Abuse Prevention and Response Policy

Policy

All personnel at Emotional Wealth LLC, including employees, contractors, volunteers, and interns, are required to prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of our clients above all else. Should any staff member suspect or become aware of a situation where a client’s well-being is at risk, they must immediately report this to their direct supervisor, or to a designated member of the management team if they are uncomfortable speaking with their direct supervisor.

Moreover, those who are designated as mandated reporters under state law must adhere to the reporting procedures specified in the Emotional Wealth LLC Mandatory Abuse Reporting Policy.

Definitions

• Staff: All employees, contractors, volunteers, and interns working at Emotional Wealth LLC.
• Client: Any individual receiving services from Emotional Wealth LLC.
• Mandated Reporter: Designated individuals within the organization required by law to report any suspicions or knowledge of abuse or neglect.
• Reportable Incident: Any knowledge or suspicion of harm to a client’s health, safety, or welfare.

Types of Reportable Incidents

• Physical Abuse: Intentional or reckless actions causing physical harm or risk thereof.
• Psychological Abuse: Behaviors likely to undermine a person’s emotional or mental state.
• Sexual Abuse: Engagements classified under criminal law involving sexual misconduct.
• Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care or supervision, leading to potential or actual harm.
• Misuse of Restraint: Inappropriate use of physical or mechanical restraints not aligned with treatment protocols.
• Controlled Substances: Unauthorized administration or handling of regulated drugs.
• Aversive Conditioning: Use of unpleasant physical stimuli to alter behavior.
• Obstruction: Actions that hinder the reporting or investigation of abuses.
• Unlawful/Unethical Conduct: Any behavior contrary to professional ethics, treatment plans, or legal standards.

Procedures

• Screening and Training: Thorough vetting of potential and existing staff, including criminal background checks and reference verification. Mandatory training on abuse prevention and mandated reporting is required.
• Prevention Strategies: Ensuring visibility and accountability when staff interact with clients, using video monitoring where appropriate, and never allowing one-to-one situations without potential oversight.
• Reporting and Investigation: Immediate reporting of suspected abuse to designated supervisors or management, followed by a thorough and impartial investigation, potentially involving third-party investigators.

Response to Incidents

• Immediate suspension of accused individuals pending investigation results.
• Full cooperation with law enforcement and other agencies.
• Efforts made to maintain confidentiality and integrity during the investigative process.

Legal and Regulatory Reporting

Compliance with all relevant local and federal laws for reporting abuse or misconduct to the appropriate authorities as detailed in the Emotional Wealth LLC Mandatory Abuse Reporting Policy.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to ensure the ongoing protection and safety of all clients under our care.