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External Content On DSHS Internet Properties

PURPOSE:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), "Department" recognizes that 'external content' may be placed upon publicly accessible Internet web pages operated by the Department. External content is content provided by entities that are not part of government. These guidelines recognize that it may be in the public interest to include links, on the Department web pages, to resources that are provided by others on websites outside the Department's control. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide clear information to those entities submitting link requests. These guidelines are in compliance with the DSHS Policy for External Content on DSHS websites.

DEFINITIONS:

"DSHS website" is the Internet portal operated and maintained by DSHS. It is not a forum for public communications and debate. The website is designed to provide information and links to other sites that provide information and government services. "DSHS Internet Properties", "DSHS web pages", and "web pages operated by DSHS" are those web pages whose content is under the direction and control of DSHS, including, but not limited to, DSHS Administration, Division and Program provided internet sub-sites. "External content" means content that is provided by websites other than the DSHS web properties.

Applicability:

This policy applies to the DSHS website and other DSHS Internet properties. Links to the following types of web pages may be included in the DSHS website:

Other Governmental Units & Educational Institutions – DSHS may provide links to other federal, state, and local governmental units that provide additional servies and information the DSHS website users may find of interst.
Private Organizations, DSHS May provide links to Private organizations if these organiztions offer services that complement the Purpose, information and services offerd by DSHS and if the links meet the Acceptance Criteria stated in this policy.

DSHS may provide links to websites that are not controlled, maintained, or regulated by DSHS, and as such DSHS is not responsible for the content of those websites.

Use of information obtained from External websites is voluntary. Any information oftained from an External website is not guaranteed by DSHS and the user should review the accuracy of any information, befoe relying upon it. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by tradename, trademark, or otherwise soes not represent endorsement or recommendation by DSHS.

CONTENT GUIDELINES:

In exercising its discretion to allow external content on web pages it operates, DSHS will use the following Acceptance Criteria, DSHS will review every request and decide whether it is appropriate and relevant:

The External Website corresponds with the Purpose of DSHS.
The External Website is appropriate with respect to the Purpose of DSHS. An inappropriate website may include but is not limited to:

A commercial website which charges a fee for products or services online;
A website that exhibits hate, bias, discrimination, pornography, libelous or otherwise defamatory content;
A website that advocates or promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs;
A web site that lobbies, advocates, or advances the policies and priorities of a particular industry, organization or enterprise. This includes sites of non-profit organizations;
A website that furthers the agenda of a political organization or candidate running for office;
A website that promotes or makes available adult or sexually oriented entertainment or materials;
A website that promotes, opposes, or makes available weapons or gambling.

Additionally, DSHS reserves the right to deny links if it determines that a website contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, conflict with the purpose of DSHS or does not meet one or more of the criteria set forth in this policy.

OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING

The DSHS Web Standards Team has established procedures to monitor the implementation and continuing oversight of these guidelines. These procedures shall include:

A process for review of all new requests for external content links from a DSHS web page to another web page.
Ensure compliance with the DSHS Policy for External Content prior to granting the request.
A quarterly review of not less than seven (7) percent or a quantity of thirty-five (35) of the current direct external content links, whichever is less, to ensure that such links still comply with this policy.

Removal OF Links

DSHS reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove links to external content if it determines that an External web page contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, conflicts with the purpose of DSHS, or does not meet DSHS Administrative Policy 15.18.

Linking to DSHS Website from External website

Advance permission to link to the DSHS website is not necessary; however, website users should be aware that the DSHS website pages may change at any time without notice. Anyone linking to the DSHS website should continuously verify links to the site.

Anyone linking to the DSHS website shall note display DSHS web pages within frames, present DSHS content as its own, or other wise misrepresent DSHS content, and the should not misinform users about the origin or ownership of DSHS content. Certain information on the DSHS website may be trademarked, service marked or otherwise protected as intellectual property.

Link Request Submittal

If, after reading the DSHS Policy For External Content, you would like to submit a link request to DSHS, please use the DSHS URL Submission form to submit your request.