3 Key principles in safeguarding individuals Principles offer a platform on which an organisation can develop prevention strategies and policies to address abuse. The Disability Support Services Tier 1 Service Specification outlines a number of relevant principles in this area. These principles reflect the Ministry’s commitment to the UNCRPD, the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Action Plan. Below are four key principles (while others also apply). 3.1 People are individuals who have the inherent right to respect for their human worth and dignity Violence against and exploitation of disabled people must be investigated and prosecuted in the same way as they would be for non-disabled people. The Ministry, providers and the disability community must all demonstrate zero tolerance to all forms of abuse. This includes abuse that support staff and disabled people carry out against other disabled people. The Ministry, and in particular DSS, expect that a DSS-funded provider will do everything it can to apply zero tolerance. You should demonstrate this approach through all levels of the organisation. Your systems and policies for and responses to abuse must reflect zero tolerance. 3.2 People have the right to live in and be part of their community and receive supports that provide the least restriction possible The people we support are entitled to receive services that support them to make choices and lead a full life without greater risk of harm than other New Zealanders face. At the same time, disabled people are capable of making decisions and must have authority over what happens to them in any given situation. In some instances, disabled people will need support to make informed decisions.
3 Key principles in safeguarding individuals Principles offer a platform on which an organisation can develop prevention strategies and policies to address abuse. The Disability Support Services Tier 1 Service Specification outlines a number of relevant principles in this area. These principles reflect the Ministry’s commitment to the UNCRPD, the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Action Plan. Below are four key principles (while others also apply). 3.1 People are individuals who have the inherent right to respect for their human worth and dignity Violence against and exploitation of disabled people must be investigated and prosecuted in the same way as they would be for non-disabled people. The Ministry, providers and the disability community must all demonstrate zero tolerance to all forms of abuse. This includes abuse that support staff and disabled people carry out against other disabled people. The Ministry, and in particular DSS, expect that a DSS-funded provider will do everything it can to apply zero tolerance. You should demonstrate this approach through all levels of the organisation. Your systems and policies for and responses to abuse must reflect zero tolerance. 3.2 People have the right to live in and be part of their community and receive supports that provide the least restriction possible The people we support are entitled to receive services that support them to make choices and lead a full life without greater risk of harm than other New Zealanders face. At the same time, disabled people are capable of making decisions and must have authority over what happens to them in any given situation. In some instances, disabled people will need support to make informed decisions.
prevention-management-abuse-guide-services-funded-dss-nov16.docx