Sidekick Australia Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and Discrimination Policy

Sidekick recognises the right of all participants to feel safe and to live in an environment that provides protection from assault, neglect, exploitation, discrimination or any other form of abuse. People with disabilities, children and young people are some of the most vulnerable groups in our society. It's essential that Sidekick identify, consult and respond to instances where persons with disabilities, children or young persons are at risk of significant harm.

Common reasons for people with disabilities, children and young people to be at risk of significant harm include:

●       domestic and family violence

●       physical, sexual and emotional abuse

●       neglect.

The purpose of this policy is to prevent and mitigate the effects of violence, abuse and neglect on participants through training and implementing processes to inform Staff and protect participants who are at risk of significant harm.

Sidekick will encourage and support any person who has witnessed the abuse of a service user or, who suspects that abuse has occurred, to make a report and be confident of doing so without fear of retribution.

This policy aims to:

●       take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to participant safety

●       value and empower the participant to contribute to decisions which affect their lives

●       foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to disclose the risks of harm to participant safety

●       respect diversity in cultures and child-rearing practices, while keeping the participant's safety paramount

●       provide training to staff on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards participants

●       engage only the most suitable people to work with participants and ensure superior quality staff, volunteer supervision and professional development

●       ensure participants know who to talk to if they're worried or feeling unsafe and that they're comfortable and encouraged to raise any issues

●       report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities

●       share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of the participant is at risk

●       value the input of families and advocates and communicate regularly with them.

In the case that situation meets the criteria of a reportable incident, then the Reportable Incident, Accident and Emergency Policy and Procedure will apply.

Sidekick is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all participants. This commitment is the primary focus of our support and decision making. Sidekick is committed to providing a safe environment where participants are safe and their voices are heard and included in decisions that affect their lives. Attention is paid to the cultural safety of participants from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.

All Sidekick Staff members have a responsibility to understand the critical and specific role they play, both individually and collectively, to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all participants and young people are at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.