Non-Discrimination Policy

Purpose And Organizational Commitment

Ignite Families LLC is fundamentally committed to the principles of equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We believe that every person—whether seeking employment or services—deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Discrimination of any kind is inconsistent with our organizational values and is strictly prohibited.

This policy establishes clear standards for non-discriminatory practices in both our employment operations and our delivery of client services. It reflects our obligations under federal and Indiana state law, our contractual obligations with the Indiana Department of Child Services, and our deepest organizational values.

Equal Employment Opportunity

General EEO Commitment

Ignite Families LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any protected characteristic. All employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, disciplinary action, and termination, are made without discrimination based on any protected class.

Protected Characteristics in Employment

Ignite Families LLC prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in all employment practices based on:

  • Race, color, or ethnicity
  • National origin or ancestry
  • Religion or creed
  • Sex, gender, or gender identity/expression
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age (40 or older, as protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act)
  • Disability (physical or mental) or perceived disability
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
  • Genetic information
  • Veteran or military status
  • Citizenship status, to the extent permitted by law
  • Any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

Recruitment and Hiring

Job openings will be advertised in a manner designed to reach a broad and diverse pool of qualified candidates. Job qualifications will be directly related to the requirements of the position. Hiring decisions will be based solely on qualifications, skills, experience, and organizational fit. Background screening processes will be applied consistently and in compliance with applicable law, including fair chance hiring principles.

Workplace Advancement and Compensation

All employees will have equal access to training, development, and advancement opportunities. Compensation practices are reviewed regularly to ensure equity across all employee groups. Pay decisions are based on objective factors including experience, qualifications, and job duties.

Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Ignite Families LLC prohibits all forms of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, based on any protected characteristic. Harassment includes unwelcome conduct—whether verbal, physical, or visual—that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or that interferes with an individual’s ability to perform their job. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwanted advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Reasonable Accommodation

Ignite Families LLC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization. Employees and applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources to initiate the interactive accommodation process. All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

Non-discrimination In Client Services

Commitment to Equitable Service Delivery

Ignite Families LLC is committed to delivering high-quality, equitable services to every family and individual we serve. We will not deny, limit, or condition services on the basis of any protected characteristic. Every client has the right to receive services in a respectful, dignified, and culturally responsive manner.

Protected Characteristics in Service Provision

Ignite Families LLC will not discriminate against any client, family, or individual in the provision of services based on:

  • Race, color, or ethnicity
  • National origin or ancestry
  • Religion or creed
  • Sex, gender identity, or gender expression
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age
  • Disability or perceived disability
  • Immigration or citizenship status
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Marital or familial status
  • Language or English proficiency
  • Any other characteristic protected by applicable law or DCS contract standards

Culturally Competent Service Delivery

Ignite Families LLC is committed to providing culturally competent services that recognize, respect, and respond to the diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and identities of the families we serve. Staff are trained in cultural humility and competency as part of initial onboarding and ongoing professional development. Clients with limited English proficiency will be provided with interpretation or translation services as needed to ensure meaningful access to services.

Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities

Ignite Families LLC will make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures as necessary to ensure equal access to services for individuals with disabilities. Clients requiring accessibility accommodations should communicate their needs to their assigned case manager or to the main office, and every effort will be made to provide appropriate accommodations in a timely manner.

Complaint Process for Clients

Any client, family member, or other individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination in the receipt of services has the right to file a complaint with Ignite Families LLC. Complaints may be submitted verbally or in writing to the Compliance Officer. Clients also have the right to file a complaint directly with the Indiana Department of Child Services or other applicable state or federal agencies. Ignite Families LLC will not retaliate against any individual for filing a good-faith complaint.

Anti-Retaliation

Ignite Families LLC strictly prohibits retaliation against any employee, applicant, client, or other individual who: (a) files a complaint of discrimination or harassment in good faith; (b) participates in an investigation of a complaint; (c) opposes a practice believed to be discriminatory; or (d) exercises any other right protected by law. Any form of retaliation is itself a serious violation of this policy and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Reporting and Investigation Procedures

Employee Reporting

Employees who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment should report the conduct promptly to their supervisor, the Compliance Officer, or any member of the leadership team. Employees who are uncomfortable reporting to their supervisor because the supervisor is involved in the alleged conduct should report directly to the CEO or Compliance Officer.

Investigation Process

All complaints will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and impartially. The investigation will be conducted by a qualified individual who is not involved in the alleged conduct. Both the complainant and the respondent will have an opportunity to present their perspectives and evidence. Investigations will be completed in a timely manner, and the findings will be communicated to the parties involved to the extent permitted by law.

Corrective Action

If an investigation substantiates a complaint of discrimination or harassment, Ignite Families LLC will take immediate and appropriate corrective action, which may include training, reassignment, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity of the conduct. The goal of corrective action is to stop the discriminatory conduct, prevent recurrence, and remedy the effects on the affected individual.

Training and Accountability

All employees will receive training on this policy, equal opportunity principles, and harassment prevention as part of initial onboarding and annually thereafter. Supervisors and managers receive additional training on their specific responsibilities for preventing and addressing discrimination. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and will be considered in performance evaluations for all employees in supervisory roles.

Legal Framework

This policy is designed to comply with, and in many instances exceeds, the requirements of applicable federal and state law, including but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA); the Pregnancy Discrimination Act; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA); the Indiana Civil Rights Law; and all applicable DCS contract requirements governing non-discrimination in service delivery.

Policy Acknowledgment and Availability

This policy is available to all employees in the Employee Handbook and on the company website. All employees are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy upon hire and following any material revision. Client-facing versions of this Non-Discrimination Policy are made available in the Client Rights and Responsibilities documentation provided during service intake.