Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Account information: name, email address, and password when you register
• Profile information: phone number, city, state, ZIP code, bio, and profile photo
• Provider details: position type, years of experience, and hourly rate range
• Payment information: processed securely through our payment partners; we do not store full card numbers
• Communications: messages you send through our platform
• Job listings: job titles, descriptions, and location information you post

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our Service
• Process transactions and send related information
• Match families with qualified caregiving providers
• Send transactional emails such as account verification and password resets
• Respond to your comments and questions
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activity

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• With other users: Provider profile information (name, location, bio, photo, position, rate) is visible to paid family members. Family contact information is shared with Providers only when a family initiates contact.
• Background check partners: Provider information is shared with Sterling Volunteers solely to conduct background checks.
• Service providers: We may share information with trusted vendors who assist us in operating the platform, subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our users.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS), hashed passwords, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use session cookies to keep you logged in and to remember your preferences. We do not use third-party advertising cookies. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling cookies may affect certain features of the Service.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and update your personal information through your dashboard
• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Request a copy of the data we hold about you

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

7. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. You may request deletion of your account at any time. We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date and, where appropriate, by sending an email notification. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our Contact page.