Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable People Handbook

Annexure 5 – additional guidelines when working with vulnerable persons in the Community Care Program St John SA operates a Community Care program which aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable persons living independently at home. Volunteers assist by providing home visits; outings; help with shopping and regular phone contact. The safety and welfare of the community care clients is paramount in the delivery of this program. We understand in the delivery of the program members may often find themselves in one to one situations with a vulnerable person and that this is unavoidable. It is important that the other preventative practices outlined in section 2 of this handbook are adopted. When there is a suspicion of abuse, members are required to following the reporting and notification procedures outlined in section 3 of this handbook. The Rights of Older Persons: While not all Community Care clients are elderly, the majority are, and it is important to understand their rights. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons (1991) outlines these rights as: Independence – including access to basic needs, health care, work, education programs, the right to live at home as long as possible in supportive, safe environments Participation – in social activities and opportunities to share their knowledge and skills with their community Care – that maintains their optimum level of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing Self-fulfilment – to realise their potential and access educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational resources Dignity – to be treated fairly, to be valued in their own right, to live in security, to be free of exploitation, physical and mental abuse and to be able to exercise personal autonomy.

remain outside the toilet. Activity providers: If external activity providers are being used, they must be made aware of St John SA’s child protection policies and procedures and must be under the direct supervision of a member at all times. Day Excursions When arranging day excursions for Youth members, the policies and procedures for these activities and approval process must be adhered to. In particular in relation to child safety the following is required: Risk Assessments: A risk assessment is to be conducted prior to each excursion. This will include the identification of anything that may prevent child safe practices being followed, e.g. type of activity, member to child ratios, etc Leadership and member roles: A leadership structure with clear roles and responsibilities must be in place and communicated with members and participants prior to each day excursion. Visitors: All visitors must be supervised at all times. Safety Briefings: As part of the general safety briefing, all members, participants and visitors must be briefed on the child protection procedures at the start of the event. If a member or visitor joins the activity during the event and is not there for the initial briefing, a private briefing must be held. Toileting: Two adults must be in sight lines while a child goes to the toilet. If the toilet is in a public place and is open to other members of the public, a member should first ensure that no other adults are present in the toilet if possible. Members are required to remain outside the toilet. Activity providers: If external activity providers are being used, they must be made aware of St John SA’s child protection policies and procedures and must be supervised at all times.

31

Member Handbook July 2016 St John Ambulance SA Inc