By using any of the Sites, you consent to the collection and use of information as described herein. Note that FAFS’ use of information collected through third party sites such as, without limitation, Facebook, Twitter Pinterest and LinkedIn is consistent with this Privacy Policy, but that those websites are subject to their respective privacy policies, for which FAFS is not responsible.

This Privacy Policy does not apply to personal information collected from offline resources and communications, except in cases where such personal information is consolidated by FAFS with personal information collected online. This Privacy Policy also does not apply to third-party online resources to which a Site may link.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

FAFS may change this Privacy Policy at any time. If a change to this Privacy Policy is made, the “Last Revised” date at the top of this Privacy Policy will be updated to alert you that a change has been made. Your use of a Site following the posting of such change shall constitute your acceptance of any such changes. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy whenever you visit a Site to make sure that you understand how any information, including personal information, you provide will be used.

WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?

FAFS supports and serves foster and adoptive families in the state of New Jersey. In order to further this mission and for other purposes as described herein, FAFS may collect certain information from you through the Sites, including without limitation personal information (i.e., individual information that may be used to personally identify or contact you). Collection is done both actively (information you voluntarily submit to us) and passively (information automatically gathered from your computer or web browser).

ACTIVE COLLECTION

At several places on the Sites, certain information you voluntarily provide to us may be collected, and this information may contain personally identifiable information. For example and without limitation, if you make a donation, become a member, fill out a form, register for an event through the site, or sign up to receive a newsletter, your name, address, phone and email, and any other information that you provide to us, may be collected. Similar information may be collected if you purchase an item in our online store. From time to time a Site may request information as part of surveys or contests or in connection with grant applications and reporting. If you send us an e-mail request or participate in our forums, that information may be stored as well. You may also provide us with credit card information for payment of purchases, donations, membership fees or other fees collected by FAFS. Credit card information is only used to process the transaction and is not stored in our database, as is further explained below.

WHAT CREDIT CARD SECURITY IS IN PLACE?

FAFS is grateful for the donations that help us continue our valuable work and for purchases of products from FAFS. It is very important to us that your personal information remain secure. When you donate or purchase products from FAFS online, your credit card information is secured and your credit card number is not stored. Depending on the internet browser that you use, you may see the “closed” lock symbol in the lower part of your browser screen (often times it is yellow as well) when you are on our secure donation pages. You may also notice in your web site address bar that the domain name starts with an “https” on pages from which you may make a donation to FAFS. This means that information entered on those pages is encrypted for your security. If you have any questions regarding the security of your credit card donation online, please e-mail us at development@fafsonline.org or call 1.800.222.0047 for more information.

PASSIVE COLLECTION

Software used on the Sites, including without limitation, Google Analytics (including Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting), may automatically collect certain information from your computer (such as your Internet address and browser type) using two methods: (1) “cookies,” including with Google Analytics, and (2) “log files.”

Cookies: A cookie is a piece of data stored in a user’s web browser and/or on a user’s computer. FAFS uses cookies to track a user’s path on a Site and how long you stay on a Site. Usage of a cookie is not linked to any personally identifiable information while on our Site. FAFS also uses Google Analytics to gather and analyze information made available through cookies, and the information available through the cookies may be sent to Google. (Please see Google’s website for more information regarding its use of cookies.) FAFS uses the information available from the use of cookies and Google Analytics, for security purposes, to collect aggregate web statistics, to aid in determining content to include on the Sites, and in an effort to enhance the experience on our Sites. Using cookies and Google Analytics also allows FAFS to improve the way the Sites work, e.g., by making sure that users are finding what they need easily.

If you do not want information collected through the use of cookies, most browsers provide a procedure that allows you automatically to decline cookies, or to be given the choice of declining or accepting the transfer to your computer of a particular cookie (or cookies) from a particular website. You can find information about the procedure you are required to follow in order to disable cookies on your Internet browser provider’s website via your help screen. You may also wish to refer to http://www.allaboutcookies.org/manage-cookies/index.html. If cookies are disabled not all features of the Sites may operate as intended. For example, the user may not receive certain information and the shopping cart feature may not work properly.

If you do not want information collected through the use of cookies to be used by Google Analytics, you can install a Google Analytics opt-out Browser add-on. Further information regarding this add on is available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en.

Log Files: We use IP addresses to analyze trends, administer the Site, track user’s movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.

HOW DO WE USE THE PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT?

FAFS is the sole owner of the information collected on the Sites. Personal information that you provide FAFS (such as a personal email address) may be used by FAFS (as well as individuals and organizations that use personal information solely for and at the direction of FAFS) in the following ways:

• to contact you about your use of the Sites or about our programs, services, products, activities or special events;
• to advocate for children and otherwise further our mission;
• to respond to your comments or requests;
• to request feedback and to enable us to develop and improve the Sites, content included on the Sites, and our services and products;
• for internal and marketing, promotional, informational and fundraising purposes;
• for the specific purpose for which the information was provided;
• to process payment for a transaction you have requested; and
• as FAFS believes to be necessary or appropriate: (a) under applicable law; (b) to comply with legal process; (c) to respond to requests from public and government authorities; (d) to protect FAFS’ operations or those of any of our affiliates; (e) to protect FAFS’ rights, privacy, safety or property; and (f) to allow FAFS’ to pursue available remedies or limit the damages that we may sustain.

For example, we may send new members a welcoming e-mail, and members and donors may occasionally receive newsletters, a message that a newsletter is available, or information on our programs, services, products, fundraising campaigns, or special events. Please see “What Choices Do You Have Regarding The Use Of Your Information?” below regarding your options not to receive such communications.

WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION DO WE SHARE WITH THIRD PARTIES?

FAFS does not sell, share, or rent any personal information to third parties other than as disclosed in this Privacy Policy. FAFS may provide aggregate information (i.e., information we collect that does not allow you to be personally identified or contacted) to third parties without your authorization, such as information about your access and use of a Site. FAFS may disclose personal information you provide to independent contractors, volunteers, agencies, service providers, consultants and other third parties engaged by, or working with, FAFS and who need access to such information to carry out their programs or services. For example, FAFS may use outside shipping companies to ship orders. FAFS may partner with other agencies or organizations to provide specific programs or services and will share information with them in order to facilitate the provision of such programs or services. FAFS may use third-party service providers that provide services such as website hosting, data analysis, information technology and related infrastructure, and other similar services, including Google Analytics as further discussed in this Privacy Policy.

FAFS may provide your credit card information and billing address to our payment processing company solely for the purpose of processing payment for a transaction you have requested. FAFS requires that these vendors and partners protect the customer information we provide to them and limit their use of data provided to the purposes for which it was provided. FAFS does not permit these types of vendors and partners to use this information for their own marketing purposes.

FAFS may also disclose personal information as FAFS believes to be necessary or appropriate: (a) under applicable law; (b) to comply with legal process; (c) to respond to requests from public and government authorities; (d) to protect FAFS’ operations or those of any of our affiliates; (e) to protect FAFS’ rights, privacy, safety or property; and (f) to allow FAFS’ to pursue available remedies or limit the damages that we may sustain.

Please note: The Sites may contain links to other sites or other sites may link to the Sites. Please be aware that FAFS is not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users and members to be aware when they leave our Sites and to read the privacy policies of every web site that they visit from which they navigate to or from a Site. This Privacy Policy applies solely to the Sites and information collected by or on the Sites by FAFS.

WHAT STEPS DO WE TAKE TO PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION ONLINE?

FAFS uses reasonable precautions to protect user information online. For example, FAFS’ employees’ computers are password protected, and FAFS educates its employees regarding security and privacy practices. Uses and disclosures of personal information by external individuals and organizations acting on FAFS’ behalf are governed by agreements that require personal information to be protected appropriately. Personal information about you only will be used and disclosed by FAFS in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy, other applicable privacy notices, and as explicitly permitted or required by applicable laws, rules and regulations, or with your consent.

HOW CAN YOU CORRECT AND UPDATE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

If you wish to verify, correct or delete any personal information, please email us at development@fafsonline.org or contact us at 1.800.222.0047 and we will endeavor to correct, update or remove the personal data you have provided us as you indicate to the extent such information is not necessary to complete any services or transactions with us.

WHAT CHOICES DO YOU HAVE REGARDING THE USE OF YOUR INFORMATION?

You may “opt-out” of receiving communications from FAFS, except to the extent such information is not necessary to complete any services or transactions you have entered into, by emailing us at development@fafsonline.org. We will try to comply with your request(s) as soon as reasonably practicable. In addition, if you join a group on a Site, such as an online support network, you may receive non-marketing email messages as a member of the group. If you wish to cease receiving such emails, you should withdraw from membership in the group.

QUESTIONS AND CONTACTING US

If you have any questions about this Privacy Statement or how personal information collected on our Web sites is used, you can contact us at development@fafsonline.org.

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