The Process for Handling Problematic Behavior at MDSG

• Violating confidentiality both in and outside groups. MDSG protects the privacy of ALL attendees.
• Vaping, smoking, recreational drugs or alcohol are not permitted at the MDSG in-person (inside or outside the front door of the building) or in Zoom meetings.
• No one can attend MDSG meetings while high on drugs or alcohol.
• Unwanted sexual advances/harassment are not tolerated.
• Violent, hostile, or threatening behavior of any kind is not tolerated in the MDSG community.
• Disruptive actions such as interrupting others, having side-bar discussions, monopolizing the meeting, or conducting distracting behavior.
• Giving advice, lecturing, passing judgment, or overly interrogating others. MDSG attendees speak only using the “I statement.”
• Cultural insensitivity, disrespect, or bias toward any ethnic group, religion, or gender orientation
• Note-taking is not permitted in the groups. No one who is not actually an attendee can request to “observe groups” for any purpose.

• In groups, examples could include an inability to follow MDSG Guidelines, hostile behavior toward group participants or facilitators, and an inability to stop disruptive behavior when asked. Facilitators rarely encounter such behavior, but when they do, specific steps must be taken immediately to curtail the behavior.  The facilitator’s job is to maintain a safe, nurturing, hopeful, and empowering group environment for all.  The success of all MDSG groups is dependent on each group being nothing less than a reliable, supportive space.  Occasionally, one attendee will have to be suspended or banned from attending MDSG meetings to protect the group as a whole.  MDSG does not make these decisions lightly.  We always start by giving someone the benefit of the doubt until it becomes clear that that person cannot control his/her behavior or chooses not to.
• MDSG values all members of the MDSG community, both in and out of the group. MDSG guidelines are expected to be followed irrespective of where (in or out of group) interaction is occurring. Guidelines are expected to be followed in any form of communication that takes place. In extremely rare instances, the organization may address behavior outside of groups, including, but not limited to, threatening behavior, inappropriate texting, or contact with other participants, facilitators, or Board members.
• Facilitators and attendees should always have immediate access to the on-site or virtual site director to help if there is a problem in the group.
• MDSG has given a great deal of thought to what a policy on suspensions or a permanent banning ought to look like.  The one constant everyone seems to agree on is that there cannot be an ironclad policy.  That’s because each case is singular and unique; however, there is a process that includes written Incident documentation and practices that usually involve a series of warnings and communication between the attendees and facilitators in order to provide people with the opportunities to be heard and present their points of view. The priority is to continue to offer a supportive, reliable space where attendees and facilitators can feel safe being vulnerable and supporting one another.
• We must use common sense, good judgment, and compassion to understand conflicts and difficulties and come to an effective conclusion for the participant, facilitator, and the group.  What we know is true is that the overall feeling of safety and comfort within the group is paramount and that consensus must be reached amongst site coordinators, Mediation Committee, directors and board members about what to do in a particular case.

1. The facilitator and/or group members can identify problematic behavior.
2. The facilitator always tries to approach the interaction in an even-handed, mindful way.  Taking action and removing a person from the group ought to be a last resort.
3. If the behavior is repeated, the facilitator will again identify the problematic behavior, inform the person that he/she is repeating inappropriate behavior, and issue a warning that he/she will be asked to leave the group.  If in Zoom, the facilitator may contact the virtual coordinator and ask them to come to group if necessary.
4. Once the behavior has been pointed out and the attendee knows that it is disruptive, distracting or making others uncomfortable, the individual can then choose to leave and agree to come back only when they feel better able to control their behavior.    
5. The facilitator may need to use their judgment if they feel the behavior is threatening enough not to allow for a second or third chance.      
6. If repeated a third time, the facilitator can ask the attendee to leave the room and speak with the facilitator.
   • If in-person, the attendee can meet with the facilitator privately outside the room.  The facilitator may assign a member to take over the group in your absence.
   • If in Zoom, the attendee can meet with the virtual coordinator in a Break-out Room or offline. The current Virtual Coordinator is  Henry 718.930.2121.
7. If the attendee is unaware of their behavior and/or they refuse to leave,
   • For an in-person group escort him/her out of the building with the assistance of the site coordinator or another facilitator. In an in-person group if the individual member displays threatening behavior, get additional help from a security guard.  If absolutely required, call 988.
   • On Zoom, the facilitator or virtual coordinator can Remove the attendee.

• A warning may be given, but no action will be taken.
• An incident report is created to acknowledge the problematic behavior in the group.
• The participant also has the opportunity to offer a written account of their experience on a separate incident report form.
• The form for the Incident Report can be found on the website
• If previous warnings exist or further warnings have to be issued, site supervisors, the Mediation Committee will consider what further actions need to be taken and bring necessary board members to discuss the possibility of suspension of a certain length or, in very rare and serious instances, permanent banning.

• Discuss and attempt to resolve the incident between the facilitator, site supervisor, and group member.
• The attendee can fill out their own Incident Report and submit it to the Mediation Committee.
• Every attempt will be made by the Mediation Committee to resolve the conflict peacefully and without need for recourse.
• If the participant or facilitator does not think the disciplinary process and decision are fair and does not wish to discuss the problems with the site supervisor, the facilitator will provide the group attendee with contact information for the “MDSG Mediator.” Mediator contact information is listed on the Incident Report.
• If the conflict cannot be resolved peacefully, an incident report should be filed with the mediation team so the Mediation Committee can discuss next steps.
• If the behavior continues, a series of warnings can provide the participant with the opportunity to understand that their behavior is inappropriate for the space. And should it continue, a period of suspension may be required. Each warning is an opportunity for the participant/facilitator to understand they are not meeting the  expectations and their behavior will not be tolerated.
• If any of the parties involved do not agree with the decision made by the mediation committee an appeal may be made to the board for a final decision.
• Some behavior is so intolerable that it may lead to an immediate suspension.
• Each warning includes communication with the coordinator and a member of the Mediation Committee. Any suspension includes the option to return at a designated time, but only if the attendee can convince the coordinator and the Mediation Committee that he/she/they understand why his/her/their behavior was unacceptable.
• Depending on the extremity of the behavior or the inability of the attendee to change behavior after repeated warnings and conversations with the Mediation Committee, problematic behavior, if too severe for a support group environment, can lead to a potential permanent ban. This is extremely rare. Recovery is possible for anyone.   So, even if MDSG bans someone, that person may be able to make the progress needed to be welcomed back.

To file an incident report, please click the button.