Helping Idaho Students Discover Purpose, Passion, and Pathways in Mental Health

June 2026 – August 2027  

The Mental Health Careers Academy is a free 14-month program that introduces high school students to careers in behavioral health while building skills that support college success and personal well-being. Participants begin with a 5-week virtual summer course taught by a licensed mental health professional, followed by monthly virtual workshops, mentoring from college students studying social work or psychology, and a 40-hour work-based learning experience with a local mental health organization.

The program is primarily virtual, with in-person orientation and final presentations held in McCall. Participants who complete program milestones can earn money while gaining valuable career exposure, mentorship, and real-world experience. To ensure a safe, high-quality experience, we require that the participant and parent/guardian review and sign permission and waiver forms in this MENTAL HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY FORMS PACKET when registering. This packet includes the following forms:

 

• Participant Attendance Expectations
• Chromebook Use and Liability Release Agreement
• Internet Safety Guidelines
• HIPAA Consent & Confidentiality Agreement
• Participant Privacy & Safety
• Parental Permission Form For Stipend Payment

Sponsoring Organization: Southwest Idaho Area Health Education Center (SW ID AHEC), a program of Jannus, Inc.

Contacts:

Katrina Hoff, Director, SW ID AHEC

Email: khoff@jannus.org

Leila Richardson, Project Manager, SW ID AHEC

Email: lrichardson@jannus.org

This five-week course is the beginning of your Mental Health Careers Academy (MHCA) journey. It’s important that you get the most out of it that you can because the activities in the 14-month academy will build on what you learn this summer. That means showing up and actively listening and participating every day. Think of this as a summer job. If you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a check for $1,500! Part of successful completion includes regular attendance.

Attendance

As much as possible, we expect you to schedule work and other appointments outside of class hours. However, we understand that sometimes being absent may be unavoidable. You may miss up to two (2) classes during the 5-week period. Excused absences include illness, medical appointments, and family emergencies. Your attendance at the orientation on June 15th and at the capstone presentation event on July 22nd is mandatory.

What Counts as Being Present?

Log in by 8:30 a.m. and stay logged on until 12:30 pm
Turn your camera on when possible
Participate in class activities or discussions
Complete the daily work as instructed

If You Need to Miss Class

Please notify the teacher’s aide by email before class starts at:

rschwab@jannus.org

If you’re unable to notify them before class, you must notify within 24 hours. You will be asked to make-up assignments missed on the days you were absent.

Unexcused absences

If you’re absent without an excuse or miss more than two (2) days during the summer course, your first stipend of $1,500 may be reduced or you may not be allowed to complete the full MHCA program.

 Chromebook Use and Liability Release Agreement

Purpose

Your student will be issued a Chromebook to support their participation in Mental Health Careers Academy, a 14-month educational program sponsored by Southwest Idaho Area Health Education Center (SW ID AHEC). The device is provided solely for educational purposes and remains the property of SW ID AHEC for the duration of your student’s participation in the program.

Terms of Use

1.      Educational Purpose: The Chromebook is to be used only for activities related to the assigned educational program. Personal, commercial, or inappropriate use is strictly prohibited.

2.      Care and Responsibility: The participant and parent/guardian agree to exercise reasonable care in the handling and protection of the Chromebook, including safeguarding it from loss, theft, or damage.

3.      Condition and Return: Participants who successfully complete all requirements of the 14-month program will be allowed to keep the Chromebook issued to them. Participants that are unable to complete the program must notify SW ID AHEC of their withdrawal via email immediately and return the Chromebook and all accessories in the same condition they were issued, normal wear expected, within 15 days of their withdrawal from the program.

4.      Loss or Damage: If the Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged (beyond normal wear), the parent/guardian will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, up to the current market value of the same device. SW ID AHEC must be notified within 24 hours of any incident involving loss, theft, or damage.

5.      Internet Safety and Use: The participant agrees to follow the attached internet safety guidelines.

Liability Release

• By signing below, I, the parent/guardian of the participant:
  Acknowledge that participation in the program will involve use of a Chromebook and related technology.
• Release and hold harmless Jannus, Inc. and the Southwest Idaho Area Health Education Center (SW ID AHEC), partnering schools, and their employees, contractors, and volunteers from any liability for claims, damages, or losses arising from the participant's use or misuse of the Chromebook.
• Accept financial responsibility for repair or replacement costs if the Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged while issued to the participant, consistent with the terms above.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining equipment and supporting a successful educational experience.

Participants: Please read the following guidelines that will help you to use the internet safely, responsibly, and respectfully while protecting privacy, mental health, and digital reputation.

 1.   Protect Personal Information

• Do not share full name with location, home address, phone number, passwords, school schedules, or live location.

• If you wouldn’t post it publicly, don’t post it online.

 2.    Account & Password Safety

• Use strong, unique passwords (12+ characters).

• Enable two-factor authentication when available.

• Never share passwords or logins.

 3.    Think Before You Post

• Online posts can be permanent.

• Ask: Would I be okay if a teacher, parent, college, or employer saw this?

4.     Scams, Phishing & Misinformation

• Do not click suspicious links or urgent messages.

• Don’t respond to requests for personal information.

• When unsure, ask a trusted adult.

5.     Respectful Online Behavior

• Be respectful in all digital spaces.

• Do not bully, harass, or spread rumors.

• Report harmful behavior immediately.

6.     Social Media Safety

• Use privacy settings.

• Only connect with people you know.

• Never meet someone you only know online.

7.     Mental Health & Screen Balance

• Take breaks from screens.

• Step away from content that causes stress or discomfort.

• Be aware that online images are often edited or unrealistic.

8.     AI & Online Tools

• Use AI only as allowed by Mental Health Careers Academy instructors.

• Do not enter personal or sensitive information.

• Verify information before using it.

9.     Reporting Concerns

• Report cyberbullying, threats, unsafe messages, or suspicious activity to:

o   A teacher

o   School counselor

o   Administrator

o   Parent or guardian

HIPAA Consent and Confidentiality Agreement

Purpose

This form gives permission for Southwest Idaho Area Health Education Center (SW ID AHEC) and its approved partners (such as clinics, schools, or training sites) to share limited information about your student participant as needed for safe participation in the Mental Health Careers Academy program. This is not a medical treatment release. It only allows sharing basic information for educational and safety purposes.

What Information Can Be Shared

• Emergency contact or health clearance information (for safety)
• Proof that the participant completed confidentiality/HIPAA training
• De-identified or simulated case examples used in class or site visit
• Coordination details with partner sites or mentors
• No private medical, counseling, or patient records will be released

Who Can Receive or Share Information

• Sponsoring organization staff
• Approved school or training site staff
• Program mentors and supervisors

How Long This Consent Lasts

This consent stays in effect only during program participation and ends automatically when the student finishes or withdraws from the program.

Your Rights

• Signing this form is voluntary.
• You can cancel this consent at any time by telling the Program Director in writing.
• Information shared before cancellation may still be used for program records.
• The participant will not observe or handle real patient information without supervision.

 

Participant Confidentiality Statement

I understand that I may observe or discuss information about individuals and situations related to mental health during this program. I agree to:

• Keep all information I see or hear strictly confidential.
• Never use real names or identifying details when discussing cases or examples.
• Follow all instructions from program mentors and supervisors about privacy.
• Report any accidental sharing of private information to my instructor immediately.

I understand that breaching confidentiality may result in my removal from the program. 

Because this program introduces participants to topics related to mental health and emotional well-being as part of exploring behavioral health careers, it is important for participants and families to understand how privacy, safety concerns, and required reporting are handled.

Privacy

We respect the privacy of all participants and families participating in this program. Personal information shared by participants or parents/guardians will be used only to support the program, such as communicating with families, helping participation in activities, and providing appropriate participation support. Staff will treat participant information and personal experiences shared in the program as private and will only share information when needed to support the participant, ensure safety, or comply with legal requirements.

Participant Safety

Participant safety and well-being are our highest priorities. If a participant shares that they may be thinking about harming themselves or is experiencing serious emotional distress, staff will respond promptly to help ensure the participant is safe and supported. A trained staff member will speak with the participant to better understand their needs and help determine appropriate support. In most situations involving participant distress, parents or guardians will be contacted so families can help support the participant and identify next steps.

Mandated Reporting

By law (Idaho Code § 16-1605) program staff and instructors are mandated reporters. They must report suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or situations where a participant may be at risk of harming themselves or others as required by Idaho law. In these situations, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Educational Purpose and Participation

This program is designed for education and career exploration and does not provide mental health counseling, diagnosis, or treatment.

Program Name: Mental Health Careers Academy

Sponsoring Organization: Southwest Idaho Area Health Education Center (SW ID AHEC), a program of Jannus, Inc.

Program Dates: June 15, 2026 – August 31, 2027

Purpose of Stipend: Incentive for participation and successful completion of program requirements defined below:

• Completion of Mental Health Matters: Understanding Care and Careers in Mental Health summer course, including attendance at two in-person sessions in McCall, Idaho and virtual attendance at daily 4-hour sessions, Monday – Friday for five weeks in summer 2026 (100 hours total)
• Virtual attendance with an assigned mentor (college student enrolled in a social work, psychology, counseling or similar program) throughout the program
• Virtual attendance at monthly workshops to take place September 2026 – May 2027
• Completion of work-based education in collaboration with an Idaho mental health provider/organization

This form grants permission for the sponsoring organization to issue a stipend to registered minor participant as part of an educational or career pathway development experience. This stipend is not wages and the participant is not considered an employee of the organization under Idaho Code §44-1301 et seq. or federal labor law. The stipend is intended solely as an educational incentive and recognition of successful completion of all required program activities.

 
Stipend Details: One payment of $1,500 after completion of the 5-week summer course, and a second payment of at least $1000 after completion of the entire program.

Approximate Payment Date(s): The first installment will be paid in August 2026 for successful completion of the 5-week virtual summer course. The second installment will be paid in September 2027 for successful completion of the entire program.

Method of Payment: Payment will be made by check. Participant will need to submit a W9 form.

Legal Acknowledgment
 

I understand and agree that:

1.      This stipend does not create an employment relationship under Idaho or federal law.

2.      The participant will not perform work for the commercial benefit of the organization or its partners.

3.      The stipend may be considered taxable income, and reporting requirements (such as a W-9 or Form 1099-NEC) may apply if total payments meet IRS thresholds.

4.      Participation in this program is voluntary, educational, and supervised in accordance with Idaho’s youth protection and child labor statutes.

5.      The sponsoring organization may request identifying information necessary for payment processing and compliance with state and federal record-keeping standards.

6.      I release and hold harmless the sponsoring organization, its employees, and agents from any liability associated with the issuance or receipt of the stipend.

Payment Authorization

To be completed by the parent or legal guardian authorizing stipend payment.

Consent and Signature