1. We provide services to all youth and their families and do not discriminate in any way on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, economic condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, or disability.
2. Counseling/family therapy is completely voluntary. Every youth and family member has the right to refuse or discontinue services at any time. If you have been court ordered or referred by probation, counseling is still voluntary. However, non-participation and non-attendance will be reported back to the court/probation officer.
3. Youth and their families have the right to participate — and are strongly encouraged to do so — in the process of developing treatment goals. Family participation is critical to the counseling process when the "identified client" is a child or adolescent.
4. Youth and families have the right to be fully informed as to all charges and all sources of reimbursement and any limitations placed on treatment by third-party payers (i.e. insurance companies). Project Oz does not charge for services at this time.
5. Youth and their families have the right to confidentiality. A release of information form must be signed by both the youth and the legal guardian in order to obtain or release information concerning current or past medical, psychiatric, or addiction treatment. Under no circumstances will client names be made available to outside agencies or individuals without a signed release of information.
6. All youth and their families are encouraged to express opinions and recommendations regarding the treatment process. Any grievance or unusual incident will be handled promptly. A written response, phone call, and/or meeting will be scheduled to address the complaint. Complaints or unusual incidents may be reported to the staff member with whom they are in contact, any manager, or the agency executive director.
7. My signature below indicates consent which allows my minor child to receive services from Project Oz and their affiliated staff. I understand this consent is effective for 1-year and can be revoked at any time. Furthermore, I understand, in accordance with Illinois Public Act 100-0196, the right of the assigned caseworker to provide counseling services for youth under the age of 17 for up to 8 separate 90-minute sessions without parental or guardian consent. Any services beyond this time frame will require parental or guardian consent.