Description of Services: The purpose of the peer support group is to offer support, education, and coping skills to children who are facing various issues such as grief, anger, esteem challenges, mental health challenges, and more. Your child will be placed in a group that is specific to their situation.
The group facilitators have found that when working in groups, children gain support from others who are experiencing similar situations or who have adjusted well after experiencing a similar situation in the past.
While the peer support group is facilitated by a member of the Mental Health Team, it is not a therapeutic/counseling group.
I understand that this peer support group does not provide counseling but is an educational and support program designed to teach skills, facilitate self-awareness and confidence, increase positive coping skills, promote new behaviors, and demonstrate how to effectively deal with various challenges that life presents. I also understand that despite the fact that the group facilitators may be mental health professionals, this group will not provide group counseling or therapy.
Confidentiality: I understand that in order to encourage children to participate actively, outside observers, including guardians, will not be allowed to attend. I understand that participation in the groups is completely voluntary, and confidentiality is addressed and respected. I understand the exceptions to confidentiality due to the group facilitators’ legal and ethical responsibility to take appropriate action in the case of an individual intending to do harm to self or others, if abuse or neglect is suspected, or illegal activity is reported.
I understand that the program may be described in written publications for marketing and fundraising purposes, but that no information will be provided that could identify any individual participants in the program. I give my consent for Communities In Schools of the Permian Basin to use de-identified artwork, images, or quotations made in marketing and fundraising related activities and publications.