Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Commitment
Section: Case Management Agency (CMA)
Created: 02/25/2024
Revised:
Effective: 03/01/2024
Policy Statement
Weld County CMA (WCCMA) is fully committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in all aspects of its operations and services. This commitment is integral to our mission and is aimed at addressing racism, promoting inclusion, and ensuring equitable treatment for everyone, to include historically underserved and marginalized communities. The Weld County Civil Rights Plan is a cornerstone document guiding and informing our actions and commitments.
Purpose
This policy outlines WCCMA's commitment to EDIA and establishes the procedures to uphold this commitment, aiming to: Cultivate a service provision and workplace environment that embraces and implements diversity and inclusion. Assure accessibility and equitable treatment for everyone. Foster opportunities for inclusion that promotes equitable treatment of historically underserved and marginalized communities.
Relevant Contract Citations and Language
1.1.7.11: The Contractor shall have a written policy and procedure on the agency’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility that includes approaches to confronting racism and building opportunity for inclusion that promotes equitable treatment of historically underserved and marginalized communities.
Procedures
Commitment to EDIA:
WCCMA shall participate in Department-led EDIA assessments and surveys to review and improve our EDIA strategies and practices.
Inclusion Initiatives:
Family Support Council: Establishment of a council with a majority of members and the chairperson being family members of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or Developmental Delays, ensuring their voices and needs guide our actions.
Community Advisory Committee (CAC): A significant component of WCCMA’s inclusion efforts, the CAC plays a crucial role in providing public input and guidance across several areas:
Membership Diversity: Active efforts to recruit a diverse membership that mirrors the community's demographic spectrum, focusing on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, and socioeconomic status.
Role and Functions: The CAC is instrumental in reviewing and advising on WCCMA's service delivery policies, procedures, marketing strategies, resource development, operations, service quality, member satisfaction, and the resolution of complaints at the local level. This committee ensures that the community's diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of our services.
Human Rights Committee: Comprising volunteers from various backgrounds, this committee safeguards the rights of individuals receiving services, addressing rights-related issues through quarterly meetings.
Engagement and Accessibility: Information on how to get involved with the CAC, along with other councils and committees, is featured on Weld County Department of Human Services website: Boards, Committees, and Councils
County Wide Diversity Policy and Procedure: Weld County Government commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, as outlined in our diversity policy found In our Charter and County Code: Sec. 2-2-140. In summary:
It underscores our commitment to creating an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and included. This policy recognizes diversity as an encompassing term that values the varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that individuals and groups bring, contributing to a richer community and organizational success. Key aspects include ensuring diverse representation across the workforce, advisory boards, and committees; reflecting this commitment in internal systems and policies, such as hiring and training; maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment; and enforcing procedures for addressing violations, including investigation and disciplinary measures. The policy also emphasizes the importance of monitoring compliance and strictly prohibits retaliation.
Training and Development:
All WCCMA Key Personnel and Other Personnel shall complete annual Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) related training. Training will ensure staff are culturally competent and provide culturally responsive services and business practices at all levels of the agency. Health Care Policy and Financing’s (HCPF) EDIA Officer and/or their designee will offer free EDIA-related professional development training to WCCMA upon request within HCPF’s Learning Management System.
EDIA training for all new hires within o120 days of employment, including an overview of our committee structures, Health Equity resources (Health Equity | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing), and completion of specialized EDIA training as provided by HCPF and mandated by our contract and relevant regulations.
Promoting Equity and Inclusion:
Implementation of strategies to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace, enhance service delivery through cultural competency, and ensure services are accessible to all, including non-English speakers and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Weld County Civil Rights Plan:
The Weld County Civil Rights Plan is fundamental to WCCMA's commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA), guaranteeing that our programs and services are conducted without discrimination. The plan serves as a vital resource for both staff and the public, outlining civil rights policies and procedures.
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES POLICIES: Chapter 1 General Administrative Provisions, Article V: Civil Rights Plan
Accountability and Monitoring
Reviews of this policy and its implementation will be conducted to ensure it remains effective and responsive to the needs of the community we serve. Feedback from stakeholders, results from EDIA assessments, and engagement in department-led initiatives will inform ongoing adjustments and improvements.
Policy Review
This policy will be updated as needed based on feedback and changes to contractual, county, and regulatory requirements.