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Posted:
Feb 17, 2008
22:39
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AMATS Adopts Standards
Contact:
Jeff Johnson
Executive Director
Association of Mediation and Transport Services
435-491-0398 jjohnson@amats.com
January 2008
MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS
AMATS announced that it is accepting applications for membership for the year 2008, with the requirement that all applicants must have been in existence for at least two years and must submit at least three professional recommendations from any of the following categories:
Program Director/Admissions Director from a NATSAP program, a provisional NATSAP program or a program that is established, reputable and has experience of at least two years.
Educational Consultant who is a member of IECA, a provisional member of IECA or is established and reputable, with at least two years of experience.
Therapist or Counselor with a minimum master's level degree who is licensed, established and reputable with at least two years of experience.
Members must also meet the following Standards:
Members must carry an "industry specific" million-dollar professional liability insurance policy for youth-crisis intervention transport. A policy for 'livery,' 'limousine,' 'taxi' will not be acceptable.
Individual agents conducting the interventions/transports must be covered under the company's liability insurance policy. All member companies must have W-2 or other verifiable contract mechanisms that qualify each individual "employee/agent" to fall under the company's insurance and meet all the legal guidelines of the IRS laws for contractual labor. If all agents are not W2 employees of the transport company, then the applicant must provide proof that each agent is covered.
Primary agents must undergo training consistent with best industry practices and standards.
All agents must be cleared by FBI background checks.
All agents working in or out of California must be cleared via the California Trustline Registry according to California law.
Full disclosure of ownership (including any holding or parent companies) is required.
Employees will not be able to work simultaneously for more than one adolescent transport company without the prior approval of both companies.
No referral kickbacks are allowed, and any contractual relationships must be made public, including the posting of this information on the company's website.
No multiple misdemeanors (more than two) within the past 5 years are allowed, none of which were committed in the preceding 3 years. No history of reckless or irresponsible driving within the past 5 years. No felony convictions within the past 5 years. Any sexual child endangerment or violent/aggravated assault charge will permanently disqualify anyone for employment.
AMATS recognizes that people who have worked through substance abuse or chemical dependency issues often provide excellent role models for children in crisis situations. A written request for a waiver of the above requirements may be submitted. Waiver requests will be reviewed by and acted upon by the Executive Committee.
STANDARDS FOR ETHICAL PRACTICES
AMATS Mission Statement: "To set and maintain professional standards that ensure safe and ethical practices for the mediation and transport of adolescents and young adults."
A Mediation and Transport Agency is any person or organization which contracts directly with the parents, guardians, government agencies, programs or educational institutions for the transportation of minors and young adults. A Therapeutic Transport Agent is a specially trained professional who works under the auspices of a Mediation and Transport Agency. Individual Agents are expected to abide by the same standards as those set for agencies.
The primary concern of a Mediation and Transport Agency is the welfare of its clients. At no time will an Agency allow a client to commit an unsafe or illegal act while in its care.
A client's first encounter with a Transport Agent is often his or her first step toward making positive changes in his or her life. Transport Agencies are committed to creating environments that encourage their clients to move forward on their journey toward responsible choices and healthy behavior.
A Transport Agency maintains strict confidentiality on all records pertaining to the clients they transport. This includes the identity and personal information of clients and potential clients as well as conversations with other professionals involved with the care of the clients.
A Transport Agency works to remain current on the applicable laws in every country and region where they operate.
A Transport Agency hires Agents with the utmost care and only after thorough background screening.
A Transport Agency only uses Agents who are properly trained and supervised to ensure fulfillment of their specific roles in the transportation of a client.
A Transport Agency works with all parties interested in the welfare of a client to get a comprehensive picture of that client's needs - and then selects Agents with appropriate skills to meet those needs.
A Transport Agency uses physical restraint only as a temporary, last resort and only in those instances where the client's actions represent an immediate threat to the client's or agent's safety.
A Transport Agency utilizes a written contract to clearly document for the involved parties the services proposed and all foreseeable fees and expenses.
A Transport Agency recognizes its specific role in the care of client and does not attempt to circumvent or undermine the work of other professionals involved in the client's care.
A Transport Agency shall avoid the appearance of impropriety, including but not limited to engaging in inappropriate dual relationships and the solicitation or acceptance of "referral fees" or other forms of compensation not related to the professional service provided.
For information concerning the Association of Mediation and Transport Services, contact Jeff Johnson, Executive Director at 435-491-0398 or email jjohnson@amats.com
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