Safeguards – Doing it right
Understanding restrictive practice
Restrictive practices involve the use of interventions and practices that have the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. These primarily include restraint (chemical, mechanical, social or physical) and seclusion.Australian Law Reform Commission
Unless authorised by the Restrictive Practice Authorisation Panel (RPAP), restrictive practice is deemed a prohibited practice.
Reporting abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation
Reportable incidents include (but may not be limited to):
- All forms of physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, legal, civil or systemic abuse
- Constraints and restrictive practices
- Physical neglect – failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, protection and supervision
- Passive neglect – withholding or failure to provide the necessities of life
- Willful deprivation – willfully denying a person assistance and thereby exposing that person to the risk of physical, mental or emotional harm
- Emotional neglect – restricting the social, intellectual and emotional growth or well-being of a person.
In accordance with Mable’s Incident Reporting Procedure, all serious incidents must be reported to Mable by calling 1300 736 573. If the matter is urgent or life-threatening call emergency services on 000 (triple zero) first.
If you are unsure whether a matter should be reported or whom to report a matter to, call the Police Assistance Helpline on 131 444 for guidance.
Specific reporting avenues
- Reporting Authorities for Children (state-based contact list)
- Reporting Authorities for People with a Disability (call the National Disability and Neglect Hotline on 1800 880 052 for referral)
- Reporting Authorities for Elder Abuse (state-based contact list)