Release Forms
The release form, like the permission forms, comes in several different varieties. The release form serves to ensure that the rights of both the investigating group and the client are protected. Releases help both sides of the investigation feel comfortable with each other and ensure that neither side is leaving itself open to damage. The investigators may have to agree to keep the client's information confidential, and both sides may have to agree not to hold the other liable in the case of injury or damage during the course of the investigation.
Make sure you have at least two different kinds of release forms:
Permission to release confidential information. This release gives the investigators permission to publish information that they gather concerning the case. If the client declines this form, then you must both sign an alternate form that binds the investigators to protecting the client's confidentiality.
Release from liability. This form should protect both the client and the investigators.
A client's privacy must be respected if she chooses to remain anonymous, and team members should be discreet when making any sort of reference to the investigation. The client's identity, address, and phone number should never be given out without her express written permission.
Only when concerns of this nature have been cleared away can both sides proceed without fear of reprisal. Of course, basic trust between the parties is a prerequisite for such an arrangement. This is when a paranormal group finds that having a sterling reputation as professionals is a huge advantage. Always maintaining professional standards and procedures will quickly allow even new groups to develop a good reputation. This means having group members who are conscientious and considerate in their approach to clients, the property being investigated, and the integrity of the evidence gathered. The whole package has to be there or word will quickly spread in the community that a group is unreliable.
