Terms and Conditions

 By engaging in services with The Social Work Progressive PLLC, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions. These apply to all services provided by Stephanie Smith, LCSW, including but not limited to SAFE Home Studies, kinship or adoption evaluations, court-related assessments, and independent psychosocial or disability evaluations.

Professional Role & Scope of Services

All services are conducted by Stephanie Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Colorado. Evaluations and assessments are not clinical therapy and do not establish a therapeutic relationship. Services are time-limited, evaluation-focused, and provided within the scope of social work licensure, best practices, and relevant legal and ethical standards.

Stephanie Smith does not provide ongoing treatment, case management, or legal advice. Services are intended to inform decision-making by agencies, attorneys, or courts and are delivered in a neutral, objective, and professional manner.

Confidentiality & Limits

Confidentiality is maintained to the extent possible within the context of evaluations. However, by the nature of assessments—especially those conducted for legal, adoption, or placement purposes—information is not confidential in the same way as clinical therapy. All information collected may be shared in written reports or verbal testimony with third parties such as courts, attorneys, agencies, or referring parties as required or authorized.

Clients are informed that:

• Reports may be subpoenaed or entered into court proceedings.
• Records may be disclosed in compliance with mandatory reporting laws, including concerns of abuse, neglect, or threats of harm.
• Evaluations may be shared with other professionals involved in the case (with appropriate releases or orders).

Accuracy & Responsibility

Clients are expected to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information during the evaluation process. Failure to disclose relevant information may impact the validity or outcome of the assessment. Stephanie Smith reserves the right to discontinue an evaluation if there is evidence of falsification, non-cooperation, or inappropriate behavior.

Assessment Outcomes & Recommendations

All evaluations include professional observations, analysis, and recommendations based on the data collected. These recommendations do not guarantee approval, placement, or specific legal outcomes, which are determined by the referring agency, court, or decision-making authority.

Fees, Scheduling, and Payment Terms

Fees for services will be outlined in a separate service agreement or invoice. A retainer or full payment may be required prior to the start of services.

• Reports will not be released until full payment is received, unless otherwise required by law or court order.
• Expedited services and court appearances may incur additional fees and minimum hourly billing.
• Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may result in a rescheduling fee.
   

Court Testimony & Legal Involvement

If Stephanie Smith is required to appear in court or provide testimony related to an evaluation, this will be billed at an hourly rate for preparation, appearance, travel, and documentation. Advance notice is required for scheduling, and availability is not guaranteed without a prior agreement.

Record Retention & Access

Records related to evaluations are retained in accordance with Colorado state law (generally 7 years or longer for minor clients). Clients may request access to their records in writing, subject to legal and ethical guidelines.

Legal Jurisdiction & Governing Law

All services are provided under the license and ethical standards of the State of Colorado. Any legal disputes, claims, or issues arising from services provided shall be governed by the laws of Colorado and subject to jurisdiction within the state.

By initiating services, submitting paperwork, booking a consultation, or making payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.