Inclusion/Exclusion Policy

Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to establish a set of standards to determine which agencies are listed on the online OpenDoorsSC.com website. 

Background 

The OpenDoorsSC.com website is supported by the Sonoma County Department of Human Services and is produced by Uptown Studios. 

The directory is a one-stop resource of services and programs available to Sonoma County residents which was developed to help improve access to services for our citizens. 

The OpenDoorsSC.com website includes contact information for providers, services and/or programs that are intended to help Sonoma County residents quickly connect to services and benefits available to help people and families thrive in our community. 

Directory listings are based on information publicly provided by listed agencies, organizations and/or submitted by program representatives. 

Listings are subject to editing at the discretion of the Sonoma County Human Services Department staff. Changes may be made without notice to the listed agency/organiz-ation/program representatives. 

Policy 

The Sonoma County Human Services Department (SCHSD) sets the policy on the criteria and procedures regarding the inclusion of agencies in the online directory. Eligibility for inclusion does not guarantee inclusion. There is no fee for inclusion. 

SCHSD reserves the right to prioritize and limit entry of agencies at its discretion. See more information on Listing Inclusion/Exclusion below. 

SCHSD also reserves the right to edit information to meet format, guideline, space and taxonomy requirements without prior notification to listing agencies. It reserves the right to make all editorial decisions, including design, page and category placement. 

Inclusion in the OpenDoorsSC.com Online Resource Directory 

All agencies or organizations must provide programs and services to residents within the geographical boundaries of the County of Sonoma. 

Agencies or organizations that are certified, licensed, or accredited by the appropriate levels of government as applicable must maintain valid certificates, licenses, and accreditation for consideration of inclusion (e.g. day care, adult day care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, home health services, and hospitals) and be in good standing. 

The order of preference for inclusion in the directory is as follows (must meet one criteria): 

  1. Agencies/Organizations offering programs that do not charge fees for service. 
  2. Government and 501 (c)3 non-profit agencies offering programs in support of Sonoma County residents. 
  3. Advocacy groups and community coalitions. 
  4. Unique For-Profit, commercial or private organizations may be considered for inclusion based on whether services are otherwise unavailable in Sonoma County due to a lack of comparable government, non-profit or community services. 

Exclusion/Removal from the OpenDoorsSC.com Online Resource Directory 

If an organization/agency submits an application for inclusion and is determined to be ineligible, SCHSD will respond with an explanation. 

Criteria for exclusion includes: 

  1. For-profit and fee-for-service organizations (unless meeting #4 inclusion criteria above). 
  2. Individuals providing services. 
  3. Private practitioners or group practices of professional services (e.g. doctors, dentists, attorneys, CPAs). 
  4. Agencies that do not respond within 30 days when asked to review and return updated agency/program information. 

Disclaimer

 The OpenDoorsSC.com website is maintained by the Sonoma County Human Services Department in conjunction with our web developer, Uptown Studios, to enhance public access to information about human service resources available to Sonoma County residents. The inclusion of any organization, agency, or service in this directory does not imply or constitute an affiliation, endorsement or recommendation. The Sonoma County Human Services Department does not investigate or monitor any of the organizations listed, and neither guarantees nor makes any representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this directory. Additionally, the Human Services Department shall not incur any liability for errors or omissions with respect to any information provided by this website 

The Sonoma County Human Services Department is not responsible for services or any actions taken by any of the organizations or agencies included in the OpenDoorsSC.com website. Under no circumstances shall the Sonoma County Human Services Department, or their employees be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of reliance upon the information and procedures presented in the resource inventory.