Upholding Dignity and Rights: A Look at Sycamore’s Human Rights Committee
0
36
0
At Sycamore Services, the well-being, dignity, and rights of the individuals we support are at the core of everything we do. One of the key ways we ensure this commitment is through our Human Rights Committee — a diverse, experienced, and thoughtful group responsible for making sure client rights are respected and restrictive interventions are never used without proper justification, oversight, and transparency.
A Rigorous and Transparent Process
Sycamore’s Human Rights Committee operates with rigorous procedures and a high level of transparency. The committee reviews all behavior support plans, with a particular focus on any use of medications, therapeutic approaches, and intervention strategies — both positive and restrictive. Every plan undergoes detailed evaluation to ensure it is respectful, ethical, and non-restrictive whenever possible.
Importantly, Sycamore does not and will not employ physical restraints as part of any behavior support plan. This policy underscores our commitment to preserving client dignity and supporting individuals in the least restrictive and most empowering environments possible.
Protecting Privacy and Preventing Bias
To maintain fairness and objectivity, individuals are not identified to voting committee members during case reviews. This confidentiality ensures that all decisions are made solely based on the merit of the treatment plan, not personal familiarity or outside influence. By removing identifiable information, we uphold each individual’s privacy and help ensure that every decision is made free from bias.
Who Makes Up the Committee?
The Human Rights Committee consists of 11 individuals, including both internal and external members. The committee brings together parents, medical professionals, quality assurance experts, advocates, and others with direct experience in the field of disability services. Their collective insights and professional diversity create a well-rounded decision-making body with a deep understanding of what it takes to protect and promote individual rights.
To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, the chairperson of the committee cannot be a Sycamore employee. This external leadership ensures impartiality and further strengthens the integrity of the committee’s decisions.
What Does the Committee Do?
On average, the Human Rights Committee reviews 12 to 15 cases each month. These cases include:
Behavior support plans
Risk management plans
Requests related to guardianship or legal rights
Changes to psychiatric medications
Participation in research projects
If a psychiatrist recommends a change to a client’s psychotropic medication — whether it be a new prescription or a dosage adjustment — that change must be reviewed and approved by the Human Rights Committee before it is implemented. This ensures that every change made is in the best interest of the individual and is not unnecessarily restrictive.
The committee has the authority to approve or deny any proposed treatment or intervention, ensuring all decisions are made with the client’s rights as the top priority.
Why This Matters
Oversight from the Human Rights Committee is critical in ensuring that individuals supported by Sycamore are not subjected to inappropriate or excessive restrictions. This process is not just about compliance — it’s about ethics, accountability, and a commitment to person-centered care. By maintaining one of the most transparent and diligent processes in the field, we are proud to lead with integrity and compassion.
Want to Get Involved?
If you're interested in learning more about the Human Rights Committee or would like to inquire about becoming a member, we encourage you to connect with Brenda Stiers-Carter, who serves as the employee gatekeeper for the committee.
📩 Questions or want to serve? Contact: Brenda Stiers-Carter
