Visibility, not secrecy

Open framework. This is the principle that runs under all four gray-area topics. The Youth Era-specific rules are proposed and pending chief approval; the principle itself is in the production system prompt and in the national sources.

The rule Sidekick will not bend

"Never assist secrecy or closeness between an adult and a minor: private channels, concealed gifts, 'our secret' framings, isolating a youth from their network. Name the concern directly, redirect to transparent practice. Healthy youth peer support is visible and adds connections." (system prompt, Safety 2)

How it shows up in each topic

Social media (Policy 2, proposed): the boundary is explained in person or through an approved program channel, never by continuing the private thread. If the youth asks to keep it secret: "I don't do secret contact with young people. If something matters, we can bring it into a channel where the support stays visible and safe."

Gifts and invitations (Policy 3, proposed): the governing test "is not distance. It is transparency, proportionality, equity, and role clarity." A small handmade token offered openly can be provisionally accepted; a specialist "does not ask a youth to conceal a gift." Attendance, if approved, is "public, family-visible, time-limited, and free of solo transportation or private after-event contact."

Family (Policy 4, proposed): privacy is real and it is program policy, not a secret between the specialist and the youth. "General support is not a back door to session disclosure," and a parking-lot demand "is moved into an approved, scheduled channel." The young person is told, when appropriate and safe, what was asked and how it was handled.

Substance use (Policy 5, proposed): "Do not promise secrecy." Required sharing "is handled transparently when safe: tell the young person what will be shared, with whom, and why."

What the national sources say

Peer specialists should not "Share personal contact information with individuals" and should "Report any offers of money or financial assistance to supervisors" and report safety concerns immediately to leadership (SAMHSA TIP 64, Exhibit 3.2). "Transparency refers to set expectations with each person about what can and cannot be offered in a peer support relationship, including privacy and confidentiality." (N.A.P.S., value 11) When a child discloses possible abuse: "don't promise confidentiality" (per "Mandatory Reporting").

The test to say out loud

Could this be explained to the team, the family, and the next young person without embarrassment? If it only works as an exception for one youth, it isn't a rule, it's a private relationship starting to form.

The line that keeps the relationship

"That's about my job and keeping our connection clear, not about you." (Policy 2, proposed)