KHOC APPEALS AND GRIEVANCE POLICY
Making a complaint
If an individual becomes aware of serious wrongdoing within Kitsap Homes of Compassion they may make a confidential complaint under this policy.
Serious wrongdoing includes, but is not limited to the following:
- dishonesty, fraud or corruption;
- instances of bribery or suspected terrorist engagement or involvement;
- illegal acts (e.g. theft, drug sale, violence, criminal damage to property, or other breaches of the law);
- unethical actions (e.g. dishonestly altering organizational records, engaging in questionable accounting practices, or willfully breaching the KHOC’s Regulations);
- actions that are potentially damaging to the organization or dangerous to individuals associated with it (e.g. substantial wasting of resources);
- actions likely to cause financial loss to KHOC and its partners or damage its reputation or be otherwise detrimental to organizational interests;
- any other kind of serious impropriety.
Complaints can be made by these people:
- a Program Participant
- a volunteer in Kitsap Homes of Compassion
- a former KHOC staff
- a person seconded to KHOC
- an individual contracted to KHOC
- a client
- a visitor
- a participant in any KHOC activity.
How to make a complaint
The following information must be provided.
- all facts describing the alleged event, issue or matter;
- the name of each person involved;
- dates, times and locations;
- facts relevant to urgency; and
- documentation, witnesses or other supporting evidence; and
- contact details of the person making the allegation.
The complaint does not need to be in a particular format, but need to be in writing.
- Participants should make a complaint to the House Manager of the house they are resident.
- If they do not consider this appropriate, they may contact KHOC General Director.
- If they do not consider this appropriate, they may contact KHOC the Ombudsman.
The participant will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter in private. Following a thorough investigation, the member or participant will receive a written decision within ten (10) working days, or an appropriate date will be given as to when a response should be expected.
Retribution
KHOC will also ensure that no participant faces any retribution or is denied services after utilizing this grievance process.