1. Purpose

The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to outline Careify Support Services’ commitment to protecting vulnerable participants from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.
This policy:
– Promotes the rights, safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all participants.
– Establishes clear expectations for staff behaviour and safeguarding practices.
– Ensures compliance with NDIS Practice Standards, the NDIS Code of Conduct, and relevant Australian laws.
– Guides staff in identifying, preventing, and responding to safeguarding concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Careify employees, contractors, volunteers, students, and board members across all services, including:
– Daily Living Supports
– Social and Community Participation
– Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination
– Community Nursing Services
– High-Intensity Supports
– Transport Services
– Plan Management

It covers all vulnerable participants, particularly:
– Children and young people under 18 years.
– Adults with cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
– Participants who rely on restrictive practices or have complex behaviour support needs.
– Participants at risk of social isolation or exploitation.

3. Policy Statement

Careify Support Services is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants.
We will:
– Prevent harm through robust screening, training, and supervision of staff.
– Identify and respond quickly to safeguarding risks.
– Empower participants and families to understand their rights and raise concerns without fear.
– Work collaboratively with the NDIS Commission, police, child protection agencies, and other relevant authorities.
– Ensure compliance with all mandatory reporting obligations.

4. Definitions

Vulnerable Participant: Any participant who, due to age, disability, illness, or social circumstances, is at increased risk of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Abuse: Any action that causes physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm to a participant.
Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care or support, resulting in harm or risk of harm.
Exploitation: Taking advantage of a participant for personal gain or benefit.
Mandatory Reporting: Legal requirement to report suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities.
Restrictive Practice: Any practice or intervention that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a participant.

5. Principles

Careify’s safeguarding practices are built on the following principles:
1. Rights-Based Approach: Every participant has the right to safety, dignity, and respect. Services must be provided in the least restrictive and most empowering way possible.
2. Zero Tolerance: Careify has zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination.
3. Participant-Centred Support: Safeguarding decisions must always consider the participant’s needs, preferences, and goals.
4. Transparency and Accountability: All safeguarding actions must be documented, reported, and reviewed.
5. Cultural Safety: Respect and protect the cultural and spiritual beliefs of participants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

6. Safeguarding Strategies

6.1 Recruitment and Worker Screening
– All staff must have a valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance before commencing work.
– Working With Children Checks are required for roles involving minors.
– Reference checks and police checks are mandatory for all employees.
– Staff records must be maintained in the NDIS Worker Screening Register.

6.2 Staff Training and Competency
– Staff must complete safeguarding and child protection training during induction.
– Ongoing annual training includes recognising signs of abuse or neglect, positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques, and understanding mandatory reporting obligations.
– Training completion is recorded in the Staff Training Register.

6.3 Risk Management
– Safeguarding risks will be identified and recorded in the Risk Register.
– High-risk situations, such as the use of restrictive practices, will have a Risk Management Plan.
– Environmental risk assessments will be conducted in homes, community settings, and vehicles used for participant transport.

6.4 Supervision and Monitoring
– Regular supervision and performance reviews ensure staff are following safeguarding procedures.
– Spot checks and audits will be carried out to verify compliance.

6.5 Communication and Empowerment
– Participants and families will receive easy-to-understand information about their rights and Careify’s safeguarding processes.
– Participants are encouraged to speak up about concerns, access advocacy services, and provide feedback via the Complaints and Feedback process.

7. Incident Reporting and Mandatory Notifications

All safeguarding incidents must be reported and managed in line with Careify’s Incident Management Policy.

Incident Type | Reporting Requirement | Timeframe
Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation | Report to NDIS Commission and relevant authority (e.g., Police, Child Protection) | Immediately or within 24 hours
Unauthorised restrictive practice use | Report to NDIS Commission | Within 24 hours
Serious injury or death of a participant | Report to NDIS Commission and Police | Immediately
Complaints about safeguarding issues | Document in Complaints Register and escalate to management | Within 48 hours

8. Roles and Responsibilities

Directors: Ensure organisational compliance and oversee safeguarding processes.
Operations Manager: Manage safeguarding implementation and supervise staff.
Staff and Contractors: Follow this policy, report risks, and complete required safeguarding training.
Participants and Families: Report concerns and actively engage in safeguarding planning.

9. Related Policies and Documents

– Incident Management Policy
– Complaints and Feedback Policy
– Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
– Restrictive Practices Policy
– Positive Behaviour Support Policy
– Risk Management Policy
– Code of Conduct Policy
– Work Health and Safety Policy

10. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes in legislation or organisational practices. Feedback from participants, staff, and external audits will inform us of improvements. Continuous improvement actions will be documented in the Feedback and Complaints Register.

11. References

– NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators:     

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au
– NDIS Code of Conduct
– NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018
– Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
– Disability Discrimination Act 1992
– Privacy Act 1988