Guiding Principles of the organization

Mission and Program

All stakeholders shall work towards achieving the organization’s mission through effective, efficient, innovative and choice-driven services. Resources will be devoted towards achieving the mission through appropriate allocation and sound fiscal practices.

Governing Body

Tresco, Inc. is governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors that consist of individuals who are committed to the mission of the organization.  The Board determines the mission of the organization, establishes management policies and procedures, assures that adequate human resources and financial resources are available, and actively monitor the performance of the organization.

Conflict of Interest

All stakeholders will act in the best interest of the organization and will give preference to professional responsibility over personal interests or the interests of third parties.  The organization has conflict of interest policies in place to avoid any current or future conflicts.  Acceptance of gifts or offering of gratuities, gifts or favors for current or future participants and/or guardians is prohibited. 

Human Resources

All employees will act in the best interest of the participant(s) and will provide the services and supports that are outlined in the Individual Service Plan and through the organization’s policies and procedures.  Employees will treat participants with dignity and respect and will interact with participants in a professional and courteous fashion. Professional boundaries with participants will always be adhered to. Any mistreatment towards participants will be reported and followed up on accordingly.      

Financial and Legal

Tresco, Inc. has sound fiscal management practices and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Internal and external reviews of financial records are conducted regularly through transparent periodic reviews.  Results of reviews are shared with funding resources, regulatory agents and anyone else upon request. All personnel are expected to adhere to all regulatory requirements of documentation for proper reimbursement of Medicaid funds to ensure the organization is a good steward of public funds.

Transparency

The organization provides the public with information about the mission, program activities and finances.  In order to be honest and transparent the organization is responsive to the requests of the community and to anyone who expresses an interest in the affairs of the organization.

Fundraising

Tresco, Inc.’s fundraising practices are maintained on a foundation of truthfulness and responsible stewardship.  Fundraising is consistent with the organization’s mission statement and dollars raised are strictly used for the benefit of the participants. Employees may not solicit funds from participants or other employees for personal fundraising activities.

Public Affairs and Public Policy

The organization represents the interests of the participants that are served through public education, public policy advocacy, and membership in the state association of providers. The organization also encourages Board members, employees, and constituents to participate in the public affairs of the community.

Confidentiality

All stakeholders will respect and safeguard participant or employee information and the right to their privacy and confidentiality. HIPAA and confidentiality procedures have been developed by the organization to ensure that all employees and other stakeholders understand and uphold the standards of maintaining confidentiality.

This Code of Ethics is intended to promote the kind of relationship in which services can best be carried out and to give guidance in decision-making situations.  Any violation to the organization’s Code of Ethics will be reviewed by supervisory personnel and action will be dependent upon the severity of the infringement.  The organization will review all violations that lead to termination.  Personnel who, in good faith, report alleged violations of the code will not be penalized or retaliated against.

EMPLOYEE AND BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS/CONDUCT

  • No obscene or abusive language or behavior on any Tresco, Inc. premises. (Criminal behavior will be reported to local law enforcement.)

  • Any and all arrests or convictions of any crime committed outside our facility must be reported to Tresco, Inc. within 24 hours of the occurrence.

  • Employees are expected to be knowledgeable, professional, and courteous at all times.

  • Personal problems are not to be brought into the work environment or discussed with individuals participating in Tresco, Inc.’s program.

  • It is imperative that employees use honesty, tact, and privacy when airing personal grievances and/or discussing personnel problems with supervisors.

  • Employees are expected to follow the chain of command when dealing with issues such as individual behavior, scheduling, disagreements, etc.

  • Verbal and/or action of insubordination by employees will not be tolerated and may be grounds for disciplinary action up to termination of employment.

  • All matters concerning participants will be brought to the attention of Tresco, Inc.’s management.

  • Employees will ensure that the participant’s dignity and rights are respected and protected.

  • Employees will not use coercion or manipulation to intimidate participants or make them do certain activities that they do not want to do (including receiving services). The participant’s right to refuse services will be respected.

  • Employees will not use any type of restraint on a participant unless immediate human safety is at risk.

  • Employees will respect contrary views of both employees and participants and will express their contrary views in a manner which is respectful and appropriate.

  • Employees are expected to follow Tresco, Inc.’s Procedure for Personal Appearance of Employees.

  • Employees will not falsely document any participant-related documentation or ADP timecard; and shall be honest in all dealings with individuals and the public at all times.

  • Employees must follow the rules of confidentiality outlined in this manual.

  • Employees will provide a therapeutic environment for learning and teaching experiences.

  • Employees will not remove property belonging to Tresco, Inc. or participants from any premises with the express written consent of the President & CEO.

  • Employees may not express opinions or provide information on social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, or other social media site) which would represent Tresco, Inc. in an unprofessional or negative manner, or breaches the confidentiality of participants and/or other employees.

  • Employees may not engage on personal social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, or other social media site) during scheduled work shifts.

  • Employees must report immediately to their supervisor or to the emergency on-call manager any act or incident in which they believe an individual has been physically, sexually, emotionally, or mentally exploited or abused, including, but not limited to, the personal exchange of property, receiving of gifts or money from an individual or vice versa.
  • Any Tresco, Inc. personnel not on duty who wish to take a participant outside the organization for short- or long-term visitations will be referred to the department Director. The Director will contact the participant or the legal guardian to approve/deny the visitation. Any Tresco, Inc. personnel requesting a visitation with a participant will be approved/denied on a case by case basis.

  • Always subscribe to the highest standards of ethical behavior with our participants, their families and guardians, our employees, and our business partners.

  • Respect the privacy and integrity of all persons we serve.

  • Be an organization that listens to the needs of its participants and families/guardians while maintaining the highest standards of conduct in business areas.

  • Always remain a listening organization.

  • Maintain policies that will assure Tresco, Inc. and employees avoid conflicts of interest, assure compliance with all required standards, report ethical concerns and maintain the highest standards of privacy and information integrity.

  • Maintain a compliance program that includes provisions for compliance training, internal controls, and facilitating timely discovery and disclosure of improper conduct.

  • Not to discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment or client because of race, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information of the individual or family member of the individual (spouse, dependent child, including a child who is born to or placed for adoption with the individual, parent, grandparent or great-grandparent), gender identity or any other characteristic covered by applicable Federal, State or local law.

  • Provide supports and services with integrity, compassion, expertise, and respect for differences and choices.

  • Model Tresco, Inc.’s vision, mission, and values in our work.

  • Follow Tresco, Inc.’s policies, procedures, and standards for accreditation.

  • Cooperate with fellow staff members and support their efforts.

  • Respect the privacy of persons we serve and their right to confidentiality.

  • Implement individual programs designed to meet the vision and goals of persons we serve with emphasis on individual choice and inclusion in community life.

  • Choose professional responsibility over any personal interest.

  • Contribute ideas, information, knowledge, and expertise to improve Tresco, Inc.’s quality of supports and services.

  • Represent Tresco, Inc. professionally in all business and community interactions.

  • Be accountable for our actions and Statements with respect to persons with disabilities, other staff members, and Tresco, Inc.

  • Not participate in unethical and/or inappropriate practices or actions that would adversely impact persons served or the community image of Tresco, Inc.

  • Not to discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment or client because of race, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information of the individual or family member of the individual (spouse, dependent child, including a child who is born to or placed for adoption with the individual, parent, grandparent or great-grandparent), gender identity or any other characteristic covered by applicable Federal, State or local law.

  • Listen carefully and respectfully to other members of Tresco, Inc.’s management team.

  • Respect the opinions of others but work through disagreements.

  • Respect and support the majority decisions of Tresco, Inc.’s management team.

  • Respect the privacy of persons the Tresco, Inc. serves and their right to confidentiality.

  • Adhere to Tresco, Inc.’s Conflict of Interest Policy and not use the organization for any personal advantage or gain, or that of friends, business associates, or family members.

  • Model Tresco, Inc.’s vision, mission, and values.

  • Not participate in unethical and/or inappropriate practices or actions that would adversely impact persons served or the community image of Tresco, Inc.

  • Be visible at Tresco, Inc. and community functions and positively represent the organization.

  • Provide supports and services with integrity, compassion, expertise, and respect for differences and choices.

  • Not to discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment or client because of race, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information of the individual or family member of the individual (spouse, dependent child, including a child who is born to or placed for adoption with the individual, parent, grandparent or great-grandparent), gender identity or any other characteristic covered by applicable Federal, State or local law.

  • Advocate for services within our community and support the purposes and goals of Tresco, Inc.