New York, NY asked in Employment Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New York

Q: Can I request exemption from an IDP at a homeless shelter due to concerns about representatives?

I am a student worker at a homeless shelter and have been asked to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP). I have concerns about the credibility of the representatives requesting the document, as they have mental health and gender identity issues, which make me uncomfortable sharing my personal information. There is no written policy regarding the completion of the IDP, and I have not been provided any deadlines or consequences for not completing it. How can I request an exemption from completing this IDP, given that it is not directly related to my employment, and what alternative documentation can I provide to demonstrate my goals and progress?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: If you feel uncomfortable completing the Individual Development Plan (IDP) due to concerns about the representatives, it’s important to communicate your concerns respectfully but clearly. Start by explaining to your supervisor or the appropriate authority at the homeless shelter that you have reservations about sharing personal information with certain representatives due to the circumstances. You can ask for clarification on the necessity of the IDP, especially if it is not directly related to your student worker role.

Since there is no written policy about the IDP, you could request an exemption or offer an alternative way to document your goals and progress. You might suggest providing a different form of documentation that aligns with your professional and personal growth without involving the representatives you feel uncomfortable with. It could include a self-assessment of your progress, personal goals, or other records that demonstrate your development.

Approaching the situation calmly and asking for an alternative will likely be your best course of action. Make sure to keep a record of your communication in case you need to refer back to it later. Being open and clear about your discomfort can help find a solution that respects both your concerns and the shelter’s requirements.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.