Non-Discrimination Policy

Family Tree Wellness is committed to providing an environment that promotes equal opportunity, respect, and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Scope
This policy applies to all individuals receiving services, employees, caregivers, contractors, and volunteers of Family Tree Wellness , in compliance with the laws and regulations set by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable state and federal non-discrimination laws.

Policy

Family Tree Wellness does not discriminate in the provision of services or employment practices based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion or Creed
• Sex (including pregnancy and gender identity)
• National Origin
• Age
• Disability (including physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities)
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Identity or Expression
• Marital Status
• Veteran Status
• Genetic Information
• Any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws

Equal Access to Services

All individuals receiving services from
Family Tree Wellness have the right to:

1. Equal Opportunity for Services

• Access services, programs, and activities without discrimination or bias.
• Receive services that are respectful and responsive to their cultural beliefs, practices, and needs.

2. Reasonable Accommodations

• Request reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to programs and services, in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Expect that accommodations will be provided, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the agency.

3. Freedom from Retaliation

• Report any form of discrimination or harassment without fear of retaliation.
• Be assured that any reports of discrimination will be handled promptly and confidentially, with protection from retaliation.

Employment Practices

Family Tree Wellness adheres to the principles of equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and job performance, without discrimination based on the protected categories outlined above.
This includes:

• Hiring: All applicants for employment will be considered without discrimination.
• Training and Development: Equal access to training programs will be provided to all employees.
• Promotion and Compensation: Promotions, wages, and benefits will be determined without regard to any protected characteristics.

Reporting Discrimination

If you experience or witness any form of discrimination:

1. Report the Incident: You may report the issue to any staff member or designated agency representative.
2. File a Formal Complaint: You may file a formal complaint with Family Tree Wellness or with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
3. Investigation: All complaints will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, with appropriate corrective actions taken if necessary.

Compliance with Law

This policy complies with all applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws, including but not limited to:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Policy Review

This Non-Discrimination Policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to remain compliant with changing laws and regulations. Any changes will be communicated to staff and clients as required.