Shadow Hills Riding Club Inc.

Program Policies & Participant Guidelines 

Effective Date: December 18, 2024
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Organization: Shadow Hills Riding Club Inc. (501(c)(3))
Location: 10263 La Canada Way, Shadow Hills, CA 91040
Contact: info@shadowhillsridingclub.org | 213-761-0549

 

Order of Control

1. Executed SHRC waivers and agreements

2. These Program Policies & Participant Guidelines (including Appendices)

3. Website summaries or informational materials
   The interpretation providing greater protection to SHRC governs.

 

Purpose, Scope & Conditions of Entry

Shadow Hills Riding Club Inc. (“SHRC”) provides therapeutic, adaptive, educational, and recreational equine-based and nature-based experiences conducted exclusively within an active, working ranch environment.

Because SHRC programming occurs in close proximity to live animals, agricultural operations, equipment, uneven terrain, weather, and other inherent risks, strict compliance with documentation, supervision, safety, and conduct requirements is a non-negotiable condition of entry, presence, and participation.

SHRC property is private property. Entry and continued presence are conditional privileges, not rights. Participation is not guaranteed and remains subject to SHRC’s ongoing safety, supervision, animal-welfare, and operational determinations

 

Index

Sections 1–18 

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1. Definitions

2. Registration & Participation Requirements

3. Waivers & Assumption of Risk

4. Non-Clinical Program Disclaimer

5. Aide & Support Worker Policy

6. Supervision, Drop-Off, Seasonal Sessions & Attendance

7. Program Fit, Staff Authority & Safety Decisions

8. Code of Conduct

9. Payments, Cancellations & Refunds (including Third-Party Funding & FMS)

10. Safety Requirements & Emergency Protocols

11. Animal Welfare & Volunteer Standards

12. Photography, Video, Audio Recording & Media

13. Client Privacy & Records

14. Communication Policy & Professional Boundaries

15. Volunteer & Participation Limitations

16. Harassment, Boundaries & No-Trespass

17. Right to Refuse Service & Nondiscrimination

18. Policy Acknowledgment, Severability & Governing Law

 

Appendices A–J are incorporated by reference and available upon request.

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Program Policies & Participant Guidelines

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Purpose, Scope & Non-Negotiable Conditions of Entry

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Shadow Hills Riding Club Inc. (“SHRC”) provides therapeutic, adaptive, educational, and recreational equine-based and nature-based experiences conducted exclusively within an active, working ranch environment. SHRC programming occurs in close proximity to live animals, agricultural operations, vehicles, tools, heavy equipment, ranch infrastructure, uneven terrain, dust/allergens, wildlife, weather, and other inherent ranch and equine risks.

 

SHRC serves minors, adults, and vulnerable populations. Accordingly, SHRC requires strict compliance with documentation, waiver, supervision, behavioral, safety, and conduct standards as a non-negotiable condition of entry, presence, and participation.

 

These Program Policies & Participant Guidelines (the “Policies”) apply to every person entering SHRC property, including but not limited to: participants, guardians, family members, visitors, observers, volunteers, aides/support workers, agency personnel, service providers, vendors, contractors, photographers, and members of the public.

 

By entering SHRC property, registering for, attending, observing, volunteering in, or participating in any SHRC program, activity, event, session, tour, or visit, each individual knowingly and expressly agrees to comply fully with these Policies and all directions issued by SHRC staff.

 

Private Property / Conditional Privilege. SHRC property is private property. Entry and continued presence are conditional privileges, not rights. SHRC may deny entry, restrict access, impose conditions, require immediate departure, and/or permanently exclude any individual at SHRC’s sole discretion for safety, compliance, supervision, operational capacity, animal welfare, or program integrity reasons.

 

No Guarantee of Participation. Participation is not guaranteed. SHRC retains sole, exclusive, and continuing discretion to determine eligibility, suitability, program fit, required supervision level, and continued participation based on safety considerations, staffing, supervision capacity, animal welfare, facility limitations, participant conduct, and operational needs.

 

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE. This webpage/document is published for operational clarity only. It does not replace, supersede, or modify executed SHRC registration forms, releases, waivers, or agreements. Properly executed SHRC documents control in all cases.

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Section 1. Definitions

1. Definitions

For interpretation and enforcement of these Program Policies & Participant Guidelines, the following terms apply:

• Participant
  Any minor or adult who is enrolled in, attending, observing, volunteering in, or otherwise present for any SHRC program, activity, or visit, whether or not actively riding, handling animals, or participating directly.

• Guardian
  A legal parent or court-appointed legal guardian with full legal authority to make decisions and execute documents on behalf of a minor participant.

• Aide / Support Worker
  Any behavioral aide, therapeutic companion, case worker, paraprofessional, agency staff member, or third-party support person accompanying or assisting a participant.

• SHRC Staff
  Any SHRC employee, instructor, volunteer lead, contractor, or authorized representative acting on behalf of Shadow Hills Riding Club Inc.

• Programs / Activities
  All lessons, assessments, seasonal sessions, recreational camps, clinics, tours, volunteer shifts, events, animal interaction, ranch visits, and any related activity occurring on SHRC property.

• Supervision
  Continuous, direct, in-person oversight by a legal guardian or SHRC-approved adult who remains physically present on SHRC property and retains full responsibility for the participant at all times outside structured SHRC instruction.

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Section 2. Registration & Participation Requirements

 

2. Registration & Participation Requirements

Participation eligibility, assessment, placement, and approval are determined solely by SHRC and are not guaranteed by funding source, payment status, Fiscal Management Services (FMS), or any third-party authorization.

 

2.1 No Paperwork, No Entry, No Participation

All participants, aides/support workers, volunteers, and visitors must submit a complete SHRC registration packet and receive explicit written approval from SHRC administration before arriving on SHRC property for any reason.

Verbal approvals, assumptions, prior participation, informal arrangements, third-party assurances, agency approvals, or statements such as “we’ve been there before” do not constitute authorization.

No exceptions.

 

2.2 Required Documentation (Minimum)

At minimum, the following documentation must be complete, accurate, and on file before arrival:

• Emergency Contact Form (minimum two current phone numbers and current addresses)

• Medical and Behavioral Disclosure & Release
  (must be complete, truthful, and current; omissions, minimization, or inaccuracies may result in immediate removal)

• SHRC Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Waiver

• Policy Acknowledgment confirming acceptance of the current SHRC Policies

SHRC may require additional documentation, assessments, agency approvals, restrictions, or conditions based on program type, participant age, medical or behavioral history, supervision needs, safety considerations, or operational capacity.

 

2.3 Minors — Legal Authority Strictly Enforced

Only a legal parent or court-appointed legal guardian may execute documents on behalf of a minor participant.

SHRC does not accept signatures from grandparents, stepparents, siblings, babysitters, aides, friends, agencies, family members, or any individual lacking verified legal authority.

SHRC may request custody orders, guardianship documentation, or court records at any time. Participation may be delayed, suspended, or denied pending verification.

 

2.4 Form Integrity & Validity

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• Only current, SHRC-issued forms are accepted

• Altered, partial, outdated, illegible, or third-party documents are rejected

• All required fields and signatures must be completed

• Electronic signatures are accepted only when verified and approved by SHRC administration

 

2.5 Consequences of Non-Compliance

 

Failure to comply with registration or documentation requirements may result in denied entry, immediate removal, suspension, termination of participation, loss of program placement, and forfeiture of fees, in accordance with Section 9 (Payments, Cancellations & Refunds).

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Section 3. Waivers & Assumption of Risk 

3. Waivers & Assumption of Risk

A properly executed SHRC Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Waiver is required for every person entering SHRC property, regardless of role or level of participation.

This includes, without limitation, participants, guardians, aides/support workers, volunteers, observers, visitors, service providers, vendors, and authorized guests.

Execution of a valid SHRC waiver is a condition of entry onto SHRC property, not merely participation in activities.

 

3.1 Legal Framework

SHRC waivers are drafted consistent with applicable California law, including California Civil Code §1668.

Waivers apply to claims arising from ordinary negligence only.
Gross negligence, reckless conduct, or willful misconduct is not waived.

3.2 Website Notice

This webpage or document does not constitute a waiver, release, or contractual agreement.

Participation or entry requires a properly executed SHRC waiver completed through official SHRC registration channels.

3.3 Invalid or Incomplete Waivers

Any waiver that is missing required elements, incomplete, altered, expired, or otherwise invalid is void and results in immediate denial of entry or participation until corrected.

3.4 Renewal & Mandatory Updates

Waivers must be renewed annually and immediately upon any material change, including but not limited to:

• program cycle or session type,

• risk level or program structure,

• medical or behavioral condition,

• guardian, aide, or support personnel.

SHRC may update waiver language due to regulatory changes, insurance requirements, facility updates, expanded services, legal advisories, or risk management needs.

When updated waivers are issued, participants and families must execute the revised forms as required. Program access may be suspended until updated waivers are received.

Section 4. Non-Clinical Program Disclaimer 

4. Non-Clinical Program Disclaimer

SHRC is not a licensed medical provider, mental health provider, or clinical treatment facility.

SHRC does not provide diagnosis, psychotherapy, counseling, medical treatment, insurance billing, or emergency psychiatric services.

Participants affiliated with outside treatment programs, agencies, or providers remain under the care, supervision, and responsibility of their licensed providers at all times.

SHRC may require additional supervision, documentation, restrictions, assessments, or agency confirmations as a condition of participation, based on safety, program fit, or operational requirements.

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Section 5. Aide & Support Worker Policy 

5. Aide & Support Worker Policy

 

5.1 Prior Written Approval Required

Aides and support workers are permitted only when all of the following conditions are met:

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Prior written approval from SHRC administration

• Completion and acceptance of all required documentation

• Execution of a SHRC Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Waiver and Policy Acknowledgment

• Strict compliance with SHRC staff direction at all times, without interference

Approval may be revoked immediately for safety concerns, disruption, interference with programming, or policy non-compliance.

Approval of an aide or support worker does not transfer responsibility, supervision, or liability from the participant’s family, guardian, or referring agency to SHRC.

 

5.2 Limitations & Restrictions

• Minors may never serve as aides or support workers

• Friends, babysitters, siblings, or informal companions are not authorized

• Aides may not override staff decisions or alter session structure

• Aides must remain in designated areas and follow all SHRC protocols

 

5.3 Unauthorized Support Attempts

Unapproved individuals attempting to act as aides or support workers may be:

• denied access,

• required to leave the property immediately,

• documented internally, and

• may result in suspension or delay of participation until proper arrangements are verified.

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Section 6. Supervision, Drop-Off, Seasonal Sessions & Attendance

6. Supervision, Drop-Off, Seasonal Sessions & Attendance

 

6.1 Program Classification (Not Childcare / Not Custodial Care)

SHRC seasonal sessions and programs are not camps in the sense of a childcare service, and are not daycare, babysitting, custodial care, clinical services, or treatment programs.

They are outdoor recreational and adaptive recreational animal-based activities conducted within an active working ranch environment with inherent risks.

SHRC does not provide:

• all-day supervision,

• one-to-one behavioral staffing,

• custodial or personal care services,

• assistance with activities of daily living (including toileting, feeding, dressing, mobility support, or medical assistance).

Participants attend solely as recreational participants and are not placed into SHRC’s care, custody, or control at any time, regardless of age.

6.2 Supervision Requirements (All Programs; All Ages)

Any participant—minor or adult—who requires supervision, behavioral support, redirection, assistance, or caretaking for any reason must be accompanied at all times by one of the following:

• a legal parent or court-appointed guardian,

• a pre-approved adult caregiver, or

• a pre-approved behavioral health, support, or personal care professional.

“At all times” includes arrival, departure, parking/driveway movement, breaks, restroom use, transitions, waiting periods, and unstructured time.

Participants may never be left with SHRC staff, volunteers, or other families.

SHRC does not assume supervisory, custodial, or caretaking responsibility during transitions, waiting periods, unstructured time, or outside structured instruction.

6.3 Authorized Drop-Off & Pick-Up (Participants Requiring Supervision)

Any participant—minor or adult—who requires supervision or caretaking may be dropped off or picked up only by an individual listed on the participant’s official registration form and approved by SHRC.

SHRC may require photo identification at any time.

SHRC does not accept drop-off or pick-up by:

• rideshare services (Uber/Lyft),

• taxi drivers,

• delivery personnel,

• unlisted or unauthorized individuals.

6.4 Session-Type Rules (Stay On-Site vs. Pre-Approved Drop-Off)

• Standard sessions (approximately 45 minutes): guardians or approved caregivers are required to remain on SHRC property unless SHRC provides explicit written approval otherwise.

• Extended sessions (longer than one hour): drop-off and pick-up may be permitted only when pre-approved in writing and all required documentation is current.

SHRC may require guardians or caregivers to remain on-site at any time based on behavioral, emotional, medical, communication, mobility, or safety needs, evaluation periods, or prior conduct concerns.

6.5 Mandatory Replacement Support

If a supervising adult or caregiver leaves the property, becomes unavailable, or is unable to continue providing support, an approved replacement must be physically present before the original supervisor departs.

SHRC does not provide substitute aides, personal care attendants, or one-to-one supervision under any circumstances.

6.6 Unsupported Attendance

If required supervision, caretaking, or support is not present, the participant may not attend, regardless of age.

Families, agencies, and caregivers should not bring participants hoping SHRC will “help cover supervision.”

SHRC provides only limited oversight during structured activities and does not offer continuous, close-proximity, or custodial supervision beyond that scope.

6.7 Late Pick-Up Protocol

Late pick-ups are documented. Repeated late pick-ups may result in:

• written warnings,

• administrative or cost-recovery fees for staff time and increased ranch liability,

• suspension or termination of participation.

Emergencies must be communicated in real time to SHRC administration via phone or email.

6.8 Teen Volunteers / Junior Helpers (Strict Rules)

SHRC may allow teens (typically ages 14–17) to volunteer in limited, non-clinical roles only when all of the following are met:

• prior written approval by SHRC,

• required training and orientation completed,

• a parent or legal guardian is physically present and supervising at all times,

• the teen signs in and out for each visit.

Permitted roles (when supervised): grooming assistance, approved side-walking, setup/chores, participant encouragement under adult staff direction.

Prohibited activities include supervising participants, acting as aides or support workers, substituting for staff, remaining on property without a guardian, or handling horses or equipment without direct instruction and oversight.

Any teen found on-site without their guardian present may be sent home immediately and disqualified from future volunteering.

 

Section 7. Program Fit, Staff Authority & Safety Decisions

7. Program Fit, Staff Authority & Safety Decisions

Shadow Hills Riding Club operates within a dynamic working ranch environment. Participation is contingent upon ongoing program fit, compliance with SHRC policies, and adherence to all safety requirements.

All instructions, determinations, and safety decisions made by SHRC staff are final. Participants, guardians, aides, support workers, and visitors must comply immediately with staff direction without argument, delay, or interference.

SHRC reserves the right to modify, shorten, reschedule, cancel, or terminate any session or activity due to, including but not limited to:

• weather, footing, temperature, or air-quality conditions;

• horse health, behavior, or welfare considerations;

• staffing or volunteer availability;

• facility, equipment, or operational limitations;

• safety, supervision, or behavioral concerns;

• any condition SHRC determines makes participation unsuitable.

SHRC may immediately remove or suspend any participant, guardian, aide, support worker, or visitor whose conduct is unsafe, disruptive, non-compliant, or inconsistent with program structure or ranch safety.

Removal may occur without warning and without refund.

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Section 8. Code of Conduct

8. Code of Conduct

All individuals on SHRC property—including participants, guardians, aides, support workers, volunteers, vendors, and visitors—must conduct themselves in a respectful, cooperative, and safety-conscious manner at all times.

Expected conduct includes, without limitation:

• following SHRC staff instructions promptly and without interference;

• maintaining calm, predictable behavior around animals;

• respecting staff, volunteers, participants, animals, and property;

• remaining within authorized areas only.

 

8.1 Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• arguing with, disregarding, or attempting to override staff direction;

• harassment, intimidation, retaliation, coercion, or disruptive behavior;

• attempts to manipulate policies, exceptions, staff, or program rules;

• unauthorized interaction with animals;

• entering restricted, staff-only, or closed areas;

• smoking, vaping, alcohol, cannabis, intoxicant use, or open flames;

• possession of weapons, weapon replicas, or prohibited items;

• unauthorized photography, recording, or livestreaming;

• any behavior that SHRC determines compromises safety, horse welfare, operations, or program integrity.

 

8.2 Enforcement

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from the property, suspension or permanent exclusion from programming, internal documentation, issuance of a no-trespass notice, and/or involvement of law enforcement when appropriate.

Corrective action may occur without warning and without refund.

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Section 9. Payments, Cancellations & Refunds 

9. Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

Program fees reserve staff time, horse allocation, facility capacity, and operational resources. Once scheduled, fees are non-refundable, except where SHRC provides a written exception at its sole discretion.

Refunds or credits will not be issued for, including but not limited to:

• policy violations or removal from programming;

• incomplete, false, inaccurate, or missing documentation;

• missing, invalid, altered, or expired waivers;

• failure to provide required supervision, caretaking, or support personnel;

• early departure or inability to complete a session for any reason;

• no-shows, late arrivals, or failure to check in;

• removal for safety, behavioral, supervision, or program-fit reasons.

All refund and credit determinations are made solely by SHRC and are final.

 

9.1 Third-Party Funding & Fiscal Management Services (FMS)

Some participants may utilize third-party funding sources, including Fiscal Management Services (FMS), regional centers, agencies, or other sponsoring organizations, to pay approved program fees.

Third-party funding approval does not guarantee eligibility, placement, scheduling, attendance, or continued participation at SHRC.

Participation is contingent upon:

• completion of required assessments;

• explicit written approval by SHRC;

• ongoing compliance with all SHRC policies;

• availability of appropriate horses, staff, supervision, and facility capacity;

• continued program fit and safety determinations.

SHRC retains sole discretion to modify, suspend, or terminate participation for safety, welfare, compliance, or operational reasons, regardless of funding status or payment source.

Funding authorization, payment approval, subscription status, or service plans through an FMS or other entity do not create a right to services, minimum attendance, refunds, credits, or make-up sessions.

SHRC is not responsible for:

• funding delays or authorization lapses;

• payer disputes or administrative errors;

• missed sessions due to non-compliance, absence, removal, or supervision failures;

• interpretation or enforcement of payer rules or requirements.

All payment-related policies, including non-refundability, late cancellation rules, and removal for policy violations, apply equally to participants funded through third-party sources.

 

Section 10. Safety Requirements & Emergency Protocols

10. Safety Requirements & Emergency Protocols

SHRC operates within an active working ranch environment. Compliance with all safety rules is mandatory for everyone on the property.

10.1 Safety Requirements

Safety requirements include, but are not limited to:

• closed-toe shoes at all times;

• restricted or staff-only areas are off-limits unless escorted and authorized;

• no running, shouting, or sudden movements near animals;

• no feeding, petting, or handling animals without express permission;

• no entry into arenas, pens, or handling areas without authorization;

• no smoking, vaping, open flames, intoxicants, or weapons on the property.

Failure to follow safety requirements may result in immediate removal from the property without refund.

10.2 Emergency Protocols

SHRC maintains an Emergency Action Plan and may contact emergency services, guardians, caregivers, or emergency contacts as deemed necessary based on the circumstances.

Emergency decisions are made in SHRC’s sole judgment for the purpose of protecting participants, staff, animals, and property.

Emergency response actions do not guarantee outcomes and do not constitute medical treatment, custodial care, or assumption of medical or supervisory responsibility by SHRC.

 

Section 11. Animal Welfare & Volunteer Standards

11. Animal Welfare & Volunteer Standards

Animal welfare is a core priority at SHRC. Mistreatment, rough handling, yelling at animals, verbal abuse, or interference with animal care is strictly prohibited.

Volunteers, helpers, and approved participants must:

• remain strictly within the scope of their assigned roles, training, and authorization;

• follow SHRC staff instruction at all times;

• Immediately report safety concerns, animal welfare concerns, or incidents to SHRC staff.

Advanced horse handling or animal care activities require prior written approval from SHRC administration and may be revoked at any time for safety, welfare, or operational reasons.

SHRC reserves the right to remove any individual whose behavior demonstrates impaired judgment, fixation, overstepping, or disruption related to animal welfare or animal care practices.

SHRC is not required to provide explanations, justifications, or documentation regarding routine animal care, handling decisions, or welfare determinations.

 

Section 12. Photography, Video, Audio Recording & Media Permissions

12. Photography, Video, Audio Recording & Media Permissions

12.1 SHRC Recording Rights

SHRC may capture photographs, video, and audio recordings on its property for legitimate purposes including, but not limited to:

• documentation and incident review,

• staff training and safety evaluation,

• educational use,

• grant reporting and compliance,

• donor or stakeholder communications,

• outreach, marketing, and public awareness.

Incidental background capture of individuals may occur during normal ranch operations and programming.

 

12.2 Minors — Public-Facing Use Requires Separate Written Consent

Any public-facing use of images, video, or audio featuring minors (including websites, social media, print, or marketing materials) requires separate, affirmative written consent via an SHRC Media Release Form.

Absent such consent, minors will not be intentionally featured in public-facing materials.
This restriction does not apply to internal documentation, safety review, training, or operational records.

12.3 Opt-Out Procedure (Public-Facing Use Only)

Participants or guardians may opt out of discretionary public-facing media use by submitting a written opt-out at registration or renewal.

Opt-out applies only to discretionary public-facing use and does not require SHRC to edit, blur, obscure, or remove incidental background appearances captured during normal operations.

12.4 Participant, Visitor & Third-Party Recording Prohibited Without Authorization

No participant, guardian, aide, support worker, volunteer, vendor, or visitor may photograph, video record, livestream, or audio record on SHRC property without prior written authorization from SHRC administration.

Personal phones and recording devices must remain put away during programming unless express authorization is granted.

12.5 Enforcement

Unauthorized recording constitutes a serious safety and privacy violation, particularly when minors are present.

SHRC may require immediate cessation and deletion, remove individuals from the property, document violations, issue no-trespass notices, notify guardians or agencies, and involve law enforcement when appropriate.

12.6 No Expectation of Privacy in Common Areas

Individuals should have no expectation of privacy in outdoor or common areas of the ranch where operational monitoring, safety oversight, or documentation may occur.

12.7 Ownership

All media captured by or on behalf of SHRC remains the exclusive property of SHRC, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

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Section 13. Client Privacy & Records 

13. Client Privacy & Records

SHRC follows HIPAA-informed privacy and confidentiality best practices appropriate to a nonprofit equine and recreational program. SHRC is not a covered healthcare provider and does not create or maintain medical records as defined under HIPAA.

Participant and program records are stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel. Information is released only with written consent of the participant or legal guardian, or as required by law.

 

13.1 Record Requests

Record requests must be submitted in writing to:
info@shadowhillsridingclub.org
Subject line: “Record Request – [Participant Name]”

Requests must be submitted by:

• the participant (if legally authorized), or

• the legal guardian on file for minors or dependent participants.

Please allow 3–5 business days for processing. SHRC reserves the right to redact information as required for privacy, safety, or legal compliance.

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Section 14. Communication Policy 

14. Communication Policy

All official communication regarding participation, scheduling, documentation, supervision, policies, payments, or program matters must occur only through SHRC administrative channels.

SHRC does not conduct official business through:

• personal phones,

• personal email accounts,

• social media messages or comments,

• informal conversations,

• third-party intermediaries.

Staff, instructors, volunteers, and representatives are not authorized to negotiate or make representations regarding:

• policies or exceptions,

• pricing or fees,

• scheduling or attendance,

• refunds or credits,

• supervision arrangements,

• documentation requirements.

Only written communication issued or confirmed by authorized SHRC administration is valid.

 

14.1 Professional Boundaries

All communication with SHRC staff, instructors, volunteers, and representatives must remain:

• professional,

• respectful,

• mission-aligned, and

• directly related to program participation or operations.

Communication may not:

• extend beyond reasonable program-related needs,

• create personal expectations or informal arrangements,

• attempt to pressure staff or volunteers,

• interfere with staff duties, safety decisions, or program integrity.

SHRC reserves the right to:

• redirect communication to appropriate administrative channels,

• limit communication methods or frequency,

• require written-only communication,

• suspend or terminate participation for repeated boundary violations.

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Section 15. Volunteer & Participation Limitations 

15. Volunteer & Participation Limitations

SHRC does not provide housing, lodging, meals, food, transportation, stipends, or living accommodations of any kind as part of participation, volunteering, training, or program involvement.

SHRC strictly prohibits:

• residency or overnight stays on SHRC property,

• informal or implied work-trade arrangements,

• dependency-based participation,

• exchanges of services, supervision, care, access, or benefits in lieu of fees,

• arrangements that resemble live-in, caretaker, or support placements.

Participation and volunteering are limited to scheduled program hours only and do not create any right to remain on the property outside approved times.

 

15.1 No Dependency or Support Substitution

SHRC programs and volunteer opportunities are not substitutes for:

• housing or shelter,

• employment,

• caregiving arrangements,

• personal support services,

• treatment placement,

• daily living assistance,

• supervision beyond scheduled program activities.

Individuals requiring housing, daily living support, ongoing caretaking, or continuous supervision beyond scheduled program times are not eligible for participation or volunteering at SHRC.

 

15.2 Volunteer Status Clarification

Volunteers participate solely in limited, defined roles under SHRC direction and:

• are not employees,

• are not contractors,

• do not receive compensation, housing, or benefits,

• do not gain access rights beyond assigned duties.

Volunteer roles may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time at SHRC’s discretion.

15.3 Enforcement

Any attempt to create, request, or imply prohibited arrangements may result in:

• immediate removal from the property,

• termination of participation or volunteer status,

• documentation of the violation,

• issuance of a no-trespass notice when appropriate.

SHRC is not required to provide warnings, explanations, or alternative placements
 

Section 16. Harassment, Boundaries & No-Trespass 

16. Harassment, Boundaries & No-Trespass

SHRC maintains firm professional and personal boundaries to protect the safety, well-being, and integrity of its staff, volunteers, participants, families, animals, and operations.

Harassment, intimidation, retaliation, stalking, coercion, manipulation, threats, defamation, or any form of boundary violation—whether in person, in writing, electronically, or through third parties—is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• persistent or unwanted contact after removal, suspension, or termination,

• attempts to bypass administrative decisions by contacting staff, volunteers, donors, or board members directly,

• pressure campaigns, misrepresentation, or escalation outside approved communication channels,

• hostile, aggressive, or disruptive behavior toward individuals associated with SHRC,

• returning to SHRC property without authorization after being directed to leave.

SHRC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to:

• document incidents internally,

• require immediate departure from the property,

• suspend or permanently terminate participation or volunteer status,

• issue a written or verbal no-trespass notice,

• involve law enforcement or pursue legal remedies when appropriate.

A no-trespass notice revokes permission to enter SHRC property for any reason. Violation of a no-trespass notice may result in law enforcement involvement.

SHRC is not required to provide warnings, mediation, explanations, or additional opportunities for participation once boundaries have been violated.

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Section 17. Right to Refuse Service & Nondiscrimination

17. Right to Refuse Service & Nondiscrimination

SHRC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse, suspend, or discontinue participation at any time due to, including but not limited to:

• safety or animal-welfare concerns,

• policy non-compliance,

• documentation deficiencies or inaccuracies,

• supervision failures,

• behavioral or conduct concerns,

• operational or capacity limitations,

• lack of program fit as determined by SHRC.

Participation is not guaranteed and remains contingent upon ongoing compliance with SHRC policies, procedures, supervision requirements, and safety determinations.

All participation decisions are made consistent with applicable federal and California nondiscrimination laws. SHRC does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable law.
Nothing in this policy creates an entitlement to services, continued participation, or accommodation beyond what SHRC determines is safe, appropriate, and operationally feasible.

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Section 18. Policy Acknowledgment, Legal Integrity & Governing Law 

18. Policy Acknowledgment, Legal Integrity & Governing Law

These Policies apply regardless of whether they are read. SHRC may update or revise these Policies at any time. Continued entry, presence, or participation constitutes acceptance of the most current version in effect at that time.

These Policies may be modified only in writing by authorized SHRC administration. Verbal statements, informal communications, or representations by staff, volunteers, or third parties do not alter or override written policy.

If any provision of these Policies is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SHRC’s failure to enforce any provision on one or more occasions does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce that or any other provision in the future.

These Policies shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

​

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​Appendices A–J are incorporated by reference and available upon request.