An important point of the grievance mechanism is that it be used and that grievances be resolved at the earliest possible time at the lowest staff level. The grievance mechanisms can diffuse potential problems. Concerns expressed in writing often can be more readily resolved and often with better results than personal confrontations. At each step of the process, a minor should receive written reasons for both the action taken, approvals as well as denials. The grievance should continue to a resolution even though the minor has been released during the process.
Minors deserve a response to their grievance.
If this is not happening, the commission should bring this to the attention of the facility administrator and may make recommendations on how to improve the grievance procedure. The grievance procedure is very useful in alerting management to concerns of minors. The process is also useful in teaching minors a legitimate way to express their concern and frustrations rather than acting out. As an example, a minor filed a grievance because he felt a staff member was rude and disrespectful to him. The result of the grievance was an apology from the staff person.