Family Ties Association and its staff are dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of youth and families through family-focused and strength-based services. We collaborate with individuals and families to help empower them and create strong communities.
Information Collection
To provide quality services, the staff of Family Ties needs certain information. We require basic information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and family contacts to maintain contact and assist in planning effective services. The information collected is kept confidential at all times in secure facilities.
Release of Information
Unless otherwise authorized by legislation, specific court order, or the Minister of Child and Family Services, no verbal or written information concerning a client's personal history or record will be disclosed to any person without the prior written consent of the client or guardian. A separate Release/Exchange of Information will be required should the client/guardian need to share information to help serve the client. By initialing below, participants acknowledge the potential risk to client privacy and confidentiality associated with participation in Family Ties Association's Group programming.
Client Grievances
Family Ties Association provides clients with formal opportunities to register complaints, air grievances, and appeal decisions made by staff. Clients who have complaints may follow the following procedures:
• Attempt to resolve the concern or disagreement with the staff directly.
If the concern persists:
• Inform the Supervisor.
The grievance will be reviewed, discussed, and documented, signed by all parties involved, and attached to the client and staff file. The Supervisor will reply to the person within three (3) working days. If concerns still exist:
• Inform the Executive Director, who will review and reply within three (3) working days.
All documentation will be signed by all parties and attached to the client file.
If the concern still exists:
• An appeal may be made by either party in which case a meeting will be held with the concerned party, Supervisor, Executive Director, and the Caseworker. The grievance will be documented, signed by all parties and attached to client file. All parties will receive written notice of the outcome of the appeal.
All steps will be documented and circulated to those involved in the grievance with the exception of the first step, which will be documented in the staff daily contact notes. Family Ties Association will ensure that each client, who is 12 years of age or over, and their guardian is aware of their right to lodge grievances and appeal decisions and provide a copy of the Grievance and Appeal Policy and Procedure once they have signed their understanding. Any client has the right to access the Provincial Child and Youth Advocate at any time, through the Right line: 310-0000 (no charge).
Video Monitoring
Family Ties is a video-monitored facility, with monitors located in the front office, back hallway, Family Ties Association Gathering Space, and in visitation rooms. Videos recordings are saved for 30 days.
Behavior Management and Discipline
Family Ties is committed to respecting the rights, dignity, and worth of each person involved in the programs. We do not utilize any restrictive procedures. When aggressive or destructive behavior occurs, we use a variety of preventative and de-escalating techniques to diffuse and control the situation. If the situation continues to escalate, we may have to call for police assistance. Such procedures may be necessary to modify behaviors or other symptoms that relate to important client goals or present a serious threat to the safety or protection of the client, other persons, or property.
All staff will be made aware of Agency policies on behavior management and discipline during their initial orientation. Any and all methods of behavior management and discipline implemented by staff will ensure:
• The client's fundamental rights are protected.
All incidents of behavior management and discipline will be documented in writing, which will include the behavior that led to the incident, the method of behavior management or discipline used, and any follow-up that was done with the client. These incident reports will be kept on file in the client's record.
Non-Discrimination Policy Family Ties Association is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Agency recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion and is committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of all individuals.
All clients and staff members have the right to be free from discrimination, harassment, and any form of abuse or violence. Discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by law will not be tolerated.
Any client or staff member who experiences or witnesses’ discrimination or harassment is encouraged to report it to a supervisor or administrator. Reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, and appropriate action will be taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
Activity Release
To participate in the Family Ties Community Asset Groups, I, the undersigned legal guardian of the youth named above give permission for this youth to be a participant in a Family Ties Association Asset Group, acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. I understand that the above-named youth will be engaging in various activities during the Asset Group, including but not limited to indoor games and crafts, transportation to and from activities in the community, and outside of Lethbridge to go snow shoeing weather permitting.
2. I release Family Ties Association, its workers, management, and directors from any liability for any loss or injury, including death, that may be sustained by my youth while participating in the Asset Groups. This release covers all activities that the above-named youth will engage in during the Asset Groups.
3. I understand that the goals of the Asset Groups are to promote positive social interactions, group learning, safe and appropriate decision-making, effective relationship building, awareness of behavior and its impact on others, gain knowledge and involvement of resources and supports within the community and their families.
4. I acknowledge that there are risks and hazards associated with the activities during the Asset Groups, and I voluntarily assume all risks. I agree that this release shall be binding upon my heirs, administrators, executors, or spouse.
5. As the above-named participant is a minor, the release must be signed by the parent or guardian, and such signing shall release Family Ties Association and any affiliates from any claims or demands of any kind arising from any loss, injury or death sustained by the parent, guardian or participant while participating in the Asset Groups activities.
6. As guardian of the above-named participant, I agree to hold harmless Family Ties Association, their contractors, management, directors, successors, against loss from any demand or claim that may be brought by minor participants or anyone on behalf of the minor participant for damages due to injuries sustained by the participant while participating in the Asset Groups.
7. The emergency procedure plan includes worker(s) carrying cellular telephones, first aid kits on hand at all times, emergency contact information of participants, informing participants and parents/caregivers of start and end times of group, informing Family Ties administration of group times, dates, and participants, providing parents/caregivers with necessary information, ensuring proper clothing and footwear, and having absolutely no tolerance for drug or alcohol use by participants.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the policies and procedures outlined above and agree to abide by them. You acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions, and that you voluntarily agree to them. You also acknowledge that you have been provided with a copy of these policies and procedures for your records.