Termination/Discharge Policy

For Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters

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Purpose

Jehovah Saints is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all individuals utilizing our homeless shelters. This Termination/Discharge Policy outlines the circumstances under which a guest may be discharged from the shelter, as well as the procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and access to additional resources.

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Policy Statement

Termination or discharge from Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters will only occur when necessary to uphold the safety, well-being, and integrity of the shelter community. All decisions will be made with fairness, compassion, and an emphasis on connecting individuals to alternative resources whenever possible.

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Grounds for Termination/Discharge

A guest may be discharged from the shelter for any of the following reasons:

1. Violation of Shelter Rules:

   • Repeated or severe violations of shelter policies, including but not limited to:

     • Violence or threats of violence toward staff, other guests, or visitors.

     • Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances or alcohol on shelter property.

     • Theft or destruction of property.

     • Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior.

2. Safety Concerns:

   • Behavior that poses a direct threat to the safety or well-being of the guest, other residents, or staff.

3. Non-Compliance with Program Requirements:

   • Refusal to participate in required programs or services, if such participation was agreed upon as part of the guest’s stay.

4. Voluntary Departure:

   • A guest may choose to leave the shelter at any time.

5. Completion of Stay:

   • The guest has successfully completed their stay and transitioned to permanent housing or another appropriate living arrangement.

6. Ineligibility:

   • Discovery that the guest does not meet the eligibility criteria for shelter services (e.g., misrepresentation of homelessness status).

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Discharge Procedure

To ensure fairness and transparency, the following steps will be taken in the event of a termination or discharge:

1. Incident Review:

   • Staff will review the situation, including any violations or concerns, to determine if discharge is necessary.

2. Warning (if applicable):

   • For non-severe violations, guests will receive a verbal or written warning and an opportunity to correct their behavior.

3. Notice of Discharge:

   • If discharge is deemed necessary, the guest will be informed in writing (when possible) of the decision, including:

     • The reason for discharge.

     • The effective date and time of discharge.

     • Any conditions for future re-admittance, if applicable.

4. Referral to Resources:

   • Staff will make every effort to connect the guest with alternative resources, including other shelters, housing programs, or support services.

5. Documentation:

   • All discharges will be documented in the guest’s file, including details of the incident, actions taken, and referrals provided.

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Immediate Discharge

In cases of severe violations, such as violence, illegal activity, or other behaviors that pose an immediate threat to safety, the guest may be discharged without prior warning. In such cases:

• Law enforcement may be contacted if necessary.

• Staff will document the incident thoroughly and provide referrals to alternative resources as appropriate.

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Appeal Process

Guests who believe they have been unfairly discharged may appeal the decision by following these steps:

1. Submit a written appeal to the Shelter Director within 7 days of discharge.

2. The Shelter Director will review the appeal and meet with the guest (if possible) to discuss the situation.

3. A final decision will be made within 5 business days of receiving the appeal.

4. The guest will be informed of the decision in writing.

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No Retaliation

Jehovah Saints prohibits retaliation against any guest who raises concerns about their discharge or files an appeal.

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Confidentiality

All information related to a guest’s termination or discharge will be handled confidentially and shared only with authorized personnel or external agencies as required by law.

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Policy Review

This Termination/Discharge Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains fair, consistent, and aligned with best practices for shelter operations.

By implementing this policy, Jehovah Saints aims to maintain a safe and supportive environment while treating all individuals with dignity and respect, even during challenging circumstances.