Offender Welfare and Duty of Care Policy

Purpose. This policy sets out how Ridgeway protects the health, safety and welfare of every person in custody, including people at risk of self-harm, people with a cognitive impairment or mental health condition, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

1.Duty of care

Ridgeway owes a duty of care to every person in its custody from reception to discharge. Staff must act to prevent foreseeable harm, must respond to requests for help and must never ignore signs of distress. The duty applies during escorts, in community work and during any activity conducted under the centre's supervision.

2.Reception screening

Every new reception must complete the at-risk screening with a reception officer and the visiting health provider within two hours of arrival. A person identified as at risk must be placed in accordance with the Risk Assessment and Intervention Team decision, observed at the required frequency and reviewed daily until the risk is lifted.

• Self-harm and suicide risk
• Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
• Medical and mental health needs
• Protection and placement needs
• Cultural and language needs

3.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Ridgeway acknowledges the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody and the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Aboriginal Inmate Delegates and the Aboriginal Welfare Officer must be notified of every Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander reception. Cultural obligations, family contact and access to Elders will be supported.

4.Cognitive impairment and mental health

Staff must recognise that a person with a cognitive impairment or a mental health condition will not always understand instructions or express needs in expected ways. Placement, communication and program decisions must take the impairment into account. Concerns must be raised with the case manager and the health provider through the At-Risk Notification Form.

5.Complaints and requests

Every person in custody has the right to make a request or complaint about their treatment. Request forms will be available on every unit and answered within five working days. A complaint about staff conduct will be forwarded to the General Manager and the person must be told how to contact the Ombudsman and the Inspector of Custodial Services.

6.Responsibilities

The Offender Services Manager owns this policy. Unit officers must observe, record and report welfare concerns. Case managers will review welfare at every case plan review. The WHS and Wellbeing Manager will coordinate medical emergency and at-risk responses with the health provider.