Workplace Violence Prevention & Response Policy

Purpose & Scope

Ignite Families is committed to a workplace that is safe, respectful, and free from violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment. This policy applies to all employees, 1099 contractors, interns, volunteers, and visitors while on company property, in company vehicles, in virtual meetings, or conducting fieldwork (including home and community visits). It also applies to client/family interactions.

Zero-Tolerance & Non-Retaliation

We have zero tolerance for workplace violence in any form. Reports made in good faith will never result in retaliation. Disciplinary action—up to and including termination of employment or contract—may result from violations of this policy.

Definitions (Types of Workplace Violence)

Level 1

Early warning behaviors: bullying, hostile gestures, intimidation, profanity directed at a person, menacing body language, stalking, unwanted following/monitoring, property tampering, doxxing or cyber-stalking.

Level 2

Threats: explicit or implicit threats of harm to self or others; references to weapons; threatening writings, texts, or social media posts; threats to damage property.

Level 3

Physical acts: pushing, grabbing, hitting, kicking, spitting, sexual assault, use or display of a weapon, property destruction, arson.

Level 4

Domestic violence spillover: threats or violence from a partner/ex-partner that occur at work, during visits, or using work systems.

Level 5

Harassment/Discrimination: behavior prohibited by law and company policy (based on protected classes) when it rises to intimidation or threat.

Roles & Responsibilities

All Staff/Contractors:

  • Maintain situational awareness; follow prevention practices; report concerns immediately.
  • Complete required training and drills.

Supervisors/Program Leads:

  • Ensure staff compliance; act on reports promptly; initiate safety plans; escalate to the Threat Assessment Team (TAT).

Threat Assessment Team (TAT):

Sherri Massengale (lead), Safety Officer, HR/Admin, and a Program Manager.

  • Triage reports, assess risk, coordinate interventions, liaise with law enforcement/DCS, and direct return-to-work plans.

Safety Officer (or designee):

  • Maintains incident records, conducts after-action reviews, tracks training/compliance.

Prevention Standards (Office & Field)

De-escalation first

Use calm tone, non-confrontational posture, set boundaries, offer breaks, and exit early if needed.

Environment controls (office)

Controlled access, visitor sign-in, duress alarms, clear exits, cameras where permitted by law.

Fieldwork/home visits

  • Pre-visit risk screen (history of threats, weapons, substance use, animals, neighborhood risks).
  • Two-person rule for elevated-risk visits when feasible.
  • Check-in/out protocol: share itinerary, use GPS/phone location, set timed wellness checks.
  • Park for a quick exit; keep keys accessible; do not block exits; do not accept food/drink if safety is uncertain.
  • End visit immediately if you feel unsafe.

Digital safety

Block/report threatening messages; save screenshots; route all threats to TAT.

Weapons policy

No weapons on duty, in offices, or company vehicles, except for lawful on-premises exceptions expressly permitted by applicable state law.

Protective/Restraining Orders

Employees should promptly provide copies so we can help enforce them at work sites.

Immediate Response (When Violence or a Credible Threat Occurs)

  1. Imminent danger: Call 911. Use the company emergency code ‘REDLINE’ to alert nearby staff and the TAT.
  2. Evacuate or shelter-in-place per the situation. Lock doors if able; keep clients/children safe.
  3. Do not physically engage unless unavoidable to protect life.
  4. Notify your supervisor/TAT as soon as you are safe.
  5. Field/home visits: End the visit, move to a safe location, call 911 if needed, then notify supervisor/TAT.
  6. Preserve evidence: Do not delete texts/voicemails; keep damaged items; note witnesses.

Reporting & Documentation

Who reports: Any employee or contractor who experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of behavior covered by this policy.

How to report:

  • Verbal notification to supervisor/TAT immediately (or as soon as safe).
  • Complete an Incident Report within 24 hours (earlier if required by DCS).
  • For DCS-related incidents, follow contract reporting timelines and notify the FCM as required.
    Emergency use of leave: Staff may leave immediately when safety is threatened and must notify their supervisor as soon as possible.

Assessment, Investigation & Outcomes

The TAT will triage the report within 1 business day, determine risk level, and assign actions. The company may:

  • Involve law enforcement; request trespass or workplace restraining orders.
  • Modify schedules/locations; require two-person visits; pause or transfer cases.
  • Provide escorts or remote work temporarily.
  • Take corrective action up to and including termination.
    Findings are shared with need-to-know parties only. We respect confidentiality to the extent allowed by law.

Special Guidance for Social-Services Interactions

If a client/family member:

  • Escalates verbally → set limits; offer to reschedule; end visit if boundary violations continue.
  • Threatens harm → end contact, withdraw, call 911 if needed, and report to TAT/FCM.
  • Brings or brandishes a weapon → disengage immediately, create distance/cover, call 911, and notify TAT/FCM.
    Do not return to a client or location with a recent violent incident without a TAT-approved Safety Plan.

Training & Drills

  • At hire and annually: de-escalation, situational awareness, field safety, REDLINE procedures, and incident reporting.
  • Supervisors/TAT: additional training in threat assessment and post-incident management.
  • Drills: REDLINE/lockdown/evacuation drills semiannually.

Support & Post-Incident Care

  • Medical care as needed; workers’ comp process will be initiated for employees.
  • Critical incident stress support (EAP or counseling resource list).
  • Return-to-work plans may include temporary duty changes, limited client contact, or paired visits.

Recordkeeping & Compliance

All reports, risk assessments, actions, and training records are retained per company policy and law. Policy aligns with OSHA’s General Duty Clause and applicable state/local requirements and DCS contract obligations.

Contact Points

Emergency: 911
Code Word: REDLINE
Supervisor: Report directly to your Team Leader or Sherri Massengale
Threat Assessment Team (Lead/Sherri Massengale): or respective team leader
Safety Officer / HR: Roderic Strozier II

Quick Reference (Post this in offices/field kits)

If you feel unsafe at any time:

  • Leave immediately → REDLINE → call 911.
  • Notify supervisor/TAT when safe.
  • Document facts in Incident Report within 24 hrs.
  • Do not return until a Safety Plan is approved.

Purpose: To ensure employees feel safe, supported, and able to serve families with full presence and professionalism.