1. Purpose
This policy describes how [Organisation Name] prevents, identifies, and responds to violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination involving participants. It supports NDIS Practice Standard 1.5 and aligns with NDIS Worker Screening obligations.
2. Scope
Applies to all workers, contractors, volunteers, and to interactions with participants, families, advocates and the broader community.
3. Definitions
- Abuse: Physical, sexual, psychological, financial, or systemic harm to a participant
- Neglect: Failure to provide a participant with the basic care needed for their wellbeing
- Exploitation: Using a participant for personal, financial, or other gain
- Discrimination: Treating a participant unfavourably because of a protected attribute
4. Prevention
- All workers complete NDIS Worker Screening before commencing
- Mandatory training covers identifying signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination
- Participant supports are documented; lone-worker risk is managed via check-in and supervision protocols
- Workers do not provide personal banking, financial decision-making, or witness-of-will services for participants
5. Reporting and Response
5.1 Internal
- Suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or discrimination is reported to the [Manager] within the same shift
- The participant is supported to a safe place
- The worker documents observations and preserves evidence
5.2 External
- Reportable incidents are notified to the NDIS Commission within 24 hours
- Where a crime is suspected, police are notified
- Where mandatory child-safety notification applies, the relevant child protection agency is notified
6. Participant Support After an Event
- The participant is supported to seek medical, legal, and counselling assistance as they choose
- A safety plan is developed with the participant
- Restorative practices are offered where appropriate
7. Records
Incident records, screening evidence, and training records are kept for 7 years.
8. Related Policies
- Incident Management Policy
- Human Resource Management Policy
- Risk Management Policy
- Complaints and Feedback Policy
9. Review
Reviewed annually or after a reportable incident.
This template is provided by GuardRail as general guidance only. Organisations should customise it and have it reviewed by a legal professional before adoption.