"Support, Encouragement, Empowerment"

Employees - Policy 2.25

A. INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS

Whenever there is reason to suspect that there has been a serious violation of Kokua policy or when there is reason to suspect that abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of a client has occurred, an investigation will be conducted by the Executive Director, Director of Client Services or a designee. The purpose of the investigation will be to gather all known evidence regarding the alleged incident.

B. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES

  1. An investigation may include some or all of the following procedures:
    Examination of agency documentation, such as training records, personnel files, timesheets, incident reports, staff logs, etc.
  2. Examination of client documentation, such as progress notes, medication logs, CI calendars, etc.
  3. Interviewing individuals who may have information about the incident, such as co-workers, clients, guardians, day program staff, etc.
  4. Taking written statements from witnesses or the alleged perpetrator.
  5. Photographs or physical evidence.

The staff person(s) conducting an investigation will maintain appropriate confidentiality.

C. SECURING EVIDENCE

During an investigation, all documentation or other evidence will be secured in a locked office or file cabinet to prevent tampering.

D. INVESTIGATION OUTCOME

When an investigation is completed, one of the following actions will be taken:

  1. If the investigation shows no misconduct, none of the information about the investigation will be included in the employee’s personnel file. Documentation which is follow-up to an Incident Report will be stapled to the relevant Incident Report and kept in the Incident Report Book in the Executive Director’s office.
  2. If the investigation reveals a serious breach of agency policy, the Executive Director or designee will proceed with disciplinary action per Kokua policy.
  3. If the investigation reveals that illegal activity has occurred, a report will be made to law enforcement.
  4. If the investigation indicates that abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a client may have occurred, APS or RCS will be notified.
  5. If the investigation reveals additional information about an Incident Report or APS/RCS report already submitted, this information will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities as part of the agency’s follow-up to the original incident.