The Balanced Mind Foundation Online Support Group Rules, Environment, 
Content and Subject Matter:

1. The Balanced Mind Foundation Support Groups are a place of safe harbor, a place where parents and caregivers can find empathy, support and reassurance as well as information (both factual and anecdotal). Your first and foremost responsibility as a member is to maintain the safety of this environment.
2. Support group members represent a broadly diverse population from all ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, lifestyles, beliefs and value systems. Membership is based on INCLUSION, not EXCLUSION, and there must be an atmosphere of tolerance for differences. At the same time, members must refrain from projecting their own beliefs or judgments on others. Members MUST be respectful of the personal choices that each person makes in the best interest of their OWN family.

   Each member should have the freedom to include, within the context of parenting, mentions of their personal habits and beliefs. If the topic is pertinent, impacts a member, his or her child, or is a source of strength and support for coping, the topic can be included. However, debates over the merits, weaknesses or values of differing perspectives are NOT allowed.

3. There is absolutely no tolerance for "flaming," (a term for attacking members for their opinion, views, thoughts, etc.) Abusive, derogatory comments or discussions are similarly not allowed, regardless of whether or not the subject is a member of the group. The use of profane or vulgar language is not allowed unless quoting something your child may have said in relaying an experience. When the use of profane language is appropriate, one or two letters should be omitted so as to minimize offense (e.g. h*ll).
4. Members have unique and often painful histories, some of which they may choose not to share. It is important to be sensitive to the fact that there may be times when a post, while seemingly harmless, may strike a painful nerve for a member. Both members need to recognize that there was no intentional harm and that forgiveness and diplomacy are key. If a subject causes pain or offense, members should raise the issue peacefully, acknowledge the area of sensitivity, and then move on.
5. Off topic discussions (those issues that do not directly relate to parenting and/or bipolar disorder) should be conducted privately, off of the support group (this is referred to as back channeling). When having a specific discussion with one person from the group, particularly when it is unrelated to bipolar disorder, please email that person directly unless the information will clearly benefit the entire group.
6. Members are prohibited from any form of solicitation.  This includes direct requests or announcements about a business or merchandising venture, requests for participations in surveys, as well as indirect solicitations through posting links to business opportunities or sales.  The Balanced Mind Foundation is an advertisement free site, and appreciates that all members respect and adhere to this policy.
7. The support group moderators will monitor these support groups. Please feel free to contact a group moderator with any concerns about members' noncompliance with these rules so that s/he can attempt to resolve the issue. If necessary, the moderator will contact the The Balanced Mind Foundation Program Manager for further assistance. Consequences for noncompliance may range from being requested to post an apology to the group, given a warning, being placed on a moderated status, or, if absolutely necessary, to being unsubscribed from the group.

PARTICIPATION:

1. Participation in a The Balanced Mind Foundation on-line support group constitutes ongoing acceptance of and adherence to these rules.
2. Membership in a The Balanced Mind Foundation support group is open to adults who are parents, guardians, family members or other individuals involved in raising or helping a child, adolescent or young adult with pediatric bipolar disorder. You represent that you are such a person.

PRIVACY:

By subscribing to this support group, you agree to respect the privacy of other members and their postings. Accordingly, no posting, or any portion therein, may be used, quoted or published outside of the group, except for the rights granted to The Balanced Mind Foundation as described below. Individuals (including parents, professionals, journalists and The Balanced Mind Foundation members) who are doing research, or collecting material for books, articles, Web sites or other media productions, must disclose this and obtain prior written consent from The Balanced Mind Foundation's Editorial Committee (for media projects) or Research Committee (for research).

1. Guidelines for Journalists
2. Research Guidelines
3. Guidelines for students

The The Balanced Mind Foundation Board of Directors appreciates the immense collective wisdom of parents who are raising children who have bipolar disorder. In keeping with The Balanced Mind Foundation’s mission to educate, advocate and empower, The Balanced Mind Foundation may periodically archive, republish, or access for research purposes, information posted on the message boards or on-line support groups. All identifying information about individuals, their children or others will be removed in order to insure confidentiality and anonymity. Through your membership in an on-line group, you are giving permission for such material to be used within the scope of The Balanced Mind Foundation’s goals and mission.

EMAIL/POSTING PROCEDURES:

1. Once you have joined your support group, please post to your support group (from the website or by email) to introduce yourself. Introductions generally include information such as:
   • when and at what age your child was diagnosed;
   • which treatments and medications you have tried and with what results;
   • some of the current issues you and your child are dealing with;
   • the accommodations you have made or are seeking in an educational setting.

The purpose of this introduction is to help other members get to know you so that they can relate to you more closely and offer support.

2. Please create a "signature" line.  If you are posting from the website, you can set up your signature line in your profile (click on your user name once you are logged in).  If you post from your email account, set up your signature line based on your email provider’s instructions.  We suggest include the following information:
   • your name or nickname;
   • the name (or nickname or first initial) of your child or children with bipolar disorder and his/her age;
   • the diagnosis of your child and the medications he/she is taking;
   • your child's current educational placement;
   • your home state.

     If you wish, you may also include information about your other children and any diagnoses that you have as well as medications you are taking. For example:

     Sue, BP, Lithobid, Seroquel, Abilify
     Mom to:
     Trevor BP (11), Lithobid, Lamictal, Omega 3
     Regular 6th grade with IEP
     Julie (8)
     South Dakota

3. Please include a subject heading that reflects the content of your message when you create a post.  If you reply to a message and the topic changes, please update the subject line. Since some members are unable to read all of the posts, the subject heading helps them to select or prioritize what they read.
4. When responding to a post, delete as much unneeded information from the original post as possible and leave only the details relevant to your response.
5. If you want to change your mail delivery options or unsubscribe from a support group, you may do so from your The Balanced Mind Foundation profile page. If you need help, please contact your support group moderators or email us at support@thebalancedmind.org.

I understand that information shared in the support group is not intended to replace the counsel and judgment of a doctor who knows my child and that all posts are subject to the Notices and Disclaimers appearing elsewhere on this website and that I have read all such Notices and Disclaimers.

If you have any questions please email to support@thebalancedmind.org.