Agreement to Participate

Agreement to Participate

Welcome to Caring Dads; an educational & counselling program that supports men who want to improve their parenting skills.

I understand the purpose of the program is to:

• provide opportunities to consider how I relate to my children and their mother(s);
• develop skills to improve my relationship with my children and family;
• talk about the children’s needs at different stages of development;
• learn how different parenting choices affect children.

 I understand that I will be discussing:

• my experience and expectations as a Dad;
• the impact of abusive behaviours on children and their mother;
• changes I need to make to be the kind of father I want to be.

Our Commitment to You

We commit to provide a program that is designed to help you think carefully about choices you make when relating to your children and their mother(s) while treating you with respect and dignity. We will provide an opportunity to identify parenting practices harmful to children, open and honest feedback about your choices and behaviour; as well as recommendations and referrals for any beneficial additional services.

Your Commitment to Yourself

Participation:
In order to receive the most from the program I agree to:

•  attend each 2-hour session held over 16 weeks;
  • not be admitted if I arrive more than 10 minutes late.
  • give 24 hours notice, if possible, and provide a reason for my absence directly to Ingrid Peters, Caring Dads Program Coordinator
  • complete homework from missed sessions.
  • not miss consecutive sessions without permission.
  • not miss the 1^st session or the last session of the program
  • to leave the program if I miss more than 2 sessions
  • understand Caring Dads does not meet on statutory holidays, may close due to inclement weather, or for another unusual reason;
• bring program materials provided to each session;
• participate actively, openly, and honestly in the discussions;
• be respectful of others and expect the same in return;
• complete homework when assigned;
• use first names only;
• not discuss or reveal the identity of another group member or any information that could identify the group member or their family with anyone outside of the group.
• turn off my cell phone during the group;
• be courteous and respectful to all agency staff.
• dress appropriately for the group session. (shirt and pants required)
• ensure participation in a session occurs in a private space and ensure that no one is able to view or overhear the session.
• attend the online program from a location within Ontario
• not record or take pictures of the screen or other members of the group during your online sessions. 

 Drug and Alcohol Use:

I agree to refrain from the use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs the day of the program or risk being asked to leave the session. I understand I may be asked to seek other services, including mental health, alcohol, and/or drug rehabilitation. I agree to cooperate with these requests.

Program fees:

Program fees can be up to $520, which includes an orientation session and 16 group sessions. There is a sliding fee scale based on family size and family income for those who quality. Payment may be made in full at the start of the program, or may be paid in 4 equal monthly payments. VISA, MasterCard, and e-transfer payments are accepted. Your fee will be set when you meet with the program coordinator.

Confidentiality

I agree to keep confidential all information that is shared by other participants in the program. I understand what I discuss with the staff and in the group is confidential except:

• if there is suspicion of child abuse or neglect;
• if there is a situation of imminent danger to myself or others;
• if staff are in receipt of a Court Order, subpoena, or search warrant.

Professional Practices:

I understand that:

• records will be kept about my participation and will be securely stored;
• facilitators will consult with each other, their supervisor, and other team members regarding my participation. The discussions will be strictly confidential;
• sessions are regularly recorded (audio, video, or DVD) for supervision purposes and erased or destroyed after use.

Program Completion:

I understand that I will be given a summary of my participation in the program upon completion.

I understand that completion of the Caring Dads program does not guarantee that my parenting will change. Developing improved skills in parenting depends largely on my choices, my behaviour, and my commitment to change.

Agency Consent to Share and Release Information

a) Mothers:

I have provided the phone number of the mother(s) of my child (ren), and/or my partner(s) who is/are the mother(s) of a child(ren)with whom I have regular contact and I will inform the agency of any known changes as soon as possible.

I understand Agency staff will contact the mother(s) of the child (ren) about:

• services and supports that may benefit her and the children;
• general information about Caring Dads and my participation, including: when I begin, when I stop or complete the program, and my progress;

I agree to this contact and will not interfere with it or prevent it in any way.

 I agree to inform the facilitators if I begin to care for additional children while in Caring Dads. I will provide the names and contact information for the mother of these children.

b) Organizations, Professionals and Support Person:

I consent to the exchange of information between Thrive Counselling and the agency that referred me to Caring Dads or my support person if I am attending as a voluntary client. I understand the information exchanged will include: start and finish dates; attendance and absence(s); my participation; and a Completion Summary once Caring Dads is completed. They will also receive notice if I stop attending or must leave the program.

I understand I will receive a copy of all correspondence concerning my participation.