Each State in the U˳S˳ has a similar definition of abuse, neglect and exploitation˳ If you are a Direct Support Professional living in Kentucky, you need to know what the State Government of Kentucky defines as abuse, neglect and exploitation˳
In most cases, there is no law that requires one to report to when an adult is abused˳ Mandatory reporting laws in the case of adults, apply only if the victim is married to the offender or has a disability that limits his ability to take care of himself or her˳ However, under KRS 209, if one witnesses or suspects abuse neglect and exploitation of an adult receiving supports for community living, they are required first to ensure safety of the victim˳ Then report to the Department of Community Based Services as soon as safe to do so˳
For a DSP, it is important to understand what abuse, exploitation and neglect mean˳
Abuse means the infliction of injury, sexual abuse, illegal or unreasonable confinement, intimidation or punishment that results in physical pain or injury or even mental injury˳
Exploitation refers to using another person’s resources and property without the other persons’ will and in a bid to harm or deprive the other person of enjoying his right˳
Neglect, on the other hand, refers to a situation when an adult person is unable to carry out his or her duties and the caretaker has been irresponsible and has deprived others of his services˳ In other words, the caretakers’ negligence is what has resulted in an adult person being unable to take care of his health˳
For a Direct Support Professional, it is important to know what constitutes abuse˳ Abuse can happen in a number of ways, including when one pushes, hits, or pulls hair˳ It can also mean forcing or coercing someone into sexual activity˳ It can be restraining someone from doing things like visiting friends or family or even knowingly giving the wrong medicine on purpose˳ It can also refer to name-calling and other derogatory statements˳
The process of reporting is not completed by reporting to law enforcement˳ As per law, it is mandatory to report such cases to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services˳ The services provider should be careful about HIPAA or VAWA and other compliance issues before revealing any kind of information to the law enforcement officials˳
Tips on Fulfilling Duty to Report
If you witness or suspect instances of abuse, neglect or exploitation, it is your duty to report the matter immediately˳ Here are some things that you need to know˳
- Reporting should occur immediately, when physical safety is ensured
- You should not investigate before making a report
- The duty of reporting applies regardless of professional privileges for people meeting requirements of KRS 209
- You can make anonymous reports; however, it is recommended you provide contact information˳
You can also call the Office of Ombudsman at 1-800-372-2973˳ A number of Kentucky’s laws apply, and you can find them (child abuse) KRS 600˳020 and KRS 620 or (adults with disabilities) KRS 209˳
Source by https://ezinearticles˳com/?Direct-Support-Professional:-Understanding-Abuse,-Neglect-and-Exploitation-in-Kentucky&id=8743172
