Complaint Policy and Procedure
This policy and procedure applies to complaints received by Halton Women’s Place about our activities, programs, services, staff or volunteers.
A. Guiding Principles
- It is in the interest of all parties that complaints are dealt with promptly and resolved as quickly as possible.
- Review of complaints is fair, impartial and respectful to all parties.
- Complainants are advised of their options to escalate their complaint to a more senior staff person if they are dissatisfied with treatment or outcome.
- Complainants are provided clear and understandable reasons for decisions related to complaints.
- Updates are provided to complainants during review processes.
- Complaints are used to assist in improving services, policies and procedures.
B. Types of Complaints
- Definition: A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction about the services, actions, or lack of action by Halton Women’s Place as an organization or a staff member or volunteer acting on behalf of Halton Women’s Place.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Perceived failure to do something agreed upon;
- Failure to observe policy or procedures;
- Error made by a staff member/volunteer; or
- Unfair or discourteous actions/statements by staff member/volunteer;
Anyone personally affected can complain and their complaint will be reviewed in accordance with this procedure.
C. Complaint Receipt and Handling
A complaint may be received verbally (by phone or in person) or in writing (by mail, fax, email).
An employee or volunteer who receives a complaint should first determine the proper person to handle it. This will generally be the person who has the primary relationship with the complainant or has the specific knowledge that is needed to resolve the problem. It is the responsibility of the person who receives the complaint to either resolve it or transfer it to another person who can resolve it. If the complaint is transferred, the recipient must acknowledge to the transferor that he/she has received it and will act on it.
The person who initially receives the complaint should acknowledge to the complainant that the complaint has been received and will be acted on either by him/herself or another employee. If a timeframe for action can be determined, that should be included in the acknowledgment. Basic contact information including name, phone number and email address should immediately be recorded.
D. Resolving the Complaint
Every effort should be made to resolve complaints in a timely fashion. When receiving a verbal complaint, staff should listen and seek to understand the complaint and may attempt to resolve it immediately. Complaints received in writing should be acknowledged within 2 business days and staff should attempt to resolve the matter within 10 business days.
Where a complaint cannot be easily resolved, it should be escalated to the Executive Director. If the Executive Director cannot resolve the complaint, it will be escalated to the President of the Board of Directors. If the complaint is about the Executive Director & President, it will be handled by the Vice President and the Executive Committee. Complainants should be kept informed of the status of their complaint. Every attempt should be made to resolve escalated complaints within an additional 10 business days so that all complaints are resolved within a month of having been received.
E. Documenting the Complaint
It is necessary to keep a record of any complaint that involves a dispute over money as well as any complaint that cannot be resolved immediate (on the same day it is received). Information about such complaints must be recorded on the complaints tracking worksheet. Information recorded on the worksheet includes a description of the complaint, who handled it, what was done to resolve the complaint, timeframe, and a description of the resolution.
A summary of the complaints received including number and type will be reported to Halton Women’s Place Board of Directors annually.
This policy and procedure applies to complaints received by Halton Women’s Place about our activities, programs, services, staff or volunteers.
A. Guiding Principles
- It is in the interest of all parties that complaints are dealt with promptly and resolved as quickly as possible.
- Review of complaints is fair, impartial and respectful to all parties.
- Complainants are advised of their options to escalate their complaint to a more senior staff person if they are dissatisfied with treatment or outcome.
- Complainants are provided clear and understandable reasons for decisions related to complaints.
- Updates are provided to complainants during review processes.
- Complaints are used to assist in improving services, policies and procedures.
B. Types of Complaints
- Definition: A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction about the services, actions, or lack of action by Halton Women’s Place as an organization or a staff member or volunteer acting on behalf of Halton Women’s Place.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Perceived failure to do something agreed upon;
- Failure to observe policy or procedures;
- Error made by a staff member/volunteer; or
- Unfair or discourteous actions/statements by staff member/volunteer;
Anyone personally affected can complain and their complaint will be reviewed in accordance with this procedure.
C. Complaint Receipt and Handling
A complaint may be received verbally (by phone or in person) or in writing (by mail, fax, email).
An employee or volunteer who receives a complaint should first determine the proper person to handle it. This will generally be the person who has the primary relationship with the complainant or has the specific knowledge that is needed to resolve the problem. It is the responsibility of the person who receives the complaint to either resolve it or transfer it to another person who can resolve it. If the complaint is transferred, the recipient must acknowledge to the transferor that he/she has received it and will act on it.
The person who initially receives the complaint should acknowledge to the complainant that the complaint has been received and will be acted on either by him/herself or another employee. If a timeframe for action can be determined, that should be included in the acknowledgement. Basic contact information including name, phone number and email address should immediately be recorded.
D. Resolving the Complaint
Every effort should be made to resolve complaints in a timely fashion. When receiving a verbal complaint, staff should listen and seek to understand the complaint, and may attempt to resolve it immediately. Complaints received in writing should be acknowledged within 2 business days and staff should attempt to resolve the matter within 10 business days.
Where a complaint cannot be easily resolved, it should be escalated to the Executive Director. If the Executive Director cannot resolve the complaint, it will be escalated to the President of the Board of Directors. If the complaint is about the Executive Director & President, it will be handled by the Vice President and the Executive Committee. Complainants should be kept informed of the status of their complaint. Every attempt should be made to resolve escalated complaints within an additional 10 business days so that all complaints are resolved within a month of having been received.
E. Documenting the Complaint
It is necessary to keep a record of any complaint that involves a dispute over money as well as any complaint that cannot be resolved immediate (on the same day it is received). Information about such complaints must be recorded on the complaints tracking worksheet. Information recorded on the worksheet includes a description of the complaint, who handled it, what was done to resolve the complaint, timeframe, and a description of the resolution.
A summary of the complaints received including number and type will be reported to Halton Women’s Place Board of Directors annually.
Client Complaints
Click here to view the “Client complaint procedure and form” (PDF)
Client Complaints
All employees, students and volunteers of Halton Women’s Place (HWP) strive to ensure clients’ time with us is a positive and productive experience, whether staying in residence, attending our programs, or receiving services from us in the community. We recognize that there may be times when our service delivery does not meet your expectations and we want to know how we can improve to better meet your needs.
Click here to view the “Client complaint procedure and form” (PDF)
You have options:
IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE
- Call our 24 hour Crisis, Information and Support Line to speak with a trained Crisis Intervention Counsellor;
- The Crisis Intervention Counsellor will explore your options with you and support you to create a Safety Plan, along with creating an Emergency Escape Plan
- If you have pets, you can explore safe options with the Crisis Intervention Counsellor.
If you do choose to come to Halton Women’s Place, you and your child(ren) may stay for up to 12 weeks. Our Crisis Intervention Counsellors will work alongside you on your personal goals, which may include:
- Accessing community support;
- Accessing counselling;
- Obtaining housing;
- Accessing financial supports;
- Exploring legal supports;
- Any other individual goals.
Emergency transportation is available to help you get to the shelter.
IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO LEAVE
- Call the Halton Women’s Place 24-hour Crisis, Information and Support Line.
- Our Crisis Intervention Counsellors will offer support, counselling, resources and information. They will also explore your options.
- Crisis Intervention Counsellors will also offer to support you to create a safety plan for you, and your children, if applicable
- Crisis support is available on the phone or in person at either shelter. No appointment is necessary.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SHELTER
- Safe shelter with staff available 24 hours a day;
- Clean and welcoming bedrooms;
- Laundry facilities;
- Children’s Services, including parenting support, therapeutic groups, children’s activities, playroom;
- Court support for interim custody and restraining orders;
- Supportive counselling;
- Advocacy for you and your children;
- Support in accessing community services;
- Support groups;
- On-Going Safety Planning;
- Planning for departure from shelter
NEED HELP NOW?
CALL OUR 24-HOUR CRISIS LINES
BURLINGTON & OAKVILLE: 905-332-7892
MILTON & HALTON HILLS: 905-878-8555
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