What Protection is needed?
We live in a world today where what is deemed to be unacceptable behaviour is more common than we would like it to be, and has a much higher public profile with often unforeseen circumstances for both parties.
As a mental health practitioner , we routinely interact with our clients when they are highly vulnerable. We do not often interact with their family or support group, most of whom are interested in protecting “the client”.
In today world, it is vital we are able to provide a degree of certainty to our clients and their support group, that we are what we say we are, that we are qualified to do what we do, and that we do not have anything from our past which might be seen to be “of unsound character”.
Every country around the world offers reports which help people to show they are of “sound character” These reports are called Police Checks and are often required by every job where vulnerable people receive a service.
Mental Health services are no exception.
ISPA requires all it’s members to have a valid and up to date Police Check
Working with Children (WWC) or Vulnerable People.
In most countries around the world today, any role which requires a close proximity, or in-person service, to children in Australia mandates a Working with Children Check. This check also includes a role which works with Vulnerable People.
Should a member provide services to a Vulnerable person, or a person younger than 18 years of age, they must have a valid WWC or WWVP check for their membership.
Your clients need to be sure you are in fact qualified to offer your services and that you know what to do to avoid “doing harm”.
