Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:06 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Recognise and respond to suspected abuse of vulnerable people

Recognise and respond to suspected abuse of vulnerable people

Unit of competency
National Code
CHCICS409A
State Code
D2576
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/03/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/07/2014
Field of Education
090501 - Social Work
Original Release Date
17/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required by the worker to identify signs of possible abuse, take appropriate action according to role and responsibilities and minimise the risk of abuse to vulnerable people
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Support improved awareness of the nature of abuse
  • 1.1 Identify the types of abuse that might occur in relation to the setting and the range of needs of the client
  • 1.2 Identify indicators and behaviours of clients that might raise suspicion of possible abuse
  • 1.3 Identify the range of relevant people who may need to be aware of the suspected abuse
  • 1.4 Identify appropriate strategies to manage or report abusive behaviour without harm to the person and relevant others
  • 1.5 Identify organisation policy and guidelines relevant to the setting to manage a response to suspected abuse
  • 1.6 Identify government policy and guidelines relevant to the setting to address abuse
2. Identify suspected abuse
  • 2.1 Establish and maintain a supportive relationship with the person, identifying signs and possible reasons for suspected abuse
  • 2.2 Work in a sensitive manner with the person and relevant others using awareness raising methods to determine the level of understanding of suspected abuse
  • 2.3 Work with the person and relevant others in a way that empowers them to seek clarification of relevant procedures, information and advice
  • 2.4 Comply with all relevant government policy, legal and organisation requirements including reporting
  • 2.5 Clearly record concerns and actions taken relating to the care and support of the person and the suspected abuse, according to organisation requirements
3. Implement systems and procedures to respond to suspected or alleged abuse
  • 3.1 Demonstrate understanding of organisation's systems and procedures for managing suspected abuse and disclosure of abuse, in a range of settings
  • 3.2 Identify and report any problems with systems and procedures established to manage suspected abuse
  • 3.3 Participate in the establishment of systems and procedures to identify, record and manage suspected and disclosed abuse
  • 3.4 Work with relevant people to ensure awareness of their responsibilities to act on suspicion and disclosure of abuse, including use of appropriate systems and procedures
  • 3.5 Monitor to ensure records of suspected and disclosed abuse are compiled and maintained correctly, including review of the person's care plan
4. Act to support person experiencing suspected abuse
  • 4.1 Review all available relevant information
  • 4.2 Explore person's understanding of the situation and interpretation of what has happened or is happening to them
  • 4.3 Assess the actual and potential effects of suspected abuse on the person
  • 4.4 Work with the person and relevant others to determine whether a course of action is required and if the person agrees to this
  • 4.5 Obtain informed consent, if appropriate, from the person or their legal representative, for any action to be taken on their behalf
  • 4.6 Follow strategies, where appropriate, that have been developed to manage the perpetrator
  • 4.7 Identify any legal requirement for reporting and/or other action
  • 4.8 Ensure action is monitored and reviewed in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
5. Complete reporting documentation
  • 5.1 Comply with the organisation's and legal reporting requirements
  • 5.2 Complete, file and maintain documentation according to organisation policy and protocols
RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Abuse may include:
Financial and material
Neglect
Physical
Psychological
Sexual
Social isolation
Misuse of power toward vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities


Relevant people may include:
Workers from within own organisation/service
Workers from other organisations/services
Spouse or partner
Other family members
Friends, neighbours and social contacts
Managers
Other people in the setting
Organisations such as:
Police
Health consumer and/or complaints organisations
Relevant government departments
Health services such as general practice, hospital, allied health


Setting may include:
School
After school care
Own home
Social groups
Group home
Residential aged care
Respite care
Recreational activities
Community environments
Health services


Signs of possible abuse may include:
Change in behaviour of person, carer and/or family members
Failing to thrive
Social withdrawal
Observable evidence
Verbal and written complaints
Aggression, discomfort, fear


Awareness raising methods may include:
Demonstrations
Events and meetings
Leaflets, video, audio messages
Publicity campaigns
Training courses
Supervision/mentoring
Work practices
Local public discussions and forums


Information and advice on abuse may include:
Government policies
Legislation
Organisation policy
Research findings
Specialist service advice, such as legal, guardianship, cultural and linguistic diversity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander


Support may include:
Investigation
Maintain status quo
Referral
Removal of possible abuser
Removal of the person
Action appropriate reporting requirements


Problems with systems and procedures may include:
Absence of systems and procedures
Failure to implement systems and procedures
Inadequate guidance and training
Lack of equipment and resources
Misunderstanding of the systems and procedures
Time constraints
Systems and procedures not maintained or updated
EVIDENCE GUIDE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Resources required for assessment include access to:
appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures
relevant government policies and guidelines


Method of assessment may include:
Observation in the workplace
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario analysis
Questioning
Role play simulation
Interactive discussion
Demonstration of critical thinking
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVC56 CHCCCS021 Respond to suspected abuse Unit of competency