Volunteer

Lincoln Park Group Home Seeks Human Rights Committee Members

Lincoln Park Group Home is an “Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled” (ICF/ID). The benefits are that it provides constant training in the activities of daily living in the form of formal training programs and under the guidance of Active Treatment, which essentially means that everything done in the home throughout the day is a learning opportunity for the residents who live there. Providing a high quality of life for its Residents and promoting independence at every turn are essential components of day-to-day operations. As in ICF/ID, there are rules and regulations that are much more stringent than in other types of group homes.

One of the requirements of an ICF/ID is the existence and regular meeting of a Human Rights Committee (HRC). The function of the committee is to “have an ongoing oversight group to guard the rights of people living there” operating according to federal regulations and DDD policy. The HRC meets quarterly and reviews Positive Behavior Support Plans, any restrictive procedures set up in the home, the use of psychoactive medications or chemical restraints, policy and procedures, Resident rights issues related to proposed research activities or studies, facility procedures that deal with consent, conditions of treatment, and Resident rights, intervention plans that have the potential to interfere with human and civil rights, and any complaints or grievances filed by Residents, their parents or legal representatives and authorized representatives.

An additional requirement to the formation of an active Committee are the types of individuals who make-up this committee. We are in dire need of individuals from the local community who are not members of UFGH’s staff or board, nor Guardians or immediate relatives of any of our Residents. Such members will help ensure fresh perspectives to new challenges in Resident care and will help the committee think and operate outside the usual UFGH “box.”

We are looking for new members for the committee. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in an opportunity to be involved in enriching the lives of the residents at Lincoln Park by protecting their rights and best interests, please contact bruce@ufgh.org.