Client Boundaries Agreement

1. Purpose & Scope

This agreement defines the professional standards and behavioral expectations for all clients enrolled in MECRS programs. It exists to protect the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of our staff and to ensure the program environment remains functional for all participants.

This agreement applies from the moment a client confirms enrollment through the final day of the program, and governs all interactions with MECRS staff whether in person, by phone, by message, or through any intermediary.

2. Zero-Tolerance Harassment Policy

MECRS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of harassment. The following behaviors will result in immediate program termination without refund:

• Any verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed at staff
• Unwanted physical contact of any kind, including touching, grabbing, or blocking movement
• Making explicit or implicit sexual propositions or offers of money in exchange for personal contact
• Threatening, intimidating, or coercive language directed at any staff member
• Repeated, unwelcome communication after a staff member has requested it to stop
• Photographing, recording, or distributing images of staff without explicit written consent
• Discriminatory conduct based on gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or any protected characteristic

Staff are instructed to report any incident immediately to their MECRS coordinator. All reports are documented and retained. MECRS reserves the right to report incidents to local authorities at its sole discretion.

3. Private Quarters Rules

The client's assigned condo unit is a private residential space. The following rules govern its use for the duration of the program:

• Staff access to private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms) is limited to agreed cleaning and maintenance windows. Staff will knock and wait for acknowledgment before entering.
• Clients must not enter staff areas, storage areas, or any space not designated for client use.
• The unit is to be used for residential purposes only. No commercial activity, unauthorized subletting, or use as a gathering space for non-approved guests.
• Clients must maintain basic cleanliness and not obstruct staff from performing their assigned duties.
• Damage to the unit, furnishings, or equipment beyond normal wear is the financial responsibility of the client.
• Noise must be kept at a level that does not disturb building neighbors. Building management rules apply and take precedence.

4. Guest Policy

Guests are permitted in the program unit under the following conditions:

• All guests must be pre-approved by the client's MECRS coordinator at least 24 hours in advance.
• Guests may not stay overnight without explicit written approval from MECRS. Unauthorized overnight stays are a breach of this agreement.
• Guests are subject to the same conduct standards as clients while on the premises. The client assumes full responsibility for the behavior of their guests.
• No more than three guests may be present in the unit at any time without prior coordinator approval.
• Staff are not required to serve, accommodate, or interact with guests. Their duties are to the enrolled client only.
• MECRS reserves the right to revoke guest privileges at any time if misuse occurs.

5. Staff Professional Boundaries

MECRS staff are professionals employed to provide specific, defined services. The following boundaries apply at all times:

• Staff are not companions, social escorts, or personal assistants beyond their defined roles (cooking, cleaning, household management).
• Clients may not request staff to run personal errands outside the scope of the operating budget and household duties without coordinator approval.
• Staff are not available 24/7 for non-emergency matters. Off-duty hours are posted in the unit welcome packet.
• Clients must not offer staff money, gifts, or other consideration outside the formal MECRS compensation structure.
• Clients must not ask staff about their personal lives, relationships, or contact information.

6. Operating Budget Rules

Each program includes a $500 monthly operating budget for household expenses. The following rules govern its use:

• The budget covers groceries, household supplies, and approved local transportation for program-related purposes only.
• All expenditures over $50 require prior verbal or written approval from the client or their designated point of contact.
• Receipts are maintained by staff and available for client review at any time.
• Unused budget does not carry over and is not refundable.
• Budget funds may not be used for personal purchases for the client's guests.

7. Program Termination

MECRS reserves the right to terminate a client's enrollment immediately and without refund for any breach of this agreement, including but not limited to:

• Any act covered by the Zero-Tolerance Harassment Policy (Section 2)
• Repeated violations of the guest policy after written warning
• Damage to property, staff, or the program environment
• Conduct that creates legal liability for MECRS or its staff
• Misrepresentation of identity or intent during the enrollment process

Upon termination, the client will be given a reasonable timeframe to vacate the premises. MECRS will arrange for the recovery of any program-owned property.

8. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from this agreement or the program will first be addressed through direct written communication between the client and the MECRS program director. If unresolved within 14 days, disputes will be referred to a mutually agreed mediator. MECRS is not obligated to provide refunds during an active dispute process.

9. Acknowledgment

By checking the agreement box during the consultation form submission, the client confirms they have read, understood, and agree to all terms in this document. This constitutes a binding agreement between the client and MECRS.

Questions about this agreement prior to enrollment should be directed to your MECRS advisor during the consultation call.