A joint staff counseling call is a conference call that is held in most cases with the Support Coordinator, Liaison, and Host Student and/or Host Parent/s. These calls are held when dealing with a serious support situation and often when a Warning Letter has been issued.
Warning Letters are issued to students by Participant Support Staff in response to risky behaviors and/or violations of AFS rules and/or guidelines. For example, association with underage drinking and other concerning behaviors. The decision to utilize a Warning Letter results from staff consulting with their manager. As a best practice, the Participant Support staff should share the draft of the letter to gain feedback from the local volunteers directly involved in supporting the student. Participant Support Staff may also share the draft with the Partner Country to gain feedback before issuing the final version to the student, with a copy going to the local volunteers as well. The Warning Letter must be signed by the student and returned to staff by a designated date. Once signed and returned, the letter is shared with the Partner Country and natural parents. Failure to follow the guidance and/or expectations discussed in a Warning Letter may result in an Early Return.