Introduction

Careify Support Services is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of participants while ensuring they understand their responsibilities when accessing services. We uphold the principles of dignity, respect, privacy, choice, and control in all service delivery, in line with the NDIS Practice Standards and Human Rights frameworks.

This policy is designed for an organisation governed by directors, without a board of management.

Scope

This policy applies to:
– All NDIS participants receiving services from Careify Support Services
– Families and carers
– Advocates
– Employees
– Contractors
– Volunteers

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:
– Ensure participants are aware of their rights and responsibilities
– Promote an environment where participants are treated with dignity and respect
– Support participants to exercise choice and control over their supports
– Meet our obligations under the NDIS Practice Standards and human rights laws

Participants’ Rights

Participants have the right to:
– Be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy
– Receive services that respect their culture, values, and beliefs
– Make informed choices and decisions about their services and supports
– Have their privacy and confidentiality protected
– Access services in a safe and supportive environment
– Receive information in accessible formats
– Access an advocate of their choice to represent their interests
– Provide feedback or make complaints without fear of retribution
– Be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination
– Participate actively in the development, implementation, and review of their support plans
– Have their independence and social inclusion promoted

Participants’ Responsibilities

Participants are expected to:
– Treat staff, contractors, and other participants with respect and courtesy
– Respect the rights and privacy of others
– Provide accurate information to assist in the delivery of appropriate supports
– Communicate openly and honestly with Careify Support Services
– Notify us of any changes to their circumstances that may affect service delivery
– Work cooperatively with staff to achieve planned goals
– Inform staff if they are unable to attend scheduled appointments
– Raise any concerns or complaints promptly to allow for resolution

Supporting Participant Rights

Careify Support Services supports participant rights by:
– Providing clear information about services, rights, and responsibilities
– Offering accessible complaints and feedback mechanisms
– Encouraging advocacy and support networks
– Conducting staff training on human rights, cultural competence, and person-centered service delivery

Complaints and Feedback

Participants are encouraged to provide feedback or make complaints at any time. Careify Support Services ensures:
– A fair, confidential, and accessible complaints process
– Prompt and respectful handling of all concerns
– Support for participants to access independent advocacy if needed

Training

All employees, contractors, and volunteers are trained on:
– Participants’ rights and responsibilities
– Ethical and respectful service delivery
– How to support participants to exercise their rights

Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed:
– Every 2 years
– Following participant feedback
– After significant changes in legislation or organisational practices

References

– National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth)

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
– United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) | Australian Human Rights Commission
– NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators

NDIS Practice Standards | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
– Australian Human Rights Commission Guidelines

Commission Guidelines | Australian Human Rights Commission