Objective

The objective of this workflow is to provide guidance to all Five Good Friends (FGF) workers (employees, Board Directors, Helpers, and contractors) on FGF safeguarding practices and how to respond to allegations or incidents of abuse and neglect including assessment, internal reporting, capacity and response.

Key Information

FGF has zero tolerance for abuse and is committed to the safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable people. This includes key safeguarding practices, such as:
- Clear guidelines for workers’ expected behavioural standards and responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
- Thorough pre-employment/contractual screening and ongoing maintenance of background checks for all workers.
- A robust and responsive Incident Management System to respond to allegations of incidents of abuse and neglect.
FGF workers are not allowed to be alone with children in an unsupervised environment. This means if a Member has children or grandchildren in their home or with them during a visit, workers are not allowed to be alone with the child without another adult (aged 18 years or older) present.
All allegations and suspicions of abuse must be reported verbally immediately once it is safe to do so and then followed with a written incident report.
All allegations and suspicions of abuse will be dealt with promptly, seriously, sensitively and confidentially.
We are committed to taking all reasonable steps to protect and respect the rights of our workers who make a report in good faith. Including protecting workers from the possibility of reprisal or victimisation.
The identity of the worker who makes the report will be kept confidential, to the extent permitted by law.

Definitions

Safeguarding - protecting the welfare and human rights of people who receive services from FGF; particularly people who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Abuse, neglect and exploitation - all forms of physical and mental abuse, exploitation, coercion or ill-treatment.
Emotional (or psychological) abuse - using threats, humiliation or harassment to cause distress and feelings of shame, stress or powerlessness. It often occurs in combination with other forms of abuse.
Financial abuse - ****using someone’s money, property or other assets illegally or improperly or forcing someone to change their will or sign documents.
Neglect - **intentionally failing to provide the necessities of life such as food, medication, warmth etc