IMPORTANT POLICIES & NOTICES

Anti-Discrimination Policy

There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability in the employment or application for employment or in the administration or delivery of services. This organization shall comply fully with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, executive orders, and regulations that prohibit such discrimination.

All employees of CASA of the Highland Rim are expected to consider, respect, and observe this policy in their daily work and duties. If a citizen approaches you with a question or complaint, direct him or her to Renee Badon, CASA of the Highland Rim, Title VI coordinator.

In all dealings with citizens, use courtesy titles (i.e., Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) to address them without regard to race, color, or national origin.

Each board member, staff, and volunteer receive information on Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. In addition, each board member, staff, and volunteer signs a document indicating they have received information on Title VI, understand it, and will abide by the law.

Anti-Harassment Policy

CASA of the Highland Rim is committed to providing a work environment that is free of discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual's sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. Any employee or volunteer who is aware or experiences an incident of sexual harassment and reports event or incident should promptly report the matter to the Executive Director or any member of the CASA of the Highland Rim Board. Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. The Executive Director and/or the CASA of the Highland Rim member shall advise the Board of Directors of any possible violation. Anyone engaging in sexual or other unlawful harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Whistleblower Policy

CASA of the Highland Rim has a separate Whistleblower Policy which all employees receive and sign. A copy is maintained in the employee’s personnel file.

TITLE VI

The Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act states:

"No person in the United States shall on the ground of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

What is Federal Financial Assistance?

Federal financial assistance means more than just money. It is also aid that enhances the ability to improve or expand allocation of a recipient's own resources.

Examples:

Student aid (releases recipient's funds for other uses)
Training of employees (permits better use of the employer)
Grants and Loans, tax-exempt bonds
Property
Loan of Personnel
Tax incentives and tax-exempt status
Technical assistance, etc.

It does not matter whether the aid comes directly from the Federal Government, or the aid comes indirectly via the State Government, it is considered Federal Financial Assistance.

What does Title VI Do?

Title VI

Prohibits entities from denying an individual any service, financial aid, or other benefits because of race, color, or national origin.

Prohibits entities from providing a different service or benefit or providing these in a different manner from those provided to others in the program.
Prohibits segregations or separate treatment in any manner related to receiving program services or benefits.
Prohibits entities from requiring different standards or conditions as prerequisites for serving individuals.
Encourages the participation of minorities as members of planning or advisory bodies for programs receiving federal funds.
Prohibits discriminatory activity in a facility built in whole or part with Federal funds.
Requires information and services to be provided in languages other than English when significant numbers of beneficiaries are of limited English speaking ability.
Requires entities to notify the respective population about applicable programs.
Prohibits locating facilities in any way that would limit or impede access to a federally funded service or benefit.

Title VI covers a diverse group of programs, services, and activities:

Elementary, secondary, and higher education
Health care, social services, and public welfare
Public transportation, parks, and recreation
Natural resources and the environment
Employment and job training
Housing and community development and construction
Law enforcement and the administration of justice
Agriculture and nutrition

Title VI ensures that service recipients receive:

Equal treatment
Equal access
Equal rights
Equal opportunities without regard to their race, color, national origin

How to report a Title VI violation:

Please file all Title VI complaints through:

Renee Badon, MSSW

Title VI Coordinator for CASA of the Highland Rim

111 Hwy. 70, East Suite 203

Dickson, TN 37055

Phone: 615-509-5501

Email: renee.badon@casahighlandrim.org

How to File a Complaint Against CASA of the Highland Rim

These are the instructions for filing a complaint concerning CASA of the Highland Rim, board member, advisory council member, staff member, volunteer, or advocate.

1. You may use this form to file a complaint against a Court Appointed Special Advocate board member, advisory council member, staff member, volunteer, or advocate. It is highly recommended that you contact the CASA program directly before proceeding with a complaint to Tennessee CASA.

2. Please include a daytime telephone number or other number where you may be reached to discuss your complaint. If your complaint arises out of a court case, you must provide the case number and the names of the parties who participated in the case.

3. Please make sure that the complaint form is complete and accurate. You may use a separate letter to explain in your own words the circumstances that led to your complaint. Be as specific as possible in describing names, places, dates, and witnesses to the actions which gave rise to this complaint. List all the relevant events in the order they happened. Use additional sheets, if necessary, and attach copies of any documents that support your statement. If you wish to include court documents, please do not send the originals.

4. Sign the complaint in the space provided. CASA of the Highland Rim cannot respond to anonymous complaints.

5. Send the original complaint and the statement of facts to the Board Chair for CASA of the Highland Rim:

Board Chair or

Renee Badon, Executive Director

111 Highway 70 East

Suite 203

Dickson, TN 37055

Phone: 615.509.5501

Phone: 615.512.5200

Email: renee.badon@casahighlandrim.org

Complaint Investigations:

Complaint forms may be completed by anyone involved with or affected by the actions of the CASA program. The complaint and all attachments will be provided to the Board Chair and Director for CASA of the Highland Rim, in order that the complaint may be addressed.

COMPLAINT FOR INVESTIGATION CONCERNING COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES

COMPLAINT

I hereby request an investigation of __________________________________________

in_________________________________, __________________________Tennessee.

(CASA Program) (City or County)

STATEMENT OF FACTS

State below the specific details of what forms the basis of your complaint.

(Please type or print legibly and attach additional sheet(s) if necessary.)

________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________________________________________

2. When and where did this happen?

Date: _______________________ Time: ____________________________________

Location: _______________________________________________________________

3. If your complaint arises out of a court case, please answer these questions:

a) What is the name and number of the case?

Case name: ____________________________ Case No: __________________________

Jurisdiction: _____________________________________________________________________

b) How are you interested in the case?

____________Staff ____________Attorney ____________ Parent/Foster Parent

____________Family ____________Advocate ____________Other

4. List documents that support your complaint:

________________________________________________________________________

I request that the above complaint, supported by the Statement of Facts, be investigated by CASA of the Highland Rim.

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Phone: Daytime ( )__________________ Evening ( )______________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________

To report child abuse or neglect in Tennessee please call the Child Abuse Hotline

1-877-237-0004 or go to https://apps.tn.gov/carat/

WHO IS A “MANDATED” REPORTER OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT?

Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter. Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403(i) (1) requires all persons to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. “Any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition shall report such harm immediately if the harm is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality abuse, or neglect or that, on basis of available information, reasonably appears to have been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect.”