Summary
This article explains what the My Contacts section in the Orah Families app is used for, what happens when parents add a contact, and what access (if any) those contacts receive.
Overview
The My Contacts section in the Orah Families app allows parents or guardians to add trusted contacts for their child. These contacts are used specifically when a Pass requires a host to be selected.
Adding a contact does not create an Orah account or grant system access.
Applies to: Parents / Guardians (Families app)
Relevant for: School admins and support staff answering parent questions
What Is “My Contacts” Used For?
Contacts added under My Contacts appear in dropdown lists when students are asked to select a host while requesting a pass.
For example:
A relative
A tutor
A family friend
A sports coach
This makes it easier for students to select accurate host details without retyping information each time.
What Happens When a Parent Adds a Contact?
When a parent adds a contact in My Contacts:
✅ The contact becomes selectable as a host on passes
❌ The contact does not receive an Orah invitation
❌ The contact cannot log in to Orah
❌ The contact has no access to student information
❌ The contact has no access to Blackbaud
Important Access Clarifications
Adding a contact does not mean:
They can create an Orah account
They can view student details
They can see attendance, locations, or notes
They can access any connected systems (e.g. Blackbaud)
Only the school can:
Invite users to Orah
Grant account access
Assign roles and permissions
Parents are simply helping keep contact information accurate.
💡Best Practices / Tips
Encourage parents to add only trusted contacts they regularly use for passes
Reassure parents that adding a contact is safe and access-controlled
Schools should review host usage as part of normal pass oversight
❓ FAQs
Can a contact added by a parent log in to Orah?
No. Adding a contact does not create an account or login access.
Does adding a contact notify that person?
No. Contacts are added silently for internal selection purposes only.
Can contacts see anything in Orah or Blackbaud?
No. Contacts have zero system visibility or access.
Who controls who actually gets Orah access?
The school. Only school admins can invite users and assign permissions.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
A parent is worried about privacy
Reassure them that contacts cannot log in or see any information.
A contact expects an invitation
Explain that contacts are only used for pass host selection and are not system users.
A contact is missing from the dropdown
Confirm the parent has added the contact under My Contacts in the Families app.