This guide has been developed to provide clear and effective guidance to safeguard the disabled people who receive support funded by Disability Support Services.
Safeguarding disabled people involves preventing abuse, creating a better understanding of signs that abuse is occurring and developing appropriate and responsive systems to deal with incidents of abuse.
It is essential that disability support service providers understand the known risks and indicators of abuse.
In line with both the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Health supports a culture that values and respects disabled people as full citizens of our community.