It has become evident to society that children are not the only vulnerable group of people in need of protection.
Adults can, and do, experience abuse and other health related concerns.
When responding to Safe Community concerns about abuse or health issues of adults it is important the we remember the following.
Adults are self-determining
Adults have the right to make decisions about their own lives, so long as the actions are not endangering themselves or others. This means we will need to work with the adult at risk rather than ‘acting in the best interest of the child’ as is done when considering a response in the area of child protection.
Legal issues
Sometimes it will be very clear what to do, as in allegations of criminal activity toward an adult e.g. sexual harassment or rape.
Organisation procedures
For example, all allegations of misconduct or abuse by a worker against vulnerable adults need to responded to with fairness and due process.
Organisation responses
For concerns about the conduct of people with special needs (e.g. intellectual or physical disability or mental health concern) speak to a manager who may seek advice from relevant health services. There are times when this will mean utilising the local health services and working with the person and their family to provide comfort, support and access to resources and services.
For this reason, it is most important that you do not go it alone!
If you have a concern about an adult at your organisation or are concerned about an adult’s behaviour towards others, report it to a senior worker (e.g. your Safe Community Coordinator).
THESE WEB LINKS PROVIDE SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION
Bullying in the workplace (online or in person)
Harassment
Emotional abuse
Physical violence
Sexual harassment and/or sexual violence
Domestic or family violence
Elder abuse
Adults with disabilities
Adults experiencing Mental Illness
Suicide/self-harm risk
Stalking behaviours
Safe Ministry Resources can also provide customisation services to your organisation for the implementation of the Safe Community Framework.
The Safe Ministry/Community Framework is developed and owned by Safe Ministry Resources Pty Ltd. It is freely available to organisations to use and adapt with permission. Please contact us at [email protected] to seek permission.
Disclaimer: These publications are not legal advice. The ideas and procedures herein are based on nationally recognised good practice advice and have been written with due regard to Australian legislation March 2020. Legal advice may need to be sought when responding to individual incidents.