Creative Concepts for Living has a simple and straightforward policy on the rules of conduct and behavior that are expected from employees and agents when they are conducting CCL business. It is a commitment to do what is right, obey all laws, behave with integrity and honesty, treat people fairly, respect diversity, accept accountability, communicate openly and always behave in a way that is above reproach. Generally, these requirements are referred to as ethics. Each employee is required to maintain these high ethical standards at all times even though doing so may result in the loss of business to CCL. No employee of CCL should feel that a compromising or unethical situation is justified by any possible business result.

As employees who support the mission of Creative Concepts for Living, we agree to:

  1. Foster integrity in all that we say and do.
  2. Demonstrate respect for everyone.
  3. Never be satisfied with the status quo.
  4. Embrace and celebrate change.
  5. Always show loyalty to those we serve.
  6. Work together to support others on the road to self-determination through risk and empowerment.
  7. Never maliciously or recklessly injure the professional reputation of another person.
  8. Take all reasonable care in our work to minimize risk of injury to any person, including oneself, and to prevent damage to property.
  9. Inform all important Team members when their advice is accepted, that the persons overruling or neglecting their advice is (or are) aware of any possible danger or adverse consequences which they believe may result from such overruling or neglect.
  10. Be sure that everything we do is lawful.
  11. Not communicate to any person any information communicated to them in confidence either as an individual or as a group member, client, or employer without the express authority of that client or employer.
  12. Protect the health, safety, and general welfare of all clients and employees.
  13. Seek to report all information accurately and honestly, and as otherwise required by applicable reporting requirements.
  14. Avoid using company contacts to advance private business or personal interests at the expense of the company, individuals served, or affiliates.
  15. All business practices will operate in a non-predatory manner that upholds integrity for the agency and demonstrates respect for all individuals involved.
  16. Relative to marketing, we will not misrepresent our agency, our services, individuals served, or affiliates.
  17. Any contractual relationships clearly in violation of CCL’s Code of Ethics will be corrected to comply or terminated.
  18. Obey all Equal Opportunity Laws and act with respect and responsibility towards others in all of dealings. Please see Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, Purpose, and Procedure document for further information.
  19. Remain personally balanced so that one’s personal life will not interfere with the one’s ability to deliver quality products and services to the company and the Individuals served.
  20. Disclose unethical, dishonest, fraudulent and illegal behavior, or the violation of company policies and procedures, directly to Management of Creative Concepts for Living, Inc.
  21. Ensure that employees may report violations in confidence and without fear of retaliation.
  22. If your situation requires that your identity be kept secret, your anonymity will be protected.
  23. CCL does not permit retaliation or retribution of any kind against employees for good faith reports of ethical violations.
  24. Personal fundraising for mission-based causes, such as Scout programs/school fundraisers among peer level co-workers may be conducted with permission from Human Resources Director.
  25. Exchange of money involving service delivery is prohibited.
  26. Exchange of personal property involving service delivery is prohibited.
  27. Exchange of gratuities involving service delivery is prohibited.
  28. Exchange of gifts is generally prohibited. However, there may be some situations that are an acceptable exception to this prohibition. Creative Concepts for Living, Inc. must be informed immediately of any gift received from families or clients. Gift acceptance will be evaluated for appropriateness on a case-by-case basis.
  29. As appropriate, personnel may serve as witness to consumer signature for consumer legal and financial documents, as part of supportive decision making process and per the CCL policy on witnessing signature,
  30. Violation of this Code of Ethics can result in discipline, including possible termination. The degree of discipline relates in part to whether there was voluntary disclosure of any ethical violation and whether or not the violator cooperated in any subsequent investigation.

In some situations, it is difficult to know right from wrong. Since we cannot anticipate every situation that will arise, it is important that we have a way to approach a new question or problem.  These are the steps to keep in mind:

  1. Make sure to have the facts, in order to reach the right solutions, we must be as fully informed as possible.
  2. Ask yourself: What specifically am I being asked to do? Does it seem unethical or improper?
  3. This will enable you to focus on the specific question you are faced with, and the alternatives you have. Use your judgment and common sense.
  4. Clarify your responsibility and role. In most situations, there is shared responsibility. Are your colleagues informed? It may help to get others involved and discuss the problem.
  5. Usually employees should discuss problems with their Supervisors. This is the basic guidance. In many cases, your Supervisor will be more knowledgeable about the questions, and will appreciate being brought into the decision-making process. Remember that it is your Supervisor’s responsibility to help solve problems.
  6. Always ask first, act later: If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, see guidance before you act.

Remain aware of:

  1. Professional boundaries-exercise sensitive professional and moral judgments daily.
  2. Providing special services because the family donated money.
  3. Using a vendor that will cost more because they did volunteer work for the agency.
  4. Cell phones, tablets, electronic devices may hinder the quality of care and services provided.
  5. Bringing family or friends on the job.
  6. Taking Individuals that receive services to your home.
  7. Releasing Individuals served phone numbers to anyone

This Code is not intended to be a comprehensive rulebook and cannot address every situation that our employees may face.  In the event any employee feels uncomfortable about a situation or has any doubts about whether it is consistent with CCL’s ethical standards, he or she should seek help.  We encourage our employees to contact their supervisor for help first.  If a supervisor cannot answer a particular question, or if an employee does not feel comfortable contacting his or her immediate supervisor, such employee should contact the supervisor’s supervisor, and continue to go to the next level up if needed. In addition, the Emergency On Call Phone is held by a member of the Administration at all times and can be used in situations that need immediate attention.

  • Anyone who violates these rules of conduct and behavior could be subject to criminal or civil penalties and/or be subject to corrective action up to and including discharge from CCL.
  • Any employee who has knowledge of a violation of the Code of Ethics must report the violation to supervisor (or other management) immediately.
  • Supervisors and other members of the management team must report and address as soon as possible, no more than one business day.
  • Administrative team will investigate the alleged violation and strive to have investigation completed and decision made regarding the alleged violation within three business days.
  • In cases where more time is needed to investigate, team will inform all involved parties of reason more time is needed and expected time frame.