Shelter Policies and Procedures Instructions: Develop the following policies and procedures for your shelter manual (See Tex. Admin. Code §379.601-609, 612-222). Be sure to consult the Texas Administrative Code (and the sample policies below) before you begin. http://txrules.elaws.us/rule/title1_chapter379_subchapterb_division6 Each policy and procedure statement should be approximately 1/2 to 1 double-spaced page. (The disability policy will be about 2 pages since it includes multiple elements):

1.) Eligibility/Non-Discrimination Policy 2.) LGBT Accessibility Policy 3.) Policy and Procedures for Serving Clients with Limited English Language Proficiency 4.) Policy and Procedures for Serving Clients with Disabilities [use subheadings to address Physical/Mobility Impairments, Cognitive Disabilities, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Issues, and other "Hidden" Disabilities such as HIV/AIDS, etc.] 5.) Confidentiality Policy (Be sure to outline the parameters of confidentiality, including the exceptions in the state of TX) 6.) Procedures for Interacting with DFPS (refer to the DFPS/Shelter MOU) 7.) Denial and Termination of Services Policy and Procedures 8.) Client Grievance Policy and Procedures *Note: Policies often begin with (or otherwise include) the following statement: "It is the policy of the (organization name) that..." After stating the policy, you'll then elaborate (ex. provide some background to demonstrate the policy's importance) and cite the appropriate HHSC rule and/or federal law (ex. ADA, VAWA, etc.). Policies and procedures are not simply a reiteration of the HHSC rule or law. They go beyond that. They cite the rule but then explain in more detail how the rule will actually be implemented. Again, they also typically give some brief background on the issue, as appropriate. For example, your LGBTQ accessibility policy might reference the barriers LGBTQ survivors have encountered while attempting to access services in the past. Additionally, your policy on providing services to clients with HIV and other illnesses should address the FACTS and FICTION surrounding the transmission of HIV/AIDS, etc.).(Research this and cite your s ources). You might also cite statistics and define key terms, as appropriate, This is essentially an "instruction handbook" for staff and volunteers. Your POLICY on providing services to clients with HIV/AIDS should focus on non-discrimination, self-determination (their right to make their own medical decisions), confidentiality, and respectful treatment. NOTE: Staff can't require a client to submit to STD testing. Additionally, they are not medical professionals and may not administer medication. Consider assigning clients lockers so they have access to their own meds]. Moreover, in the case of serving clients with limited English language proficiency, explain HOW staff may access translators (ex. via the Language FON, etc.) and other ways the shelter can ensure such clients have equal access to services. Essentially, a policy addresses "what" and a procedure addresses "how." A good rule of thumb to consider when formulating your policies and procedures is that shelters are not intended to function like prisons. They should promote not only client safety but also empowerment. (Review class powerpoints). Conversations can replace the need for excessive rules. *Entitle the document "(Name of the Organization)'s Shelter Manual. Include a table of contents. Sample Confidentiality Policy: https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:EFuO_L8xU3kJ:https://kaofeng-lee-s90t.squarespace.com/s/4NNEDV_ProgramConfidentiality_TemplatePolicy_Nov08_English.doc+&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us​ Other useful information on confidentiality as it relates to shelters: http://www.nmcadv.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Confidentiality-Manual-Part-II-Final-.pdf For Confidentiality and Cooperation with DFPS, also consult the HHSC FVP/DFPS MOU Guidance and Form (copy and paste link): https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:25Uc0pNcK5kJ:https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/safety/familyviolenceprogram/fvdfpsmou.docx+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Sample Grievance Policy and Procedure: Copy and paste the following link into your search engine. See page 24. https://pathssk.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/EmergencyShelterPolicies_201307_v1_SECURE.pdf Deliverables: Mock policies and procedures for your shelter manual submitted as a single word document entitled "(Your Organization Name) Shelter Manual"