Your permission is requested for your family to receive group counseling at Riveredge Nature Center with the Youth and Family Project (YFP). YFP offers free, confidential counseling services to youth in need of support and their families. If your permission is granted, your family will be matched with a masters-trained mental health counseling provider.
Counselor: Jordan Markiewicz, LPC-IT
E-mail: jmarkiewicz@YouthAndFamilyProject.org
Because counseling is based on a trusting relationship between counselor and client, the counselor will keep information shared by the client confidential except in certain situations in which an ethical responsibility limits confidentiality. It is important to the therapy process that he/she does not think the parent and the therapist are conspiring against him/her in any way. There are times when students divulge information that should be shared with parents. The counselor will encourage them to do so or request permission to discuss the matter with a parent or guardian. This will be done when the counselor feels it is in the best interest of your son or daughter. As mandated reporters, there are also several situations in which YFP counselors are required by law to share details of a counseling session with the appropriate authorities. These situations include:
- Situations in which the counselor believes that the student is a threat to himself/herself or others
- When the communications involve information regarding child abuse, child neglect, or abuse of the elderly
- When the communications involve information regarding inappropriate sexual contact with a minor child
- When the client becomes a litigant in a court proceeding
- When the counselor discusses case work with his/her individual and/or group supervisor
By signing this form, I give my informed consent for my family to participate in counseling. I understand that anything that my family shares will be kept confidential except in the above-mentioned cases.
Program Participation
I understand that Nourish & Nature is part of The Youth and Family Project’s Fall 2026 Nature Groups. This program includes family-based activities where caregivers and children may participate in food preparation, meal assembly, shared dining, and related family connection activities.
I understand that caregivers are expected to remain present and actively supervise their child or children throughout the program.
Kitchen and Food Safety
I understand that participation may include the use of kitchen tools and materials such as mixing bowls, measuring cups, utensils, kid-safe knives, cutting boards, stovetop or crock pot areas, food preparation stations, and shared serving areas.
I agree that my family will follow staff directions, use kitchen materials safely, wash hands before food preparation, and participate in a respectful and safe manner.
I understand that this program includes food preparation, shared meals, and food served in a group setting. While The Youth and Family Project staff will make reasonable efforts to follow safe food handling practices, I understand there is always some risk of foodborne illness when preparing, handling, serving, or eating food.
Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
I understand that meals may include common allergens, including but not limited to dairy, wheat/gluten, eggs, soy, nuts, peanuts, sesame, and other ingredients.
I understand that Youth and Family Project cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in food preparation, shared meals, kitchen activities, and group programming may include certain risks, including but not limited to foodborne illness, allergic reactions, choking, minor cuts, burns, slips, falls, or other injuries.
By signing this form, I acknowledge these risks and agree that my family is participating voluntarily.
Medical Care
In the event of an emergency, I authorize The Youth and Family Project staff to seek emergency medical assistance if needed. I understand that staff will make reasonable efforts to contact me and/or the emergency contact listed above.
Caregiver Agreement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understand this waiver. I agree to remain present during the program, supervise my child or children, inform staff of any allergies, dietary restrictions, medical concerns, or safety concerns, and support my family in following program safety expectations.