Abuse refers to any act or situation which may be physical, verbal, sexual and/or psychological in nature which demeans,harms or infringes on personal rights or dignities, or places an individual at risk to personal health or safety.
The Vulnerable Individual under the Substitutes Decision Act is defined as a person who, because of a moderate to severe mental or physical disability, illness or infirmity, whether temporary or permanent and whether actual or perceived,
(a)is unable to express or act on his or her wishes or to ascertain or exercise his or her rights, or
(b)has difficulty in expressing or acting on his or her wishes or in ascertaining or exercising his or her rights.
The Kenora Association for Community Living will maintain an environment that is free from any form of abuse. It will not tolerate the abuse of any vulnerable individual.
The Association will report all allegations to the appropriate ministry (MCSS, MOH) and to any other external agencies as required.
REPORTING ABUSE
Any individual coming across an abusive situation must follow these steps:
1. Intervene to ensure the individual's health, safety and well being whenever possible,
2. Immediate first aid and/or physician care is to be accessed for the victim;
3. Immediately contact the Supervisor of KACL staff involved or the Director and state the situation. Should the alleged abuser be the Supervisor or Director, contact any other Supervisor or Director;
NOTE:
The longer the delay in reporting the more difficult it is to ensure the individuals safety and to deal with the matter effectively.
4. Internal reporting is a requirement and management will meet with the person reporting the incident as soon as possible. Appropriate external authorities will be contacted depending on the situation. Parents/Guardians will be notified by a Director as soon as practical:
5. At any time, from the time of incident, that the witness/reporter feels it necessary, he/she may also contact appropriate external authorities to report the incident,should this not have already been done.
ALLEGED ABUSER
1. The alleged abuser will be removed from the individuals contact immediately to ensure the individuals protection;
2. Following a complete investigation, if found guilty of abuse the staff will be disciplined as considered appropriate.
3. Individuals found guilty of abuse may be terminated from employment with the Kenora Association for Community Living.