SOS YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

Terms and Conditions

We are committed to transparency and clarity in all our services. Please review these guidelines to understand our responsibilities and how we support you and your family.

Our Commitment to You

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the services provided by SOS Youth and Family Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Our mission is to support youth and families in a safe, transparent environment. Please read these terms carefully before engaging with our programs.

2. Privacy and Confidentiality

We treat your personal and familial information with the utmost respect and strict confidentiality. Data collected is used solely for providing and improving our support services, in accordance with applicable laws and our organizational standards.

Policy Clarity Card

Plain English Summary: We will never share your personal information or counseling records with third parties without your explicit, written consent, except where strictly required by law to ensure your safety.

3. User Conduct and Responsibilities

To foster a safe and supportive community, all individuals engaging with our programs must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Engage respectfully and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and peers at all times.
  • Provide accurate information during intake and promptly notify us of any significant changes.
  • Honor the confidentiality of other participants encountered during group programs.
  • Refrain from behaviors that disrupt services or compromise the safety of our facilities.

4. Revisions and Updates

We reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions as our programs evolve or legal requirements change. Material changes will be communicated through our website or direct notice. For inquiries regarding our policies, please contact our administrative team via the links provided below.

Terms and Conditions

SOS Youth and Family, Inc., d/b/a Chesed Youth and Family Services (serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties) — Effective Date: July 30, 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the website, services, programs, and resources provided by SOS Youth and Family, Inc., d/b/a Chesed Youth and Family Services ("SOS," "we," "us," or "our"), including any information, tools, or materials available through our online platforms (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing or using our website or participating in any SOS program or service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use our website or Services. If you are accessing the Services on behalf of a minor or another individual, you represent that you are authorized to accept these Terms on their behalf and to bind them to these Terms to the extent permitted by law.

These Terms are separate from, and do not replace, any program-specific consent forms, notices of privacy practices, or other agreements you may sign as part of receiving services through SOS. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and a specific program agreement or legally required notice, the program-specific document or legally required notice will control to the extent of the conflict.

1. About SOS and Scope of Services

SOS Youth and Family, Inc., d/b/a Chesed Youth and Family Services, is a nonprofit organization providing non-emergency support services to youth, families, and communities, including but not limited to mentoring, counseling referrals, educational workshops, crisis support coordination, and community-based programs in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

The information and resources presented on our website are provided for general informational, educational, and outreach purposes only and are not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, legal, or educational advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Program availability, eligibility, and scope may vary based on funding, staffing, and community needs. SOS reserves the right to modify, pause, or discontinue programs or services at any time, consistent with applicable law and funding requirements.

2. No Emergency Services; No Provider-Client Relationship

SOS is not a 911 or emergency service provider and does not operate as a crisis hotline. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, or considering self-harm, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.

Use of our website or participation in our programs does not, by itself, create a provider-client, therapist-client, doctor-patient, attorney-client, or any other legally recognized professional relationship between you (or your child) and SOS or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliates. Any supportive conversations, referrals, or guidance offered by SOS staff are intended to facilitate access to appropriate community resources and to promote safety and well-being, but do not constitute licensed clinical treatment or medical care unless expressly provided within a licensed and regulated setting under a separate, specific agreement and legally required disclosures.

3. Confidentiality and Privacy of Client Information

SOS is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals and families who engage with our programs, to the extent permitted by law. Confidentiality obligations and privacy protections may vary depending on the type of service provided, the funding source, and whether services are delivered directly by SOS or in collaboration with licensed providers or partner agencies.

To the extent SOS or its partners are subject to federal or state privacy laws in connection with particular services, those laws may include, but are not limited to:

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations, to the extent applicable;
  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), to the extent services are provided in coordination with educational institutions and educational records are involved;
  • California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA), to the extent applicable;
  • California Welfare and Institutions Code provisions related to mental health and social services records, to the extent applicable;
  • 42 C.F.R. Part 2, to the extent SOS or its partners provide services involving substance use disorder treatment records covered by that regulation; and
  • Any other applicable federal, state, or local privacy or confidentiality laws, regulations, or contractual obligations governing specific programs.

SOS staff and any subcontracted providers are trained to handle personal information in a manner consistent with applicable law, ethical standards, and program requirements. However, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, and information may be disclosed when required or permitted by law, including but not limited to situations involving risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, court orders, or audits by authorized oversight agencies, as further described below under “Mandated Reporting.”

4. Minors and Consent to Services

Many SOS programs are designed to serve minors and their families. Consent for participation in services involving minors will be obtained in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to California law governing minor consent, parental or guardian consent, and the rights of minors in educational and social service settings.

Where required by law, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent for a minor to participate in certain services. In other cases, minors may be permitted by law to consent to specific types of services on their own (for example, certain mental health services, reproductive health services, or services related to sexual assault or substance use). In all cases, SOS will follow applicable legal requirements regarding who may consent to services and what information may be shared with parents, guardians, or others involved in the minor’s care.

5. Mandated Reporting

Certain SOS staff and affiliated providers are mandated reporters under California law and are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, abuse of elders or dependent adults, and in some circumstances, threats of serious harm to self or others. These obligations may arise under, without limitation, California Penal Code sections 11164–11174.3 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act) and related statutes.

If, in the course of providing services or communicating with you or your child, SOS staff become aware of information that reasonably leads them to suspect abuse, neglect, or a credible risk of serious harm, they may be required by law to share that information with child protective services, adult protective services, law enforcement, or other appropriate agencies. These reporting duties may limit the extent to which information can be kept confidential, even when an individual requests that it be kept private.

6. Non-Discrimination and Accessibility

SOS is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, immigration status, language, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. SOS does not unlawfully discriminate in the provision of services, employment, or access to programs.

SOS strives to provide reasonable accommodations and language access services, consistent with applicable law and funding requirements, to enable individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency to participate meaningfully in its programs. If you require an accommodation or language assistance, please contact SOS using the contact information provided on our website as far in advance as possible so that we can work with you to identify appropriate supports.

7. Website Privacy and Data Collection

When you visit our website, SOS and its service providers may collect certain information automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages visited, and the dates and times of your visits. We may also collect information you voluntarily provide through online forms, registrations, contact requests, or newsletter sign-ups, such as your name, contact information, and preferences.

SOS uses this information to operate, maintain, and improve our website and Services, to respond to inquiries, to communicate with you about programs and events, and to comply with legal or funding requirements. We may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to understand how visitors use our website and to enhance user experience. You can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies, but doing so may impact certain website features.

SOS does not sell your personal information. We may share limited information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website or delivering Services, subject to appropriate confidentiality and data security obligations. We may also disclose information when required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or government request, or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of SOS, our staff, our clients, or the public.

8. Acceptable Use of the Website

You agree to use the SOS website and any online Services in a manner consistent with these Terms, applicable law, and community standards of respect and safety. You agree that you will not:

  • Use the website or Services for any unlawful purpose or to solicit others to perform or participate in unlawful acts;
  • Harass, abuse, stalk, threaten, or otherwise harm any staff member, volunteer, program participant, or other individual;
  • Post, transmit, or share content that is defamatory, obscene, hateful, discriminatory, or otherwise objectionable;
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the website, servers, or systems used by SOS or its service providers;
  • Introduce viruses, malware, or other harmful code, or interfere with the security or integrity of the website or Services; or
  • Use any automated means (such as bots, scrapers, or crawlers) to access the website for purposes not authorized by SOS.

SOS reserves the right to take appropriate action, consistent with applicable law, in response to violations or suspected violations of these acceptable use provisions, which may include restricting access to the website, terminating participation in programs, or contacting law enforcement or other authorities when necessary to protect safety or comply with legal obligations.

9. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise indicated, all content on the SOS website—including text, graphics, logos, images, audio or video materials, and the overall design and arrangement of the site—is owned by or licensed to SOS and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. "SOS Youth and Family," "Chesed Youth and Family Services," and associated logos and marks are trademarks or service marks of SOS, and may not be used without our prior written permission, except as permitted by law.

You may access and use the website and its content for your personal, noncommercial use, educational purposes, or in connection with participation in SOS programs, provided that you do not remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices. Any reproduction, distribution, modification, public display, or other use of website content beyond what is expressly permitted by law or these Terms requires the prior written consent of SOS or the applicable rights holder.

10. Third-Party Links

The SOS website may contain links to third-party websites, resources, or services that are not owned or controlled by SOS. These links are provided for your convenience and informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by SOS of the third-party content, products, or services.

SOS has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy practices, or activities of any third-party websites or services. You access and use third-party sites at your own risk and are encouraged to review the terms and privacy policies of any third-party site you visit.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the SOS website and Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. SOS does not warrant that the website will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that the website or the servers that make it available are free of viruses or other harmful components.

SOS expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement, to the extent permitted by law. Information and resources provided through the website are intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall SOS, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, or affiliates be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, goodwill, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with your use of (or inability to use) the website or Services, even if SOS has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

To the extent any liability cannot be excluded under applicable law, SOS’s total liability to you for any claims arising out of or relating to your use of the website or Services shall be limited to the greater of (a) the amount you have paid (if any) to SOS for the specific Service at issue during the six (6) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim, or (b) one hundred dollars ($100). Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you in full, but shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by law.

13. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SOS, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the website or Services; (b) your violation of these Terms or any applicable law; or (c) your infringement or misappropriation of any third party’s rights, including intellectual property or privacy rights. This indemnification obligation shall not apply to the extent any such claims, demands, losses, or liabilities are caused by the sole gross negligence or willful misconduct of SOS.

14. Grievances and Complaints

SOS is committed to addressing concerns and improving the quality of its programs and Services. If you have a complaint, concern, or grievance about any aspect of SOS’s services, staff, or operations, you are encouraged to contact us using the information provided on our website or in your program materials. We will make reasonable efforts to review and respond to complaints in a timely and respectful manner, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and funding requirements.

Depending on the nature of the program and the funding source, you may also have the right to file a complaint directly with a governmental or oversight agency, such as a county behavioral health department, state education agency, or civil rights office. Program-specific materials or notices may provide additional information about your rights and applicable complaint processes.

15. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms and any dispute arising out of or relating to your use of the SOS website or Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles, except to the extent that other laws are mandatorily applicable under federal or state statutes or regulations governing particular programs or services.

Subject to any applicable requirements under federal or state law regarding administrative review or alternative dispute resolution, you agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the website or Services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County, California, and you hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts, to the extent permitted by law.

16. Changes to These Terms

SOS may update or modify these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, programs, legal requirements, or other operational needs. When we make material changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this document and may provide additional notice through our website or other appropriate channels, as required by law or funding agreements.

Your continued use of the SOS website or participation in SOS programs after any changes to these Terms become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you should discontinue use of the website and, if applicable, discuss any concerns about continued program participation with SOS staff or your service providers.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Have Questions?

Legal documents can be dense and confusing. If you need clarity on any aspect of our Terms and Conditions, our team maintains an open-door policy. We are always ready to provide the guidance you need in a supportive environment—so you never have to guess.

Confidentiality Protocols

Your privacy and security are our highest priorities. All conversations and inquiries regarding our programs or legal terms are handled with the utmost discretion and care.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact SOS Youth and Family, Inc. at:

1430 Cooley Drive, Suite 220
Colton, California 92324
(909) 533-4889
[email protected]