1. Rules of Conduct: The success of our Street Care Peer Support Program is dependent on our ability to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for both peer counselors and participants in our program. To facilitate a safe environment, and promote open communication between counselors and participants, we require that counselors and participants engage respectfully and refrain from any form of harassment, hate speech, or disruptive behavior. Participants are required to maintain a professional demeanor during counseling sessions and to at all times wear appropriate attire and use respectful and appropriate language with and toward counselors. Participants must also demonstrate respect for diverse cultural backgrounds during counseling sessions and counselors must respect the participant’s cultural practices. We have a zero-tolerance policy for violations, which may or will result in immediate removal from the Street Care Peer Support Program and possible future legal action.
2. Handling of Non-Compliance: We reserve the right to moderate the discussion or terminate the meeting/call in scenarios such as in breach of respectful conduct.
3. Privacy Policy: We do not disclose personal information without prior consent, in accordance with our commitment to privacy protection.
4. Security Policy: Participants are prohibited from sharing access links or passwords with unauthorized third parties.
5. Recording and Use of Content: We may record meetings and phone calls for documentation purposes after obtaining prior consent. By participating, you consent to the use of your discussion notes, image, and voice for internal Bright Mind meeting-related purposes only. These materials will not be distributed to, or discussed with, any third party outside of Bright Mind.
6. No Endorsement Policy: We do not promote, endorse or provide therapies, medications, or commercial services.
7. Disclaimer of Outcomes: We do not guarantee the success of outcomes for participating in Street Care Peer Support activities such as meetings/discussions or calls.
8. Emergency Protocols: In case of an emergency or if a participant expresses intent to harm themselves or others, the Street Care Peer Support group facilitators will follow predetermined safety protocols which may include notifying appropriate emergency services.
9. Feedback Channels for Safety Issues: We establish dedicated channels for participants to report safety concerns or violations of the terms, and ensure that issues are addressed promptly and effectively. Participants and counselors will be provided with information on how to report safety concerns or perceived violations of our rules of conduct before their first counseling session. Participants and counselors are encouraged to promptly report any such concerns or perceived violations. We will conduct a thorough investigation of any such report.
10. Limitations of Street Care Peer Support: Participants must understand the scope and limitations of Street Care Peer Support. While peer groups can offer valuable emotional support and camaraderie, we do not replace the specialized training and expertise of healthcare professionals.
11. Voluntary Participation: All engagement in Street Care Peer Support activities such as meetings/discussions or calls are voluntary, and participants should not feel pressured to participate beyond their comfort level.
12. Session Time and Scheduling policy: All sessions and calls shall adhere to predetermined schedules, commencing and concluding as specified. Sessions are strictly scheduled within designated times, such as 6 to 8 PM daily, with no engagements outside these hours with a standard duration limit of 15 minutes per call.
13. Age Requirement: Participants must be of legal age 18 years or older, to ensure they consent to participate in a legal manner.
14. No Financial Transactions: We serve charge-free sessions and participants are prohibited from soliciting or engaging in any financial transactions as part of their interaction.
15. Mutual Right to Pause or End Participation: Participants are allowed to pause or end the ongoing support sessions at any time and for any reason. Participants can choose to disengage or withdraw from the Street Care Peer Support at any point without any obligation to explain their reasons.
16. Informed Consent: We ensure that all participants sign the Google form and agree to an informed consent form that outlines the nature of the Street Care Peer Support Program.
17. Notification of Absence & Rescheduling Policy: We request participants to notify their absence before a scheduled session. Rescheduling requests are subject to availability. Rescheduling requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled time and are subject to availability.
18. Technology Failures: We request participants to be patient in case of a technological failure and take action to reconnect or reschedule as needed.
19. Feedback and Improvement: We encourage participants to provide feedback about the sessions to improve the support experience.
20. Language Proficiency: Participants must have a sufficient level of proficiency in the language used during the sessions to ensure effective communication and mutual understanding.
21. Cultural Competence: We do not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, personal beliefs, or cultural practices.