Vulnerable Adult and Child Abuse Reporting Policy
Purpose
Your Business, LLC is committed to protecting the children and vulnerable adults it serves from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This policy explains how employees recognize the signs, what they must do when they suspect harm, how reports are made to the right authorities, and the professional boundaries that every employee must keep.
No employee needs proof to report. A reasonable suspicion is enough. Employees are not expected to investigate; that is the job of protective services and law enforcement.
This policy protects the following people served by Your Business, LLC:
- Older adults and adults with disabilities who may be unable to protect themselves (vulnerable adults)
Scope
This policy applies to all owners, managers, employees, drivers, dispatchers, volunteers, students and contractors of Your Business, LLC. It covers abuse, neglect and exploitation by anyone, including family members, caregivers, facility staff, other people served, strangers and Your Business, LLC employees.
Definitions and Warning Signs
State laws define these terms in slightly different ways. In general:
- Abuse: causing or threatening physical harm, pain or injury; sexual contact without consent or with someone who cannot consent; or emotional or verbal abuse such as threats, humiliation, intimidation or isolation.
- Neglect: failing to provide food, water, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medication, medical care, supervision or safety that a person needs and depends on someone else for. Some states also include self-neglect by a vulnerable adult.
- Exploitation: improperly using a person's money, property, benefits or identity, including theft, scams, undue influence and forcing someone to sign documents.
- Vulnerable adult: an adult who, because of age, illness or disability, may be unable to protect themselves from harm. The age and definition depend on state law.
- Mandated reporter: a person whom state law requires to report suspected abuse or neglect. In some states every adult is a mandated reporter.
Warning signs that employees should watch for include:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, fractures or injuries in different stages of healing, or injuries that do not match the explanation given.
- Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, untreated sores, weight loss, dehydration, missing glasses, hearing aids, dentures or mobility aids.
- Fear of a caregiver, flinching, withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior or mood, or a caregiver who will not let the person speak alone.
- Being left alone for long periods without needed care, or a home or facility that is unsafe or unsanitary.
- Sudden changes in finances, missing money or belongings, or new people taking control of the person's money.
- A person telling you they have been hurt, threatened, touched inappropriately or had money taken.