Hope Community Resources is committed to ethical services and supports for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of the Ethics and Human Rights Committee at Hope is to examine and appeal ethical concerns.
The Ethics and Human Rights Committee is an invaluable resource in determining what is ethical for Hope, based upon our values and key concepts of support. These values and concepts guide how Hope decides what the “right thing” is and how to “do the right thing.” In this way, the Ethics and Human Rights Committee serves as a conscience for the agency. Ethical dilemmas are submitted to the committee; the committee then convenes to discuss the issue and determine a course of action.
Purpose of Ethics and Human Rights Committee
The main role of the Ethics and Human Rights Committee is to review specific, individual ethical and moral situations and dilemmas relative to Hope Community Resources, our staff, and the individuals who receive our services. The consultation process aims to assist all parties involved in coming to resolution. Summaries of the committee’s work are called 'Independent Findings.' The Independent Findings of the committee are advisory and may become policy for the agency going forward.
Who are the Committee Members
The members of the Ethics and Human Rights Committee represent a diverse group of Hope affiliates, including but not limited to current and former employees, support recipients, family members and guardians, care coordinators, or members of the public.
Who may submit an Ethics or Human Rights concern
Anyone may submit an ethics concern or request a consultation with the committee. Staff members, support recipients, families and guardians, and members of the community who are concerned about an area of ethics or human rights at Hope are encouraged to present their concern to the committee, including but not limited to:
- Value conflicts among Hope support recipients, staff, family members, guardians
- Questions of a moral or ethical nature that arise while providing services
- Potential violations of human or civil rights
- Potential violations of Hope’s values
No person submitting an ethics or human rights concern shall ever be discriminated against for filing an ethics or human rights concern, or for seeking advice about an ethics or human rights concern. People who receive services from Hope will not be discouraged from filing an ethics or human rights concern. We respect the rights and privacy of all participants and the privacy of committee deliberations to protect the confidentiality of information disclosed during the discussions.
Once a request is made, the committee gathers to consult on the issue or concern. When requested or necessary, an emergency consultation can take place as soon as the committee members are available to convene, within seven days.
Contact the Committee
If you witness or are concerned about an ethics or human rights issue, conflict of interest, please notify our Ethics and Human Rights Committee promptly by completing and submitting the Ethics and Human Rights Referral Form. If you have any questions, we welcome you to email the committee.
Ethics and Human Rights Referral Form
Become a Committee Member
If you are interested in becoming a member of Hope's Ethics and Human Rights Committee and getting involved in facilitating informed decision-making regarding ethics and human rights, please review the membership qualifications and expectations below. If you meet and agree to the qualifications, we encourage you to express your interest in joining by submitting the Ethics and Human Rights Committee Member Application. If appointed, you will be invited and expected to attend the committee's monthly one- or two-hour virtual meeting, as well as emergency sessions as needed.
Current Hope employees must:
- Be employed with Hope for two or more years
- Complete Hope's Ethics and Disabilities training
- Have a non-disclosure of confidential information agreement on file
- Receive recommendation from the committee
- Receive approval from your supervisor
- Receive final approval and appointment by Hope's Executive Director
All other candidates must:
- Interview with the Chair of the committee
- Have experience or expertise in ethics and human rights
- Have experience or expertise with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Sign a non-disclosure of confidential information agreement
- Receive recommendation from the committee
- Receive final approval and appointment by Hope's Executive Director
Ethics and Human Rights Committee Member Application
