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OPTIONS POLICY

The Autism Society and its affiliate chapters promotes the active and informed involvement of family members and the individual with autism in the planning of individualized, appropriate services and supports. The Board of the Autism Society believes that each person with autism is a unique individual. Each family and individual with autism should have the right to learn about and then select, the options that they feel are most appropriate for the individual with autism. To the maximum extent possible, we believe that the decisions should be made by the individual with autism in collaboration with family, guardians and caregivers.

Services should enhance and strengthen natural family and community supports for the individual with autism and the family whenever possible. The service option designed for an individual with autism should result in improved quality of life. Abusive treatment of any kind is not an option.

We firmly believe that no single type of program or service will fill the needs of every individual with autism and that each person should have access to support services. Selection of a program, service or method of treatment should be on the basis of a full assessment of each person’s abilities, needs and interests. We believe that services should be outcome based to insure that they meet the individualized needs of a person with autism.

With appropriate education, vocational training and community living options and support systems, individuals with autism can lead dignified, productive lives in their communities and strive to reach their fullest potential.

The Autism Society and affiliate chapters, believes that all individuals with autism have the right to access appropriate services and supports based on their needs and desires.

-Revised by the Autism Society Board of Directors 12/12/2009

 

Autism Society-­‐Kern Autism Network Affiliate Anti-­‐Fraud Policy

Our Values

The Autism Society of KERN takes our duty to our donors, families, staff, volunteers, and community seriously. We are committed to being responsible and accountable for the resources entrusted to us to improve the lives of all affected by autism. To that end, our organization is committed to taking steps to prevent fraud. The Autism Society of KERN has a zero-­‐tolerance policy on actions that constitute fraud. This policy applies to all individuals and third parties that have a relationship with the Autism Society of KERN, including but not limited to board members, staff, volunteers, contractors, interns, and participants. It is the responsibility of Autism Society of KERN leadership, including the Board Chair, Executive Director, Volunteer Coordinator, and other key staff, to proactively communicate this policy to all individuals.

What is Fraud?

For the purposes of this policy, fraud is considered any deliberate deception intended to result in unfair or unlawful gain, whether such gain is financial or otherwise.

It is the Autism Society of KERN’s policy that there is zero tolerance for actions constituting fraud. Fraudulent actions include but are not limited to:

  • Theft of cash, securities, merchandise, equipment, supplies or other
  • Unauthorized use of organization employees, property, credit cards, cell phones, supplies or other
  • Submission of personal or fictitious expenses for reimbursement or fictitious or inflated vendor invoices or payroll records for
  • Receiving kickbacks or other unauthorized personal benefits from vendors or
  • Forgery or fraudulent alteration of any check, bank draft, statement, billing, record, form, report, return or any other financial
  • Intentional material misclassification or misrepresentation of revenues, expenses, costs or other data in financial statements, reports, regulatory returns, applications or other
  • Intentional failure to disclose material related party transactions, noncompliance with lender requirements or donor/grantor restrictions or other required disclosure
  • Intentional improper use or disclosure of confidential donor, program participant, employee or organization proprietary
  • Any other illegal or unethical activity intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Your Responsibility

Everyone at the Autism Society of KERN has an important role to play in preventing and detecting fraud.

Management, including the Board of Directors, is responsible for establishing the cultural environment, training employees and volunteers, assessing fraud risks, implementing appropriate internal controls and measures to deter fraud, and monitoring activities. It is also management’s responsibility to communicate this policy to all board members, employees and volunteers and their responsibility to comply with this policy.

It is the responsibility of every director, employee or volunteer to report, preferably in writing, discovered or suspected unethical or fraudulent activity immediately to the Executive Director and the Chairman of the Board. Every person at the Autism Society of KERN is responsible for following our financial and accounting policies and procedures. These policies and procedures have been adopted to help our organization operate transparently and responsibly, and following these policies and procedures is critical to our success.

Whistleblower Protection & Confidentiality

Individuals who report suspected fraud in good faith are covered by the Autism Society of KERN Whistleblower policy. Additionally, no director, employee or volunteer will be adversely affected because they refuse to carry out a directive which constitutes fraud or is a violation of local, state, or federal law.

Investigation Procedures

All allegations of suspected fraud will be investigated by the Executive Director, Chairman of the Board or another impartial party as designated in a timely manner. Autism Society of KERN leadership shall report fraud to the appropriate authorities. Internal investigation may include but is not limited to examining, copying and/or removing all or a portion of the contents of files, desks, cabinets and other facilities of the organization without prior knowledge or consent of any individual who may use or have custody of such items or facilities when it is within the scope of the investigation. The reporting party must not attempt to personally conduct investigations, interviews or interrogations related to the alleged fraudulent activity. The Autism Society of KERN will cooperate with any investigations into suspected fraud conducted by law enforcement and will assist in the prosecution of any discovered fraud.

Resolution Procedures

The results of the investigation will be reported to the Board of Directors. Actions taken against the perpetrator of alleged fraud will be determined by the Board in consultation with legal counsel. Whenever possible, resolution will include recovering any wrongfully obtained assets.