1. Purpose of Agreement

This Affiliation Agreement (“Agreement”) establishes a cooperative relationship between the Institution and the Host Organization to provide appropriate clinical placement opportunities for post-graduate student art therapists enrolled in the Institution’s Art Psychotherapy Diploma (“APD”) program (“Students”). The purpose of this placement is to offer Students practical experience that aligns with the standards set by the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and the Institution’s program requirements.

2. Responsibilities of the Institution

The Institution shall:

2.1 Student Preparation

Ensure that Students assigned to the Host Organization have completed all prerequisite coursework, including foundational courses, ethics training, and obtain a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

2.2 Program Oversight

Provide the Host Organization with program guidelines, learning objectives, required competencies, and documentation needed to support the Students’ learning.

2.3 Supervision Requirements

Assign a qualified Clinical Supervisor employed or contracted by the Institution to provide clinical supervision in accordance with program standards. Students will attend regular group or individual supervision as required by the program to support their clinical placement.

2.4 Communication

Maintain regular communication with the Host Organization to monitor Student progress, address concerns, and support a successful placement experience.

2.5 Insurance

Maintain appropriate institutional insurance covering Students while participating in placement activities arranged by the Institution.

2.6 Assessment and Documentation

Provide required evaluation forms and ensure that Student evaluations completed by the Host Organization are integrated into the Students’ academic records.

3. Responsibilities of the Host Organization

The Host Organization shall:

3.1 Learning Environment

Provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that allows Students to meet the APD program’s clinical competencies.

3.2 Supervision at Site

Ensure that a qualified staff member (e.g., social worker, psychologist, nurse, psychotherapist, or other appropriately qualified professional) is available on-site to offer oversight, guidance, and case-related feedback to Students as needed.

3.3 Scope of Duties

Assign Students tasks consistent with their role as trainee art therapists, ensuring tasks align with professional standards and do not exceed the Students’ scope of practice.

3.4 Workspace and Materials

Provide access to appropriate workspace, materials, and resources necessary to carry out therapeutic arts programming, subject to the Host Organization’s policies and procedures.

3.5 Policies and Procedures

Orient Students to the Host Organization’s policies, including safety protocols, confidentiality, emergency procedures, and reporting expectations.

3.6 Insurance and Worker Safety

Maintain adequate liability and workers’ compensation insurance applicable to individuals working on-site.

3.7 Feedback and Evaluation

Complete evaluations, and communicate any significant concerns about Student conduct, performance, or safety to the Institution promptly.

4. Responsibilities of the Student

Students participating in placement under this Agreement shall:

4.1 Professional Conduct

Adhere to the ethical standards of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), CRPO (where applicable), and the Institution’s Code of Conduct.

4.2 Confidentiality

Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with legal, professional, and organizational standards.

4.3 Attendance and Punctuality

Attend scheduled placement shifts reliably, notify the Host Organization and the Institution of absences, and adhere to attendance policies.

4.4 Scope of Practice

Perform only those tasks appropriate to a student art therapist.

4.5 Documentation

Maintain accurate, timely clinical notes and other documentation as required by the Host Organization and the Institution.

4.6 Supervision Participation

Attend all required individual and group supervision sessions provided by the Institution.

5. Expected Student Activities

Students may engage in the following activities during their clinical placement:

• Facilitating or co-facilitating art therapy sessions
• Conducting client assessments within their scope and under supervision
• Preparing art therapy session plans and treatment goals
• Observing sessions led by qualified professionals
• Participating in staff meetings or case conferences as appropriate
• Completing clinical notes and related documentation
• Engaging in reflective practice, research, and case study development

Students must always work under appropriate supervision and cannot function as independent clinicians.

6. Term and Renewal

This Agreement is effective for [one (1) year, two (2) years, three (3) years] from the Effective Date.

It may be renewed upon mutual written agreement of both parties at least thirty (30) days before expiration.

7. Termination

7.1 Termination for Cause

Either party may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect if the other party:

• Breaches a material term of the Agreement, and the breach is not rectified within fourteen (14) days of written notice;
• Engages in conduct that jeopardizes client safety or organizational integrity;
• Fails to maintain required insurance or professional standards.

7.2 Termination Without Cause

Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause with sixty (60) days’ written notice.

7.3 Protection of Students and Clients

In the event of termination, both parties agree to:

• Allow Students to complete any necessary documentation;
• Protect clients’ ongoing care and safety;
• Arrange for alternative placement options where possible.

8. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to comply with all applicable privacy laws, including PHIPA, PIPEDA, and relevant provincial legislation, regarding the handling of client and Student information.

9. Indemnification

Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party from claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of its own negligence, misconduct, or failure to meet obligations under this Agreement.

10. Non-Employment Status

Students participating in the placement are not employees of either the Host Organization or the Institution. No wages or benefits are implied or provided as part of this Agreement.

11. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions or agreements, whether written or oral. Modifications must be made in writing and signed by both parties.

Insurance Coverage for Clinical Placements

At CiiAT, we ensure that our students are protected with a dual-layered insurance model during their clinical placements.

CiiAT’s Responsibility to Provide Coverage:

• Institutional Liability Insurance: Covers claims related to the structure and administration of our program, ensuring that students are safeguarded if a claim involves the institution’s responsibilities.
• Supervisor’s Professional Liability Insurance: Covers claims involving guidance or advice provided to students during clinical supervision.

Placement Site’s Responsibility to Provide Coverage:

• Workplace Injury Coverage: Placement sites are responsible for providing workplace injury coverage for students and volunteers, protecting them in case of work-related incidents.