• Agenda for the Safety and Respect Team Meeting:

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Brief introduction of the team members
• Explanation of the purpose of the meeting

II. Discussion on the Incident involving Cherie (10 minutes)

• Brief overview of the incident
• Discussion on the handling of the incident

III. Understanding Legal and Ethical Obligations (20 minutes)

• Presentation on the legal and ethical obligations of staff and volunteers
• Discussion on the importance of providing a safe and respectful facility free from abuse

IV. Responsibilities in Reporting Abuse (15 minutes)

• Explanation of the responsibilities of each staff member in reporting abuse
• Discussion on the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy and Procedure

V. Communication Strategies Training (20 minutes)

• Presentation on effective communication strategies for building trust, openness, and rapport with clients
• Role-play exercises to practice these strategies

VI. Review of the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy and Procedure (15 minutes)

• Detailed review of the policy and procedure
• Discussion on the main messages of the policy and procedure

Cheries Scenario

Today at 10.00 a.m. you were meeting with a counselling client named Cherie Barra, aged 17.

When you were talking with Cherie, you noticed a bruise on her left forearm, just below her elbow. You asked her about it. She said, 'I didn't want to go to the doctor's appointment to renew my anti-depressant script because I don't like being asked so many questions about how I'm feeling. I was telling the support worker that drives me on the free transport service that I didn't want to get in the car and they said we were running late and just shoved me into the car.' Cherie began to cry while telling the story. She was visibly distressed, and her hands were shaking.

You asked Cherie who shoved her. She was weeping and it was difficult for her to speak. She said that Bill shoved her.

You asked Cherie why she didn't tell anyone, and she said that she did tell one of the youth workers named Bella, but she just laughed and said, 'You're crazy! Bill is such a lovely guy; he wouldn't do something like that.'

Immediately after you speak with Cherie, you make an urgent appointment to speak to with a colleague, Senior Counsellor Monica Earnest. You report the incident to Monica, who says: 'Okay. Let's just leave this for a week and see if Cherie mentions it again. During that time, I will ask that you don't mention this to anybody. It wouldn't be fair to Bill. After all, we all know that Cherie's condition sees her making up reasons not to go out or attend appointments. She has developed a pattern of very creative storytelling to cover her agoraphobia'.

You see the General Manager for First Access, Lou-Ellen Fox, and tell her Cherie's story. You also mention that, according to Cherie, Bella, one of the Youth Workers, knew about the issue. Lou-Ellen asks whether your colleague, senior counsellor Monica is aware of the issue. You explain how Monica told you to wait a week and tell no-one.

The General Manager is shocked and outraged. She is very concerned about Cherie's wellbeing. She is also concerned about the possibility that more clients may have been abused or mistreated. In addition, she is appalled at the response of the senior counsellor.

Lou-Ellen asks you to work with her on the following actions:

• Firstly, write an Incident Report to ensure the alleged incident is properly documented.
• Secondly, the General Manager would like you to convene a Safety and Respect team. The role of this team will be to meet, discuss ways to improve the workplace culture at First Access around safety and abuse and train all staff in correct abuse reporting procedures.

You agree to assist Lou-Ellen with her requests.

Lou-Ellen asks the onsite nurse at First Access, Raymond Wu, to join your discussion. Raymond is also very concerned about Cherie's wellbeing. At 1:24 p.m. on the same day, Raymond performs a medical check-up on Cherie, with her consent.

Raymond confirms that Cherie's bruise is quite dark, suggesting strong force. He also adds that Cherie feels afraid after the incident.

Raymond recommends that Cherie should see her GP for a full medical check-up. She also recommends counselling for Cherie.

1. Describe three communication strategies you would use in this situation to ensure Cherie felt safe and heard. You may include verbal and non-verbal communication strategies.

. List two non-verbal cues that suggest that Cherie is traumatised and distressed by what happened.

4. Describe how you would use communication strategies that reflect a human rights-based approach when supporting Cherie.

Immediately after you speak with Cherie, you make an urgent appointment to speak to with a colleague, Senior Counsellor Monica Earnest. You report the incident to Monica, who says: 'Okay. Let's just leave this for a week and see if Cherie mentions it again. During that time, I will ask that you don't mention this to anybody. It wouldn't be fair to Bill. After all, we all know that Cherie's condition sees her making up reasons not to go out or attend appointments. She has developed a pattern of very creative storytelling to cover her agoraphobia'.

Refer to the First Access HS2 Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy and Procedure.

please attach the meeting minutes

Meeting Minutes

Location
Date
Time
Attendees

Agenda Items:

Meeting welcome, Acknowledgement of Country

Purpose of meeting

Legal and Workplace Obligations around reporting abuse

Training in communication strategies

Team Training Plan

Items discussed/Action Items	Who is responsible	Due Date

In Australian Source: