Safeguarding, Abuse and Neglect Prevention Policy

Purpose. This policy commits Willow Community Care to preventing, recognising and responding to abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm of the older people, people with disability, children, young people and families it supports.

1.Commitment

Willow has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect and exploitation of any person it supports. Every worker and volunteer must uphold the right of each person to safety, dignity and respect. Willow is a child safe organisation and will meet the Victorian Child Safe Standards in every program that works with children and young people.

2.Definitions

Abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse and unlawful or unauthorised restrictive practice. Neglect includes failure to provide food, medication, personal care, supervision or a safe environment. Exploitation includes any use of a person's money, property or labour for someone else's benefit.

• Physical abuse: hitting, rough handling, inappropriate restraint
• Sexual abuse: any sexual contact or behaviour without consent
• Psychological abuse: threats, humiliation, isolation, control
• Financial abuse: misuse of money, cards, benefits or property
• Neglect: withholding care, medication, food, supervision or safety

3.Reporting obligations

Any worker who sees, hears about or suspects abuse or neglect must act on the same day. Serious incidents involving aged care clients must be reported under the Serious Incident Response Scheme. Reportable incidents involving NDIS participants must be notified to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission within 24 hours of Willow becoming aware, or five business days for less serious incidents. Allegations against a worker involving a child must be reported to the Commission for Children and Young People under the Reportable Conduct Scheme within three business days.

4.Mandatory reporting

Workers who form a reasonable belief that a child needs protection from physical injury or sexual abuse must make a report to Child Protection, and Willow will support them to do so. Willow will not discipline or disadvantage any worker for making a report in good faith.

5.Screening and supervision

Every worker and volunteer must hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Check before their first shift and must maintain them. Workers who work with children must never be alone with a child in an unobservable setting except where a documented safety plan allows it. Managers must supervise practice and act on any concern about a worker's conduct.

6.Supporting the person

When abuse or neglect is disclosed or suspected, the safety of the person comes first. Workers must believe the person, keep them safe, seek medical help where needed and involve the person in decisions about what happens next. Willow will offer the person and their family access to an independent advocate.

7.Investigation and learning

The Quality and Safeguarding Manager will lead or commission an investigation into every allegation and record findings and actions in the Incident and Hazard Register. Willow will report the outcome to the relevant commission and will review this policy after any substantiated finding.