Preventing and responding to abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability
Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) is committed to providing and funding high quality services for people with a disability. Abuse, assault or neglect of people with a disability will not be tolerated in any service directly provided or funded by DSQ.
DSQ has introduced a policy to establish standard practices across all services operated or funded by DSQ, for preventing and responding to the abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability.
Through the policy and its accompanying resource booklet, disability service providers will be able to put procedures in place to ensure that people with a disability have safe, high quality services and are free from abuse and neglect.
The policy Preventing and responding to the abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability and accompanying resource booklet were developed after statewide consultation. This process involved people with a disability, their families, friends, carers and advocates, as well as government and non-government service providers.
Under the policy, all services for people with a disability provided or funded by DSQ must develop, implement and regularly review procedures and strategies for prevention of and response to instances of abuse, assault and neglect.
These will include:
- having a clear, accessible and accountable process for people to make complaints
- ensuring a prompt, appropriate response to reports and complaints
People with a disability and their families can use the policy and resource booklet to:
- understand their rights
- be aware of what constitutes abuse, assault and neglect, and some of the signs and indicators
- know what to expect in their service providers’ procedures for preventing and responding to abuse and neglect
Disability service providers will use the policy and resource booklet to:
- develop their own policies and procedures for preventing and responding to abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability
- meet the service requirements agreed with DSQ
- inform staff and volunteers about their responsibilities and obligations in preventing, recognising and responding to abuse and neglect
Dealing with complaints
People with a disability, their family, friends and advocates, or any concerned person may make a complaint or report about abuse, assault or neglect of a person with a disability.
You can use the DSQ complaints process by emailing, writing to or speaking with any DSQ staff member; the Complaints Officer in any DSQ regional office; or the Central Office Complaints Officer.
As well, every service provider funded by DSQ will have a process for responding to complaints and reports of abuse, assault or neglect.
For more information
You can see a copy of the policy 'Preventing and responding to the abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability' and the Resource Booklet at any DSQ office, or view them here:
Policy - Preventing and responding to the abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability
Booklet - Preventing and responding to abuse (PDF 58 kb)
Brochure - Preventing and responding to the abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability (PDF 58 kb)
Powerpoint presentation- Preventing and responding to the abuse, assault and neglect of people with a disability
Last updated February 2008