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Q&A

Compliance with laws restricting access to non-public areas and protecting immigrant information

2:12:46

·

131 sec

Molly Schaeffer from OASO explains how they ensure compliance with laws restricting access to non-public areas and protecting immigrant information in the context of the shelter system for immigrant newcomers.

Clear policies are in place for on-site access at all sheltering locations
Escalation policies are critical for handling unexpected visitor requests
Data privacy measures include limited access based on job roles and clear guidelines for data transmission
OASO owns and controls the data for their system, implementing strict privacy protocols
Continuous work with agencies to maintain and improve these compliance measures

Alexa Aviles

2:12:46

Thank you.

2:12:47

In terms of, the city restricts, non local government personnel who enforce civil or criminal laws from accessing non public areas.

2:12:56

We've touched on this earlier today, like city property, shelters, limiting collection and release of personally identifying information.

2:13:06

Can you tell us how Owasso is ensuring compliance with these laws, which apply to all New Yorkers regardless of citizenship or immigration status and the specific context of this quasi shelter system for immigrant newcomers?

Molly Schaeffer

2:13:23

So the policies are pretty clear on-site access in all of our sites, and we've worked really hard with our sheltering agencies to make sure that they are that they have their policies, that everybody knows their policies, and the right people know their policy.

2:13:37

And what I mean by that is that their escalation policies are very, very critical when it comes to what happens on a site.

2:13:44

So if somebody comes on-site and asked to be let inside, and that is not someone who has already been on the list, that someone that they know is coming, they need to know who on-site to go to, and that person needs to know if there's any questions who then to take that up to in their organization, and then how that information gets to Owasso, gets to MoIA, and so we've been really working hard with those agencies to make sure those those policies are tight.

2:14:09

So site access has been really, really critical for us, as well as our data privacy is something that is also incredibly critical.

2:14:17

We own the data.

2:14:18

OASEO owns the data for our system.

2:14:23

Each agency, make sure their staff is is trained on data privacy and also has specific requirements for contractors and vendors on-site.

2:14:33

We also limit the access to the data based on your current position.

2:14:38

So if you if you're an admin site, staff, you only get to see the data that you need in preparation of your job.

2:14:47

And the way that and there's very clear guidelines on how you transmit that, data if you ever need to.

2:14:54

And so we just continue to work with our agencies on all of those pieces.

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State and federal advocacy efforts for immigrant rights

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Training of shelter staff on access policies and privacy laws