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.