A very serious and disturbing attack, occurring in a NSW respite facility, has been reported on a 15 year old girl with a complex disability. The young woman was extremely vulnerable and was severely injured. It is reported that the person who attacked her was a 22 year old who also has an intellectual disability.
The respite facility is operated by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
The incident highlights very significant concerns about the provision of appropriate respite for children and adults, quality of supervision, safety and even the impact of privacy policies and law on what her family is allowed to know about what happened.
News reports include responses from the Minister for Disability Services, DADHC Director-General and the Opposition Spokesman on Disability.
Addition - The Minister for Disability Services (Paul Lynch) issued this media release today, 24/07/09:
Investigation into Bomaderry respite incident
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said an investigation would be undertaken into the actions that led to a serious assault at a Bomaderry respite centre this week.
Mr Lynch said mistakes had been made that should not have happened.
“The actions that led to this terrible incident will be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
“The Director-General has stood aside two senior managers with oversight of respite care in the region pending a thorough investigation,” Mr Lynch said.
An initial report is expected to be available within a fortnight.
“Both myself and the Director-General are extremely disturbed by what has happened,” Mr Lynch said.
“I am assured the Department will provide whatever support it can to the young girl and her family,” he said.
“Every effort must be made to restore confidence and trust in our respite care service,” Mr Lynch said.
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