SENIOR CITIZENS OF PATAGONIA, INC.

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Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. does not tolerate sexual abuse or misconduct in the workplace or during any organization-related activity. Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. provides procedures for employees, volunteers, Board members or any victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to report such acts. Those reasonably suspected or believed to have committed sexual abuse or misconduct will be appropriately disciplined, up to and including termination of employment or membership, as well as criminally prosecuted.

Sexual abuse or misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

• Sexual activity with another who is legally incompetent or otherwise unable to give consent.
• Physical assaults or violence, such as rape, sexual battery, abuse, molestation, or any attempt to commit such acts.
• Unwanted and intentional physical conduct that is sexual in nature.
• Material such as pornographic or sexually explicit images, posters, calendars, or objects.
• Unwelcome and inappropriate sexual activities.
• An environment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive atmosphere.

Reporting Procedure

It is the purpose and intent of Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. to provide a safe, secure environment for all members and for those serviced by our organization.

Anyone who learns of sexual abuse or misconduct being committed upon those associated with or serviced by Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. must immediately report it to two (or more) members of the Board of Directors.

Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. will consult with its legal counsel to determine state, federal or other jurisdictional requirements to report suspicions or allegations of sexual or physical abuse or neglect. It will also notify its insurance carrier to seek advice in handling the matter.

Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. is committed to following the state and federal legal requirements for reporting allegations or incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct to appropriate law enforcement and Adult Protective Services Agency.

Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. prohibits retaliation made against any employee, volunteer, Board member, or other person who lodges a good faith complaint of sexual abuse or misconduct.

Investigation and Follow-up

Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or other regulatory/protective services agencies and will make every effort to keep the matters involved in the allegation as confidential as possible.

Any employee, Board member or volunteer who is suspected of, or reported as, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, misconduct, or relationships with a service recipient, will be immediately suspended, pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations of abuse.

Employee and Board Member Screening and Selection

As part of its sexual abuse and misconduct prevention program, Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. is committed to maintaining a diligent screening program for prospective and existing employees, volunteers, Board members and others that may have interaction with those serviced by our organization.

Senior Citizens of Patagonia, Inc. may utilize a variety of methods of screening and selection, including applications, personal interviews, criminal background checks and personal and professional references.

All full-time employees and Board members will receive a criminal background check and a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

SeniorLiving.org has created a guide which has detailed information for all 50 states and explores the federal and state regulations in place for these communities, especially regarding cost, health and safety. It also discusses enforcement and how to get data on how closely a facility follows regulations.

For more information: https://www.seniorliving.org/nursing-homes/state-federal-regulations/