Security News: GREEN BAY-BASED IN-HOME CAREGIVING SERVICE AGREES TO PAY $10,000 TO RESOLVE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLEGATIONS

Source: United States Department of Justice News

United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced on October 5, 2022, that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin had reached a settlement agreement under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with Helping Hands Caregivers LLC (“Helping Hands”) to resolve allegations that the company refused to provide in-home caregiving services to an individual with human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”). The agreement includes adoption of a non-discrimination policy, training of staff, written notification to the Department of Justice of future complaints, and $10,000 in compensatory damages for the individual.

Helping Hands offers in-home caregiving services in nine counties throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, with its main office in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The United States had alleged that a number of Helping Hands caregivers refused to provide service to an individual with HIV and that Helping Hands terminated the relationship with that individual as a result.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes the protection of the civil rights of all individuals,” said United States Attorney Haanstad.  “As this settlement demonstrates, our office is committed to using all available tools to enforce the ADA and prevent discrimination.”

Assistant United States Attorney Maura Flaherty represented the government in this matter.  The settlement agreement states allegations only; the defendant does not admit liability for the allegations. 

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For further information contact: Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700

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