Informed Consent Form for Special Interest Gatherings

Purpose: The purpose of special interest gatherings is to provide an opportunity for neurodivergent kids to meet other kids who they can relate to, who understand them, and who they can unmask with in a safe and low-pressure environment. Gatherings are for the purpose of providing an accessible opportunity for social engagement, based on how that looks for your child, and is not treatment or therapy-focused.

Attendance: 

Attendance for special interest gatherings is capped at 5 families on a first-come, first-served basis. When you sign up, please indicate how many children in your family are participating. You will be notified of upcoming gatherings through the email list.  You can join the email list on the real work website. 

Payment: Payment is a $30 flat fee per family, per gathering.  If the $30 payment is a financial barrier for child to attend, please email Gabi at Gabi@realworkwellness.com to discuss options. 

Payment is due at the time of registration.  If you are unable to attend on the day of the event, your payment will be used for scholarships & supplies for future gatherings.  We are unable to provide refunds at this time. 

Structure: 

Special interest gatherings are suitable for ages 5-12, and are 1 hour in length. Each special interest gathering is a single event and registration is for 1 gathering at a time. Parents are required to remain onsite during the duration of the gathering. 

Confidentiality: Not applicable as this is not a mental health treatment group. However, if your child is a current client, and your child’s therapist is in attendance as a volunteer or facilitator, confidentiality within that relationship will be adhered to in accordance with the confidentiality terms in your consent forms located in your portal. 

Mandated Reporting: All adults associated with The Real Work are required by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. If we become aware of any information that leads us to believe that a child may be at risk of harm, we are obligated to report this information to the relevant authorities for investigation and intervention.

Participation: Participation is voluntary. It is important for participants to engage with respect for all other attendees. 

Roles: The adults and volunteers present at special interest gatherings will provide materials and facilitate an environment that encourages and fosters social interaction centered around special interests for neurodivergent children.  It may happen that your child’s therapist will be present as a facilitator or volunteer.  However, they will not be providing any diagnostic assessments, interpretations, or treatment recommendations or interventions while in the facilitator/volunteer role. 

Accommodations: If your child requires special accommodations to attend, please reach out to Gabi@realworkwellness.com as soon as possible regarding items you may bring, and/or need. There are some accommodations that we may not be able to provide for special interest gatherings. 

Statement of Liability: Because this is not a treatment group, and is informal in structure, participants attend at their own risk. The Real Work carries no liability for occurrences at special interest gatherings. 

Consent: By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information provided in this informed consent form. I agree to participate voluntarily and assume any liability hereunder.