I take all reasonable steps to protect any records and files pertaining to confidential discussions from inspection by all other persons.

When completing Shared Parenting & Stepfamily Management (SAM) Planning / consulting / strategy recommendations based on the ACES: Shared Parenting and Stepfamily Focal Points program, I have the responsibility to suggest actions or policies that will be equitable to all parties participating in the program, but in private practice I can support my clients, specifically, with their portion of SAM Planning. Our greatest focus is to facilitate results which will enable ALL stepchildren and biological children from co-parenting / stepfamily households to enter their classrooms and homeowork environments with fewer home-life distractions and greater academic focus, and to reduce the dissolution rate of marriages with stepchildren.

Standards Of Practice

Provide a confidential, neutral process which facilitates fair and equitable resolutions to concerns of mothers, fathers, stepparents, children and their extended family members. To meet this outcome goal I serve as a communication resource, feedback channel, advisor, coach, strategist (one-to-one coaching agreements for stepfamily household planning) dispute resolution expert and change agent. However, no promises or guarantees can be made because of the personalities, experiences, and efforts of others.

While serving in this role:

1. I/We  base this mediation-based practice on confidentiality.

2. During the problem-solving, strategy or planning processes, I/we [support staff & planning team members] may make known information deemed necessary to move forward after discussing it with my client/s. There cannot be a guarantee that the continuation of the processes will not compromised. No party is obligated to complete the process. At times, it serves the process well to step back and continue after a break of days in order to process information and any agreements made to date.

3. Any data that I/we prepare will be safeguarded as will the identity of each individual whose concerns are represented.

4. Publicity about StepfamilySystems.com conveys the confidential nature of our work.

5. I/We assert that there is a privilege with respect to communications.

6. Communications between the Planning & Strategy Team members and clients are considered privileged. Others cannot waive this privilege.

7.I/We do not serve in any additional function which would undermine the privileged nature of our work.

8. I/We do not keep case records. It is our standard practice for the destruction of any written notes once SAM planning, strategy & consulting period ends.

9. I/We are designated neutrals and remain independent. We cannot be deemed as one who represents clients, which would compromise neutrality.

10. As mediation-based planners/strategists/consultants, we strive for objectivity and impartiality.

11. I/We have a responsibility to consider the concerns of all parties known to be involved in a dispute.

12. I/ We do not serve as advocates for any one person; however, we do advocate for fair processes, and the well-being of all children in all relevant households of our clients.

13. I/We help develop a RaAP (Response and Action Plan) Sheet and devlop responsible options to resolve problems and facilitate discussion to identify choices. When possible, we help people develop new ways to solve problems themselves.

14. I/We do not make binding decisions, mandate policies or adjudicate issues.

15. I/We do not act as agent for nor do we accept and interpret legal documentation of any kind on behalf of our clients. We encourage communication documentation through www.OurFamilyWizard.com and like venues to reduce conflict related to miscommunication between the parties.  We do always refer individuals to the appropriate venues for assistance out of our scope of service.

16. Individuals should not be forced, threatened or coerced in an many to meet with a Team member of StepfamilySystems.com. All interactions should be voluntary.

17.I/ We foster communication about the philosophy and function of StepfamilySystems.com with the people we serve.

18. I/We provide feedback on ttrends & issues we observe through our on-going research through our Survey project without breaching confidentiality or anonymity. We identify new problems and we provide support for responsible systems change.

19. I/We keep professionally current and competent by pursuing continuing education and training relevant to our scope of service.

20. I/We will endeavor to be worthy of the trust placed in us.

Powe has been an independent researcher and innovator of shared parenting and stepfamily dynamics, documented to the 1980s which resulted in the development of ACES: Shared Parenting & Stepfamily Focal Points. The planning (SAM)  services and study guide, were first presented as Stepping In for Successful Blended Family Living in 1990, documented & verifiable. She has earned certifications from La Sierra University, Center for Philanthropy under the instruction of Dr. James Erickson, and American Bar Association-approved instruction in Divorce Mediation, presented by Forrest "Woody" Mosten. Powe has presented at hotel venues, schools and participated in Community Fairs. Her work has been recognized by Sterling's and Manchester Who's Who for her pursuit and development of innovative stepfamily care services in 1994 and 2005. She is not a family therapist or mental health care service provider. She and paid or volunteer service providers stay within qualified scope of services. Outside services are regualrly introduced during the planning process.

.

.