CaseyBelle
01-19-2007, 05:33 PM
In 2005/2006 I worked for a company that provides services to individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. From Feb. 2005 until June 2006 my 'reputation' was untarnished, I had no complaints about my job performance and was well respected by my supervisor. The company management was completely unknown to me at this time, having never introduced themselves or been present at the residence where I worked. Between June 2006 and November, when I finally terminated my employment, I caused waves for speaking up for an individual, I'll refer to her as *T*, who was being treated improperly by this company simply because she can not speak for herself and her guardian does not live in the area and is oblivious to what goes on. As a result of my 'questioning' management, I was treated poorly, my shift taken away, my hours cut, etc. I feel all of this was an attempt to get me to quit. In November I did voluntarily terminate my employment as I have applied to be considered for appointment as *T's* guardian and I cannot work for a provider and be a guardian due to the conflict of interest. Of course, I feel that I'm better able to advocate for *T* by being her guardian. Shortly before Christmas the company learned that I was trying to be appointed guardian and they were not pleased. As a result, they have told *T's* current guardian that I cause *T* to have aberrant behaviors when I call her. The situation they are referring to is an incident in July 2006 when I was on vacation and had given *T* my cell phone number so that she could call while I was away. I was unable to answer every call *T* made, so she became upset and had a behavior. When I returned I was disciplined for having provided my cell number even though this is a common practice with nearly every other consumer & their staff. The truth of the matter is that I do not call *T*, but I do return her calls when she calls me. While it is true that *T* will act up if I do not answer my phone immediately or if I do not return her call immediately, this is due to her disability and her 'I want it now' mentality. Her actions are tantrums, and are not limited to this situation. They're common.
I was recently told by a current supervisor that management is going to confront the current guardian and attempt to enlist her to help them try to prevent me from obtaining guardianship by telling her that I cause *T's* behaviors.
Is there any legal action I can take to prevent them from manipulating the situation and lying about my role in these behaviors? I'm in the process of getting letters of recommendation from individuals who have witnessed my interaction with *T*, my previous supervisor is going to provide one, other staff have stated that they'd be willing to write one, all in order for me to defend myself if need be during the appointment process. Can I sue for slander? What avenue's do I have? I'd really appreciate information and can clarify any information that I may not have conveyed clearly. Thanks!
I was recently told by a current supervisor that management is going to confront the current guardian and attempt to enlist her to help them try to prevent me from obtaining guardianship by telling her that I cause *T's* behaviors.
Is there any legal action I can take to prevent them from manipulating the situation and lying about my role in these behaviors? I'm in the process of getting letters of recommendation from individuals who have witnessed my interaction with *T*, my previous supervisor is going to provide one, other staff have stated that they'd be willing to write one, all in order for me to defend myself if need be during the appointment process. Can I sue for slander? What avenue's do I have? I'd really appreciate information and can clarify any information that I may not have conveyed clearly. Thanks!