Do not visit private homes alone
No student team should enter private homes without a trusted adult, partner staff, and clear school approval.
Ethics and Safety
Students are companions, not counselors.
The project protects elders and students by working through trusted organizations, avoiding private-home visits, and limiting what information students collect.
Non-negotiables
Safety comes before impact numbers.
Work through trusted organizations
Senior centers, foundations, community care stations, school staff, or social workers should guide who is contacted and what is appropriate.
Get consent first
Photos, names, recordings, stories, and quotes require clear consent from the elder and the supervising partner.
Do not collect private information
Avoid health details, family conflict, finances, addresses, grief, abuse, or medical questions unless partner staff explicitly direct the process.
Keep roles clear
Students can listen, write cards, help with activities, and raise awareness. They are not counselors, social workers, or medical professionals.
Report serious concerns
If someone mentions self-harm, abuse, neglect, medical danger, or unsafe living conditions, tell the supervising adult or partner staff immediately.
Review uploads before sharing
Any submitted image, screenshot, flyer, or document should be checked for private names, faces, addresses, health details, and consent before public display.
Before an activity
Confirm these details
- Partner name, staff contact, date, time, and location.
- Approved student roles and the supervising adult.
- Consent rules for photos, stories, recordings, and quotes.
- Language needs and accessibility considerations.
- Emergency procedure and who handles serious concerns.
After an activity
Reflect without overclaiming
Track simple numbers and anonymous reflections. Do not claim medical or psychological improvement unless a qualified partner designs that assessment.
Good student evidence includes cards written, elders reached through the partner, organizations contacted, staff feedback, and what students learned about aging and dignity.