Code of Ethics

Arc Fresno adheres to written codes of ethical conduct: "We, the directors, agents and employees of Arc Fresno are united in the support of the Agency's mission statement and, therefore, commit ourselves to these principles and ideals:

We Will hold ourselves in high regard as professionals and stakeholders in our service delivery system by upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, confidentiality and fairness.

We Will be true and loyal to our agency, our members, and our service recipients and their families by always keeping their best interests foremost over our own self-interests.

We Will strive to ensure that all marketing efforts such as contract procurement, job development and interagency participation or partnerships are conducted fairly, with mutual understanding of the nature of the services provided, with full disclosure of any potential conflict of interest that may exist, and with zero tolerance for exploitation of our service recipients. In promoting the attributes of our Agency and its services, employees and volunteers of the Agency will uphold the rights of persons with developmental disabilities to participate in community activities and services with dignity and choice.

We Will continually strive to better the service delivery system by participating in, and promoting, education and professional standards.

We Will serve our Agency and its constituent components by presenting accurately and honestly all facts essential to our service recipients and their families and by attempting to make the best possible decisions on their behalf.

We Will promote the spirit of, and comply with, all applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to our service delivery system (as a private nonprofit organization operating under the Standards of Conduct delineated in the California Corporations Code, Article 3, Section 7231.)"

1. In the event that an allegation occurs regarding a violation of this Code of Ethics, the Executive Director of the Agency will appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the allegation. Said committee will consist of select members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and select members of the management team. The Committee's charge is to verify the alleged violation and develop procedures to resolve it in such a way as to prevent its replication.
2. Arc Fresno publishes its Code of Ethics in the Agency newsletter and trains all employees on the Code of Ethics during New Hire Orientation, Program Orientation and in ongoing training in the Employee Training Manual.
3. Arc Fresno has written policies and procedures on waste, fraud, abuse, and other wrongdoing that includes a no reprisal approach for employee reporting and time frames for investigation. See "Corporate Compliance Policy".
4. The Board of Directors and administrative staff of Arc Fresno are available to, and communicate with, consumers and community stakeholders. A consumer representative is a member of the Board and reports to the Consumer Advisory Council. The Board meetings are open to any Agency employee, consumer, and any stakeholder. Consumers participate in a monthly training about their rights and other subjects including cultural awareness in the Consumer Training Manual.
5. Arc Fresno does not have any contractual relationships.
6. Arc Fresno will maintain its leadership role in the community by establishing partnerships with organizations such as Arc California, Arc US, California Disability Services Assoc.,LARCS, and many peer service providers. Arc Fresno's administration attends meetings of the Regional Center Vendor Advisory, VAL-ARF, and Area Board. Administrative personnel also make presentations to an array of community service groups and organizations and within the business community.