Group Rules
At Emerge, our main expectation is the practice of respectful communication. We expect group members to communicate with us not only about what is going on in their relationships, but also about absences and payment of fees. Specific group rules are listed below.
Attendance
We expect every group member to attend every group session. We understand that may not always be possible due to illness, transportation issues, work, and other issues that might come up during the 40 sessions.
If group members have to miss a group session, we expect them to call us (or e-mail us) at least 24 hours before the group starts to let us know that they cannot attend. Their message should include their name, group day and time, and the reason they are unable to attend group. We allow ONE absence every eight weeks, for which we consider not charging the group member. A second absence within an eight week period is charged at the regular group rate.
A THIRD absence within an eight week period could result in an attendance contract or termination from the program. This decision is based on whether the group member has been communicating with us on a regular basis, and we take life circumstances into consideration.
As the Boston area is known for having particularly difficult transportation issues, Emerge allows a 15-minute grace period for group attendance. As long as group members are in the group no more than 15 minutes late, there is no penalty. However, if group members are more than 15 minutes late, they will not be allowed into the session. They will be charged for the missed session, and their absence will be counted as a “no-show.”
If group members have to miss a group session, we expect them to call us (or e-mail us) at least 24 hours before the group starts to let us know that they cannot attend. Their message should include their name, group day and time, and the reason they are unable to attend group. We allow ONE absence every eight weeks, for which we consider not charging the group member. A second absence within an eight week period is charged at the regular group rate.
A THIRD absence within an eight week period could result in an attendance contract or termination from the program. This decision is based on whether the group member has been communicating with us on a regular basis, and we take life circumstances into consideration.
As the Boston area is known for having particularly difficult transportation issues, Emerge allows a 15-minute grace period for group attendance. As long as group members are in the group no more than 15 minutes late, there is no penalty. However, if group members are more than 15 minutes late, they will not be allowed into the session. They will be charged for the missed session, and their absence will be counted as a “no-show.”
Fee Payment
We expect group members to pay their balance weekly. Group members may not fall behind more than TWO group payments. If group members fall behind more than two group payments, they may not be allowed to attend group sessions until the balance is paid.
Group fees are based on a sliding-fee scale, which is determined after program orientation by a group supervisor. We expect group members to notify us if income changes occur (such as obtaining employment, losing employment, job raises or demotions), so that the fee can be adjusted accordingly.
Clients may pay for the Abuser Education program with cash, money orders, or credit card.
Group fees are based on a sliding-fee scale, which is determined after program orientation by a group supervisor. We expect group members to notify us if income changes occur (such as obtaining employment, losing employment, job raises or demotions), so that the fee can be adjusted accordingly.
Clients may pay for the Abuser Education program with cash, money orders, or credit card.
General Expectations
Emerge is not a substance abuse counseling agency. As such, we do not expect absolute abstinence from alcohol or other drugs during the time in the program. However, we expect group members not to use alcohol or drugs 24 hours before their group session, during the two hours of the session, and 24 hours after the session. If it is determined that a group member has substance abuse issues, we may require absolute abstinence or an evaluation and treatment at a substance abuse clinic.
Emergency closing (due to snow, bad weather, or other emergencies) will be announced on the 617-547-9879 voicemail number.
We expect group members to be respectful towards each other and group leaders. Group members who are not respectful will be asked to leave the group and may risk termination from the program.
We also expect group members to respect each other’s confidentiality by not describing other group members outside of the group. Group members can speak to their friends and family about what they are learning and how they are working to change.
Emergency closing (due to snow, bad weather, or other emergencies) will be announced on the 617-547-9879 voicemail number.
We expect group members to be respectful towards each other and group leaders. Group members who are not respectful will be asked to leave the group and may risk termination from the program.
We also expect group members to respect each other’s confidentiality by not describing other group members outside of the group. Group members can speak to their friends and family about what they are learning and how they are working to change.