1. Policy Statement
Family Promise of Puget Sound (FPOPS) is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all individuals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This policy establishes clear rules regarding substance use and abuse, reflecting our dedication to the well-being of our community and the integrity of our programs. The use, possession, distribution, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol on FPOPS property or during FPOPS-sponsored activities is strictly prohibited.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
* Ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within FPOPS facilities and programs.
* Promote a healthy and productive environment free from the negative impacts of substance abuse.
* Establish clear expectations for conduct related to drugs and alcohol.
* Outline procedures for addressing violations and the consequences thereof.
* Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning drug and alcohol-free workplaces and service environments.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all Family Promise of Puget Sound properties, including the Day Center, Night Shelter facilities, and any FPOPS-sponsored activities or transportation. It applies to all individuals (including family members of any age), staff (paid and unpaid), volunteers, guests, and acquaintances of individuals while on FPOPS property or participating in FPOPS programs.
4. Guiding Principles
* Safety: Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of all individuals.
* Health: Promote a healthy environment by prohibiting substances and activities detrimental to well-being.
* Responsibility: Encourage responsible behavior and provide support for individuals seeking assistance with substance abuse issues.
* Fairness and Consistency: Apply this policy consistently and fairly to all individuals within its scope.
* Legal Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
5. Definitions
* Illegal Drugs: Any drug or controlled substance the possession or use of which is unlawful under federal, state, or local laws. This includes marijuana, even if legalized for recreational or medical use in Washington State, due to FPOPS’s commitment to maintaining a substance-free environment for all individuals, particularly children.
* Alcohol: Any alcoholic beverage, including but not limited to beer, wine, and spirits.
* On the Premises/Property: Refers to all FPOPS-owned, leased, or operated facilities, vehicles, and any areas immediately surrounding them that are under FPOPS’s control.
* Under the Influence: A state in which an individual’s mental or physical abilities are impaired by alcohol or drugs to a degree that poses a safety risk, interferes with job performance, or violates program rules.
* Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by a licensed medical professional for an individual’s specific medical condition.
6. Policy Guidelines and Procedures
6.1. Prohibited Conduct
The following conduct is strictly prohibited:
* Possession or Consumption: The possession, consumption, sale, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs or alcohol on FPOPS premises or during FPOPS-sponsored activities.
* Being Under the Influence: Being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on FPOPS premises or during FPOPS-sponsored activities.
* Misuse of Prescription Drugs: The misuse of prescription drugs, including using another person’s prescription drugs, sharing one’s own prescription drugs, or using prescription drugs in a manner inconsistent with the prescription.
* Marijuana: Despite Washington State laws regarding recreational or medical marijuana, its use or possession is strictly prohibited on FPOPS property and during FPOPS-sponsored activities for all individuals, including staff, volunteers, and individuals. This is to maintain a consistent substance-free environment, particularly given the presence of children and the nature of our services.
6.2. Drug and Alcohol Testing (If Applicable)
* Reasonable Suspicion Testing: FPOPS reserves the right to require drug and/or alcohol testing of staff, volunteers, or individuals when there is reasonable suspicion that an individual is in violation of this policy. Reasonable suspicion may be based on observable phenomena, such as direct observation of drug or alcohol use, physical symptoms of impairment, or patterns of abnormal conduct or erratic behavior.
* Post-Incident Testing: Testing may be required following an incident or accident where drug or alcohol use is suspected to be a contributing factor.
* Consent: Refusal to submit to a requested drug or alcohol test may result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment/service or expulsion from the program.
* Confidentiality: All testing results will be handled with strict confidentiality, consistent with FPOPS’s Confidentiality Policy and applicable laws.
6.3. Support and Referrals
FPOPS is committed to supporting individuals who seek help for substance abuse. While violations of this policy will lead to consequences, FPOPS may, where appropriate and feasible, provide information about or referrals to external resources for substance abuse treatment or counseling.
7. Consequences of Violations
Any violation of this Drug and Alcohol Policy will be taken seriously and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including:
* Immediate Removal: Immediate removal from FPOPS property.
* Program Termination: Termination of housing and/or services from Family Promise of Puget Sound programs for individuals.
* Disciplinary Action (Staff/Volunteers): For staff and volunteers, disciplinary action may include verbal or written warnings, suspension, or termination of employment or service.
* Law Enforcement Involvement: Reporting of the incident to appropriate law enforcement agencies, as required by law or deemed necessary by FPOPS leadership.
The severity of the disciplinary action will depend on the nature and severity of the violation, prior incidents, and other relevant factors.
8. Responsibilities
* All Individuals (Individuals, Staff, Volunteers, Guests): Responsible for understanding and strictly adhering to this policy.
* Staff and Volunteers: Responsible for communicating this policy to individuals, observing and reporting suspected violations to their supervisor, and enforcing the policy consistently and fairly.
* Supervisors/Program Directors: Responsible for ensuring their teams and individuals are aware of this policy, responding to suspected violations, and initiating appropriate action.
* CEO: Overall responsibility for the implementation, oversight, and enforcement of this policy.
9. Policy Review and Revision
This policy will be reviewed annually by the CEO and Board of Directors, or more frequently as needed, to ensure its continued effectiveness and alignment with organizational needs, best practices, and legal requirements. Any revisions will be communicated to all relevant personnel.