Disability Royal Commission Melbourne hearings to focus on residential services
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will begin public hearings in Melbourne from 2 to 6 December 2019. This round of hearings will focus on the experience of people with a disability who have lived or are currently living in group homes.
The Board, management and staff of Gateways have zero tolerance for abuse and neglect and work tirelessly to provide quality, nurturing services. We are a long standing and deeply committed provider of services for people in residential services and a number of other supports. We recognise and deeply respect the trust participants and their families place in us to provide quality, transparent and safe supports. We are committed in our role to empower people with disability to reach their potential and to contribute their individual skills to enrich our society. We are driven by respect for the right of people with disability to live safe, fulfilling and dignified lives. We actively contribute to initiatives that drive inclusion, encourage discussion and believe that provider accountability for outcomes is essential.
Individualised funding under the NDIS has improved the opportunities for people with disability and we embrace the philosophy of this Scheme. However, if the doors of society remain closed to the needs of people with disability, if people with disability remain invisible to society then nothing will change. The principles of inclusion, of accountability for the quality of and equity of access to services from mainstream and an aware, educated and inclusive community are fundamental to reducing the risks of abuse and neglect. As a registered, quality-accredited and experienced provider of supported accommodation for people with autism and intellectual disability, Gateways is fully supportive of the Royal Commission inquiry and stands willing to assist and contribute to this investigation.
Gateways has comprehensive recruitment and selection processes in place as well as feedback and complaints procedures to support participants and families to understand their rights and raise concerns with us. We are proud of our culture in which staff are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have with the service provided to the individuals we support. We are also proud of the quality outcomes participants achieve.
As part of the Royal Commission, the Melbourne hearing will explore:
• the right of people with disability to choose their place of residence, including where and with whom they live
• how the group home model emerged and its impact on the housing options and the experiences of people with disability in Victoria
• the causes of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents of group homes in Victoria
• the effectiveness of laws, policies and key government agencies to protect residents with disability from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents in relation to group homes
• social inclusion options for living independently and alternatives to the group home model.
Gateways Support Services encourages families, carers, participants and staff who wish to have a say to apply to do so via the Royal Commission website. Applications close Monday, 25 November 2019, 5:00pm (AEDT).
If you are unable or do not wish to apply in writing, or if you need assistance with your application to appear, you can ask for help by phoning the commission on 1800 517 199. Alternatively, Gateways can help with your application or transport to the hearing.
The hearing will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will be live-streamed on the Royal Commission website.
