To ensure mutual protection between you, the Client paying for a service, and Laurie Mitchell, the service provider, I have established general terms and conditions. These apply, but are not limited to, the purchase of: online courses, workshops, coaching, training, consultations, programs, etc., whether offered online or in person. For the purposes of this document, the term “Client” refers to the individual 14 years or older to whom the Special Care Counsellor is providing services, OR the parent or guardian of a person under 14 years of age or a dependent adult over the age of 14, for whom the Special Care Counsellor is providing services.

 

THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL CARE COUNSELLOR

The Special Care Counsellor is a member of the Quebec Association of Special Care Counsellors (QASCC); Membership #1297. The QASCC defines the Special Care Counsellor (S.C.C.) as “A professional who intervenes with individuals or groups of individuals of any age who experience or are likely to experience various adjustment problems in the field of mental health, social services and education. The S.C.C. evaluates and accompanies the client through situations of daily living, educational, helping relationships, and through intervention techniques. The S.C.C. pursues objectives of social integration and personal development in the fields of prevention, education and rehabilitation. Their role consists of observing and evaluating the needs, abilities, lifestyles and behaviours of persons with psychosocial adjustment problems. The S.C.C. may also proceed with the screening, assessment, detection and identification of undiagnosed disorders. They must also assess the suicide risk and dangerousness exhibited by a person in crisis. They note the data in the record and write progress reports, using the method designated by their organization.”

The approach of a Special Care Counsellor (S.C.C.) is a process that targets the Client's difficulties and personal needs in order to better understand them.  

The process does not in itself provide a guarantee of success, but it is one that favors the achievement of objectives set jointly by the Client and the S.C.C. (The approaches and techniques used may differ from one professional to another).

The S.C.C. observes and evaluates the needs, abilities, lifestyle habits and behaviors of people with psychosocial adjustment difficulties. The S.C.C. will complete an individualized intervention plan that is assigned to the Client as part of a planned intervention process. The S.C.C. records the data in the file and writes progress reports.

 

*The Client may request a copy of the QASCC Code of Conduct at any time.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

The Special Care Counsellor is bound by professional secrecy and cannot divulge any information concerning the Client without their written authorization. However, some exceptional circumstances under the law require the Special Care Counsellor to break the seal of confidentiality; for example, when the life of the Client or a third party is in danger or in cases of violence and child abuse.

In addition, the Client authorizes the Special Care Counsellor to obtain clinical supervision in which certain details of their case will be discussed with another professional also bound by professional confidentiality rules.

All personal information and documentation, both digital and physical, will be kept confidential. The Client may request that any reports or documentation that was not prepared by the S.C.C be destroyed or deleted at any time.  The S.C.C must keep their own written records archived for a minimum period of 5 years. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Special Care Counsellor agrees to:

• Maintain open communication with the Client

• Implement services within the scope of their role as outlined above

• Inform the Client of any change in their ability to provide services

• Provide information with integrity and the intent to meet the Client’s (and/or person receiving services) needs and enhance their quality of life and progress, within their professional ability

• Refer the Client to appropriate services outside of their scope of service, wherever applicable

• Respect the privacy and dignity of the Client (and/or person receiving services) and all other involved parties

• Seek professional development on a regular basis, in order to remain current within the field

• Seek to provide the Client any information that will support them in making informed decisions regarding the overall well-being of the involved parties

• Promote the Client’s (and/or person receiving services) Human Rights

 

The Client is solely responsible for taking action, engaging with the services, and requesting assistance, clarifications, and/or asking questions. This can be done at any time by email to laurie.mitchell@uni-diversity.com or during meetings (Google Meet or in person).

 

The Special Care Counsellor provides their Clients with tools, advice, and feedback based on experience and expertise for educational purposes. However, the S.C.C. cannot guarantee the outcome(s) following the implementation of services.

 

PAYMENT DETAILS

All services are needs-based and therefore all time spent on client-related activities is considered equal and is subject to payment at the rate as discussed and agreed upon. All rates are guaranteed for a period of 90 days.

 

The S.C.C invoices all such services using QuickBooks, and will provide details of time billed at the request of the Client. Services can be paid for by e-transfer, cash, or Stripe. Payments can be made either prior to the appointment through one of the above-mentioned methods, or as per the instructions outlined on the invoice. If you are unable to make a payment within the predetermined timeframe, contact the S.C.C to arrange alternative payment by email at laurie.mitchell@uni-diversity.com. In the event of non-payment, the S.C.C. reserves the right to discontinue services, and/or remove access to online services.

 

CANCELLATION AND REIMBURSEMENT

No refunds are offered for services already received or for workshops and training.

 

For cancellation of a service/appointment with more than 24 hours notice, you will not be invoiced. For cancellation of a service/appointment with less than 24 hours before the scheduled session, you will be invoiced for 50% of the session rate.

 

For cancellation of a pre-paid service/appointment with more than 24 hours notice, your payment will be reimbursed for 100% of the session rate. For cancellation of a pre-paid service/appointment with less than 24 hours before the scheduled session, you will be reimbursed for 50% of the session rate.

 

INSURANCE COVERAGE AND TAX RECEIPTS

As a member of the Québec Association for Special Care Counsellors, the Special Care Counsellor provides receipts that can be submitted for insurance or tax purposes. Consult with your insurance company and/or accountant (financial advisor) for more information about your personal situation. 

 

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIL LIABILITY

The Special Care Counsellor holds an insurance policy for professional and civil liability. For more information, the Client may inquire with the Special Care Counsellor.

 

 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Just like the content freely accessible on my website, the training materials, workshops, programs, online courses, coaching, and downloadable products (including all their texts and exercises) sold through my website and made available to Clients are the exclusive property of Uni-Diversité (founded by Laurie Mitchell). Consequently, any reproduction, representation, or distribution, in whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without the express prior consent of Uni-Diversité - Laurie Mitchell, is illegal under Article L.122-4 of the French Intellectual Property Code and is subject to the criminal penalties provided for in Articles L.335-2 et seq. of the French Intellectual Property Code.

 

CONSENT FOR CHILDREN AGED LESS THAN 14 YEARS OLD 

Article 4.8.2 of the Quebec Association for Special Care Counsellors Code of Conduct stipulates that before undertaking any professional services to a minor under the age of 14, the Special Care Counsellor must obtain free and informed consent of the parents or legal guardian (Client Representative) of the minor.  

This obligation stems from article 14 of the Civil Code of Québec (the C.c.Q), which states that when a minor is under the age of 14, consent to receiving care determined by their state of health must be given by a parental authority or by the legal guardian. 

When deciding to consent to care or to refuse care for a minor under the age of 14, a parental authority or legal guardian must respect the markers of article 12 of the C.c.Q. This provision states that the person who consents to the care of the minor or who refuses them is bound to act in the sole interest of that minor by respecting, as much as possible, the wishes that the latter may have manifested. In addition, if they express a consent, they must ensure that the care will be beneficial, that it is appropriate in the circumstances and that the risks presented are not out of proportion to the benefit that one may hope for.

NOTE FOR DEPENDENT ADULTS OVER 14 YEARS OLD: The Civil Code of Québec (C.c.Q) also states that when a person of full age who is incapable of giving consent to care, consent is given by his or her mandatary or tutor. In participating in the S.C.C service(s), you acknowledge that you have informed yourself of the applicable laws to your situation, and that you have taken the necessary steps to ensure that you hold the documents required to sign on behalf of the person in your care.

​

PARENTAL AUTHORITY

In theory, parental authority is expressed by both the father and the mother of a child. Under section 600 of the C.c.Q., unless one of the parents has passed away, is deprived of parental authority or is unable to express his / her will, the father and mother express parental authority jointly. Concerning health care, this rule remains applicable even if the parents are separated.  

Article 603 of the C.c.Q. further states that, with respect to bona fide third parties, the father or mother who alone performs an act of authority over the child is presumed to act with the consent of the other.  

In the event of difficulties relating to expressing of parental authority, for example if the parents do not agree on the care to be given to the minor under the age of 14, according to article 604 of the C.c.Q.,  each of the parents may make a request to the court which will decide in the interest of the child after having favored the conciliation of the parties. 

 

INFORMED CONSENT

In participating in the S.C.C. service, you agree that you have read, and understood the Terms of Service as described in this document. You agree that you have had all the opportunity to ask the questions that you had, and understand the information provided. You accept the terms and conditions described in this document. You understand that it is your responsibility to ask questions about any subject that concerns you regarding the services provided and during the intervention process.

 

MODIFICATIONS

This terms of service document may be amended from time to time to ensure compliance with the law and to reflect any changes to company policies. It is recommended that Clients review the document periodically to ensure they are aware of any updates. If necessary, you may be notified by email of changes to this document.

 

CONTACT

Effective date: April 1, 2026

If you have questions or concerns, the person responsible is Laurie Mitchell, founder of Uni-Diversity (independent worker status) who you can contact at info@uni-diversity.com.