🤝 Mutual Respect Policy

At Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services, our work is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that every family deserves to be heard and supported with dignity. To make that possible, we enter each relationship with a shared commitment to mutual respect and good faith.

🧭 What I Commit To:

• I will treat you and your family with empathy, patience, and respect.

• I will honor your lived experience and family culture.

• I will assume good intent, hold space for hard conversations, and meet you where you are.

• I will communicate clearly, directly, and compassionately — even when things are difficult.

• I will be honest about the limits of my role and always advocate for your voice and goals.

💬 What I Ask In Return:

• Please assume I am showing up with care and doing my best — and I will do the same for you.

• Expressing frustration is welcome. Your feelings are valid. I only ask that we avoid personal attacks and remain in conversation, not confrontation.

• Treat all communication (email, text, phone, video, or in-person) with mutual respect and professionalism.

• Understand that I am a support person — not a clinician or crisis responder.

• Refrain from hostile, threatening, or demeaning language.

• Please respect boundaries around time, availability, and scheduling.

🌱 A Note About Repair:

We are human. Sometimes, we misunderstand or miss the mark. When that happens, I believe in repair over rupture — and I hope you do too.

🚫 Zero Tolerance:

If communication becomes abusive, threatening, or unsafe, services may need to be paused or ended. This is never punitive — it is about protecting safety and wellbeing for all parties.

Your Rights as a Client

• Respect and Dignity: You will be treated with kindness, respect, and without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status.

• Confidentiality: Your information will be kept private and secure according to our Privacy Policy.

• Informed Choice: You have the right to ask questions about the services offered, understand your options, and decide what’s best for your family.

• Participation: You are the expert on your child and family. Your voice and preferences guide the work we do together.

• Access to Records: You may request copies of your records or ask for corrections as outlined in our Document Retention Policy.

• Service Termination: You have the right to end services at any time, and you will be informed if services are ended by Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services.

Your Responsibilities as a Client

• Open Communication: Share honest information and updates to help us best support your family.

• Respect: Communicate respectfully and follow agreed-upon boundaries, including timeliness for appointments and appropriate modes of communication.

• Attendance: Attend scheduled meetings and notify at least 24 hours in advance for cancellations or rescheduling.

• Engagement: Actively participate in sessions and advocacy activities to the best of your ability.

• Payment: Pay fees as agreed according to the Fee & Payment Policies below.

• Follow-up: Complete any agreed-upon tasks or actions between sessions to maintain progress.

Fee & Payment Policies

Service Rates

• Hourly Rate: $125-175/hour for advocacy, consultation, and coaching sessions.

• Bundles & Packages:

  • As listed on our services page

• Sliding Scale:
  I offer a sliding scale discount based on income and family size to increase accessibility. Please inquire confidentially about eligibility and apply during the intake process.

• Add-Ons:
  Additional services like goal rewrites, behavior plan reviews, or emergency calls are priced separately as outlined in the service menu. A bundled purchase may allow for an additional discount.

Payment Terms

• Payment Methods: Acceptable payments include credit/debit cards (via secure online payment), Venmo, Zelle, and checks (by arrangement).

• Due Date: Payment is due at the time of service or before scheduled sessions when booked in advance.

Late Payment: Late payments may result in suspension of services until payment is received.

Refund Policy

At Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services, my goal is to provide you with meaningful, effective support. I understand that sometimes expectations may not be fully met, and I want to be clear about how refunds and bundle usage work.

Bundle Usage and Expiration

• All service bundles must be used within 1 calendar year from the date of purchase.

• Sessions included in any subscription or package plan must be fully used within the active subscription period (e.g., quarterly plans within 3 months).

• Unused sessions or hours will not be carried over beyond the expiration period and will expire without refund.

Refunds and Satisfaction

• If you feel that you did not get the value you expected from a bundle, please contact me within 30 days of your last session in the bundle to discuss your concerns.

• Refunds for partial or full bundles are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on documented usage and efforts to address concerns.

• To be eligible for any refund or credit, at least one session must have been attended in the bundle period.

• Refunds are not guaranteed and may be offered as partial credits toward future services rather than refunds, depending on circumstances.

Cancellation and No-Show Fees

• Refunds do not apply to sessions missed without proper notice or late cancellations, as outlined in the Cancellation Policy.

• Missed Appointments: Late cancellations or no-shows without 24-hour notice may incur a fee equal to 50% of the scheduled session rate.

Financial Hardship

• If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to discuss options. I am committed to working with families to provide support within their means while maintaining sustainable service.

🔁 Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

At Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services, I understand that life with kids — especially those with complex needs — can be unpredictable. However, to ensure fair and consistent support for all families, the following policies apply:

💬 Appointments & Sessions

• Cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a cancellation fee.

• Rescheduling is always welcomed, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs with reasonable flexibility.

• If less than 24 hours’ notice is given:

  • You may be charged 50% of the session fee, unless it is due to illness, emergency, or unavoidable caregiving crisis.

  • No-shows may be charged the full session fee, especially after multiple occurrences.

🧾 How to Cancel

Please cancel or reschedule by:

• Emailing me

• Phone/Text: 508-951-0862

❤️ Grace & Flexibility

I know life happens — especially for parents navigating IEP meetings, hospital stays, or dysregulated days. Please just communicate as early as possible so I can adjust. I extend the same flexibility in return when things come up on my end.

As a non-attorney parent consultant and education advocate, I commit to following principles of integrity, respect, and empowerment, ensuring my services align with COPAA’s ethical guidelines and Massachusetts law.

1. Client-Centered & Collaborative

• I prioritize the family’s voice, goals, and values in all advocacy, coaching, and navigation support.

• I respect each family’s culture, lived experience, and professional insight, and actively seek to involve relevant team members (school, clinicians, attorneys) when needed.

• I stay informed of Massachusetts and federal special education rights, including IDEA and 34 CFR §§ 300, to guide families accurately.

2. Transparency & Scope

• I clearly communicate my role as a non-attorney, non-clinician, advocate, consultant, and coach, not a legal representative or mental health provider.

• I do not interpret law, provide legal advice, or act in legal proceedings. If families need legal help, I refer them to licensed Massachusetts attorneys who specialize in special education, civil rights, or guardianship.

• I do not diagnose mental health conditions or provide therapy. Coaching is educational, not therapeutic. I refer families to clinicians or behavior specialists when appropriate.

3. Ethical Practice & Boundaries

• I do not engage in Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)—I respect the legal boundaries for non-lawyers in Massachusetts (Mass. Sup. Jud. Ct. Rule 3:18).

• I maintain professional boundaries by avoiding dual relationships that may impair objectivity (e.g. avoiding close personal ties with clients while serving actively, avoiding enmeshment).

• I conduct regular professional development, aiming for at least 12 hours of advocacy-specific training annually, consistent with best practices seen in Massachusetts advocacy nonprofit standards.

4. Confidentiality & Privacy

• Client information is stored securely via HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace. Minimal paper records are kept and shredded appropriately.

• I share client information only with permission, except where required by law (mandated reporting).

• I clearly explain privacy protections and data handling in the intake process.

5. Professionalism & Respect

• I foster respectful, trauma-informed communication—honoring trust, repairing missteps, and encouraging clients to share when things feel off.

• I practice mutual respect, expecting kindness, clarity, and constructive collaboration from families. Hostile or threatening communication may lead to suspension or termination of services (refer to Mutual Respect Policy).

6. Integrity & Accountability

• I provide accurate information and avoid misrepresenting credentials or outcomes.

• I document all client interactions, advocacy actions, resources shared, and referrals in case files.

• I hold myself accountable for correcting any misinformation and inviting feedback from families when errors occur.

7. Cultural Competence & Equity

• I strive to understand each family's unique culture, identity, language, and access needs.

• I remain open to learning—adapt strategies and language to be inclusive and free of bias.

• I seek to serve all Massachusetts families equitably, regardless of background, identity, or socio-economic status. I do not accept cases I am unable to serve well and will refer clients to alternative providers or translators when necessary.

8. Continuous Improvement

• I pursue ongoing training in special education law, systems navigation, trauma-informed practices, and advocacy approaches.

• I regularly evaluate my effectiveness by seeking client feedback and reflecting on outcomes, adjusting methods as needed.

9. Conflict of Interest

• I disclose any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., recommending a provider with whom I have a personal relationship).

• I do not accept referral fees or commissions from third-party providers—recommendations are always made based on client needs and best fit.

Massachusetts-Specific Considerations

• I follow Massachusetts foster parent rights (MGL c. 119, § 23C) and guardianship guidance (MGL c. 190B) without acting as a legal advisor.

• I recognize IDEA’s federal protections and Massachusetts regulations but refrain from legal interpretation or representation in court or due process.

This Code of Ethics is abridged from COPPA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) and reflects my commitment to providing transparent, respectful, and effective support to families. It ensures you understand not just what I do—but how and why I do it — with integrity, accountability, and compassion.

Effective Date: 7/3/2025

This Privacy Policy outlines how Siobhan Fagan ("I," "me," or "my") and Beacon Family Consulting and Advocacy Services (“Beacon” or the “Site”) collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information, both through direct services and via my website www.beaconfamilyadvocacy.com.

1. What Personal Information I Collect

Through Services:

• Name, address, phone number, email

• Child’s name, age, school district, services received

• Health, educational, and behavioral history

• IEPs, 504s, neuropsychs, and other service documentation

• Case notes and care coordination details

• Information shared during coaching or consultations

Through Website/Online Tools:

• Contact form submissions (name, email, message content)

• Scheduling requests (via Acuity or similar tool)

• Cookies and usage data (IP address, device info, pages visited)

• Newsletter opt-ins (if applicable)

2. How I Use This Information

I collect and use your data to:

• Provide family advocacy and parent coaching services

• Respond to inquiries or schedule appointments

• Support you in navigating education and service systems

• Maintain service records as required for ethical/legal reasons

• Improve website functionality and performance

3. How Information Is Shared

I do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Information may be shared:

• With your consent (e.g., submitting a release of information to collaborate with schools or providers)

• With professionals directly involved in your case, as permitted by you

• If legally compelled via subpoena, court order, or other legal requirement (e.g., mandated reporting).

4. Data Storage and Retention

• All data is stored in a secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace, with strong encryption and access controls.

• Paper records are avoided whenever possible and stored securely when necessary.

5. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., Massachusetts, EU/GDPR, California/CCPA), you may have rights to:

• Access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data

• Withdraw consent or object to how your data is used

• File a complaint with a data protection authority

Please contact me to make such requests.

6. Mental Health and Legal Disclaimer

• I do not provide therapy, diagnosis, or clinical mental health services.

• I do not provide legal advice or act as an attorney. I provide educational and systems navigation support only.

• You should consult a licensed clinician or attorney for legal, medical, or mental health concerns.

7. Website Cookies & Analytics

My website may use cookies and similar tools to:

• Understand how visitors use the site

• Improve accessibility and user experience

• Monitor traffic and troubleshoot issues

You can disable cookies via your browser settings.

8. Third-Party Tools

I may use third-party tools such as:

• Acuity or Calendly for scheduling

• Google Workspace for email and file storage

• Stripe or other services for secure payments

These services may collect data per their own privacy policies.

9. If I Close My Business

If I cease operations, you will be notified by email (if contact info is available) and/or public posting. You may request copies of relevant records. After a 90-day notification period, records will be securely deleted.

10. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated as needed. The most recent version will always be available on my website.

Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: 2 July 2025

Welcome to the website of Beacon Family Consulting and Advocacy Services “Beacon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing our website "www.beaconfamilyconsulting.com" (the “Site”), operated by Siobhan Fagan, or any of the services offered through it, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use this Site.

1. Scope of Services
Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services offers:
- Educational consultation
- Parent consultation and coaching
- Special education advocacy and navigation
- Resources and support for families navigating school and service systems

All services provided are non-clinical, non-legal, and informational or supportive in nature. We do not provide legal advice, mental health diagnosis, or treatment services. These services are designed to empower families to make informed decisions, build confidence, and advocate for their needs.

All services are non-clinical, non-legal, and intended for informational and support purposes only.

2. Not Legal Services, Advice, or Representation
We are not a law firm, and no part of our services constitute legal advice. Any guidance offered is for informational purposes only. Siobhan Fagan is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice, legal interpretation, or representation. Any information shared through consultation, documents, resources, or this Site is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney. You are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal professional for any legal concerns.

There are important situations where only a licensed attorney can give you the guidance or protection you need. These include when you are considering legal action against a school or agency, if you have been asked to sign a settlement agreement or legal waiver, if you are facing a custody or guardianship hearing, if you have been contacted by DCF and are unsure of your rights, if you want to file a discrimination or civil rights complaint, if your concerns solely involve your child's involvement with juvenile court or criminal charges and your options forward, if you want to understand the legal consequences of any decision.

We are not attorneys, do not practice law, and do not interpret or apply laws to specific cases.

📌 If you require legal advice, representation, or interpretation of your rights under the law, you must consult with a licensed attorney.

3. Not Clinical Advice or Mental Health Services
Siobhan Fagan is not a licensed therapist, counselor, or mental health professional. She does not diagnose, treat, or offer therapeutic interventions for any physical, developmental, or mental health condition.

If you are seeking therapeutic or psychological services, please consult a licensed provider or clinician. In an emergency, contact 911 or your local crisis service.

We do not offer psychotherapy, diagnosis, or any other licensed behavioral health service.
Parent coaching and consultation are non-clinical supports focused on:
- Increasing confidence and capacity in home-based advocacy
- Building stronger family–school partnerships
- Offering system navigation tips and practical strategies

📌 If you or your child are in crisis or require mental health services, please seek care from a licensed clinician, therapist, or appropriate health provider.

4. Parent Coaching Disclaimer
Parent coaching through Beacon is:
- Educational and consultative
- Intended to support skill-building and advocacy
- Not therapy or a replacement for therapeutic interventions

We encourage families to work with a team that may include therapists, behaviorists, school staff, legal advocates, and medical professionals, depending on their needs.

5. No Guarantees
While every effort is made to provide accurate, timely, and helpful information, outcomes may vary based on individual situations. No guarantees are made regarding educational placements, service approvals, evaluations, or other results.

6. Confidentiality
All information shared in a consultation or service setting is treated as confidential and will not be shared without your consent, except as required by law (e.g., in cases of suspected abuse or imminent harm).

However, please note that this is not a HIPAA-covered relationship.

7. Copyright and Use of Materials
All content, including handouts, downloads, databases, and web resources, are the intellectual property of Siobhan Fagan and/or Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services unless otherwise noted. You may use these resources for personal, non-commercial use only. Reproduction, redistribution, or use of content for profit without written permission is prohibited.

8. Links to Third-Party Sites
Any references or listings of books, websites, third-party services, or products are provided for informational purposes only. Beacon does not endorse or guarantee any third-party provider. We encourage you to exercise your own judgment and consult appropriate professionals as needed.

8. Booking, Payment, and Cancellations
All services must be scheduled in advance. Payment is due at the time of booking unless otherwise arranged. Missed appointments with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a cancellation fee.

9. Liability Disclaimer
By using this site or services, you agree that Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services is not liable for:
- Outcomes of decisions you make based on information shared
- Services provided by any third-party mentioned
- Any misunderstanding of the scope of our role
Use of our website and services is at your own discretion and risk.

10. Modification of Terms
Siobhan Fagan reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Continued use of the Site and services after changes are made implies agreement to the updated terms.

11. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to conflict of law provisions.

Questions?
If you have any questions regarding these Terms, please contact:
📧 siobhan.k.fagan@gmail.com

At Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services, we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all client-related information while also minimizing unnecessary data collection and storage. Although we are not a clinical, legal, or medical provider and are not bound by HIPAA’s medical retention standards, we adhere to privacy-forward best practices in handling sensitive information.

🖥️ Secure, Minimalist Recordkeeping

We use a HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace to securely store documentation. We actively strive to reduce our paper footprint and only retain information that is necessary to support the services we provide.

⏳ Retention Timeframes

The following guidelines outline how long we retain records:

• Active Clients: Records are securely maintained while services are actively being provided.

• Closed Clients: Files are retained for 3 years from the date of service termination or case closure.

• Minor Clients: Files are retained until the youth turns 18, or for 3 years after services end — whichever is longer.

• Consultations/Non-Clients: General inquiries or brief consultation notes (where no services are initiated) may be deleted after 12 months.

These timeframes are designed to support families who may return for future services, while aligning with principles of data minimization, privacy, and respectful disengagement.

🔒 Secure Disposal

At the end of the retention period, all records are securely deleted or destroyed using privacy-respecting practices, including digital deletion from cloud-based systems and shredding of any physical documents.

🚪 In the Event of Business Closure

If Beacon Family Support & Advocacy Services discontinues operations, you will be notified in writing (via email and/or posted announcement) at least 30 days in advance of closure. During this time:

• You may request a copy of your records.

• You will receive information about how and when your records will be deleted.

• Records will be retained for 90 days post-closure, after which all remaining files will be securely deleted or destroyed.

If you have questions about what information is stored, or would like to request early deletion of your records, please contact us.