Zero Tolerance of Abuse Policy

Community Interface Services was founded on the belief that individuals with disabilities have an inherent right to be free from abuse or neglect in any form; enjoy the same rights as anyone else; and be entitled to the same opportunities, choices and freedoms. The agency believes that abuse in any form is unacceptable, yet statistics show that individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities are at a high risk of abuse. No individual can be expected to reach his or her highest potential while struggling to overcome the effects of abuse which can cause physical, emotional, financial and cognitive trauma, shake one’s confidence, and/or erode skills and resources.

As advocates and support providers for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Community Interface Services staff members have a legal and moral obligation to safeguard individuals served and minimize risks of abuse and neglect. All staff members receive training on their mandatory abuse and neglect reporting responsibilities. Staff members, first and foremost, may not inflict abuse of any kind on others. In any instance of abuse where the staff member is the perpetrator, s/he will be immediately terminated from employment and charges will be filed consistent with law enforcement regulations. Staff members must be knowledgeable of their responsibility to protect clients from abuse and neglect, to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, and the process for reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Abuse can happen anywhere, may be hard to identify, and can take many different forms, including:

·       Physical

·       Emotional

·       Financial

·       Psychological

·       Sexual

·       Neglect/Abandonment

·       Humiliation

·       Exploitation

·       Verbal

Community Interface Services is committed to assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the freedom to live and work in a safe, healthy environment free from abuse or neglect in any form. As the individuals working most closely with these clients, staff members are on the frontlines every day and have the greatest opportunity and responsibility to prevent, recognize, and report abuse in all its forms.