Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable People Handbook

REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR NOTIFICATION • Physical signs of abuse are observed • A person tells you he/she has been abused • Someone else, tells you the person has been abused • The person displays unusual behaviours which can’t otherwise be explained.

VULNERABLE PERSON ABUSE REPORTING FLOWCHART:

CONTACT THE CVPO OFFICER IMMEDIATELY Contact SAPOL for serious forms of abuse/emergencies.

THE ALLEGATION IS AGAINST A ST JOHN SA MEMBER

THE ALLEGATION IS NOT AGAINST A ST JOHN SA MEMBER

Complete the Suspected Abuse Form and submit to CEO or Commissioner and cc the CVPO Officer.

CVPO WILL ASSESS THE ALLEGATION IN CONSULTATION WITH HR.* SAPOL will be informed in the case of an emergency, depending on the seriousness of the allegation (ideally with permission). THE INFORMATION IS ASSESSED AND AN EXTERNAL ADVOCATE MAY BE APPOINTED TO THE VULNERABLE PERSON. Support for

CVPO CONTACTS HR MANAGER IMMEDIATELY. HR MANAGER WILL ASSESS THE ALLEGATION IN CONSULTATION WITH CEO, GM PEOPLE & PROGRAMS, COMMISSIONER OR STATE

THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER & GENERAL MANAGER PEOPLE & PROGRAMS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING (IN CONSULTATION WITH CVPO OFFICER): • Management of the case file and actions • Overseeing the investigation process • Support for the alleged victim • Support for the reporter and alleged offender (when a member) • Communication and support to family members • Communication with appropriate government agencies •Ensuring SAPOL is contacted.

SUPERINTENDENT .* • Report made to SAPOL • An internal

investigation will be instigated, but not so as to interfere with SAPOL investigation.

THE PERSON SUSPECTED OF ABUSE IS SUSPENDED PENDING AN INVESTIGATION An internal

*Where the allegation occurs within the community care program, HR will inform and engage with the Community Care Co-ordinator as required.

alleged victim and reporter is provided.

investigation is undertaken (following the investigation policy)

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Member Handbook July 2016 St John Ambulance SA Inc