Confidentiality Policy and General Guiding Principles of Mentors

1. Live Your Life In Accordance With The Laws of Society: Be an example of someone who obeys the laws and follows the standards of society. Seek Council from Project Staff: If there are any questions on your responsibilities in relation to your assignment as a mentor, contact county or state staff. Respect and Keep Confidences: The last names of participants and the confidential issues of your entrusted youth should remain undisclosed. Save all confidential information for reporting to appropriate leaders. Understand that all information disclosed within visits is to be kept confidential. The only exception to this is when disclosure is required by law, meaning that there is a threat of harm either by abuse, self harm, or harm to another. Reporting: Under Nebraska State law, it is mandatory to report that to Child and Protective Service if you believe there is or has been, physical, or sexual abuse or neglect. Please consult with the site coordinator or Extension agent on how to do this, should it become necessary. Abuse is commonly defined as: Actual or threatened non-accidental physical or mental harm; neglect; sexual exploitation or any sexual abuse. Notification: All disclosures should be made directly to your supervisor. If, however, there is not sufficient time to make the report to a supervisor, then report to the parent of the child, school staff members, peace officers, law enforcement agencies, or the State Child and Family Services office Failure to Report: Any person, official, or institution who willfully fails to report abuse, neglect, indications of suicide or homicide, is guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor. Other: Any other unusual behavior, such as suicidal actions or thoughts or serious threat to other people, report immediately to the site coordinator, Extension agent, or community mental health worker. Nebraska Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-652-1999 4. 5. Follow Through with Your Obligations: Be sincere, committed, and punctual for scheduled meetings. Have a Purpose in Mind with Each Interaction: Select one or more of the Search Institute Developmental Assets as the focus of each interaction you plan and carry out. Notify the Parents and Seek Their Permission for Each Activity or Interaction: Always inform parents of what each activity is going to entail; how long you will be, and when you expect to return home. If trouble arises or if you are going to be longer than you projected, always inform the parent or guardian. For Your Protection, Be Wise with Your Encounters with Your Youth: Young Adult mentors should invite others to join in on your weekly activities or plan them at sites where other people will be present. Do not invite or take youth to your home or apartment. No over-night activities are allowed in the program unless clearance is granted by the site coordinator. It has been wisely said, If you do not have a witness, the person suing you may not need one. Be Enthusiastic about Your Responsibilities as a Mentor and Have Fun!!! Life needs to be fun. People who are having fun are happy people and happy people generally conduct themselves in appropriate ways.

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I have read and been instructed on the information outlined in the Confidentiality Policy and General Guiding Principles of Mentors. I understand the importance of confidentiality and my obligations to report any suspicion of abuse, self abuse, or harm to another.

Name of Mentor or Volunteer

_______________________ Date

FEBRUARY 2012