Week 6: Protection of Vulnerable Persons Flashcards
Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Use of restraints
Define Vulnerable persons
usually dependent on others for ADLs & at risk of being harmed/victimized
Define physical abuse
Unwanted physical contact – slapping, pinching, punching, kicking
Define Sexual abuse
Unwanted sexual contact – sexual touching, forced sex, forced humiliating acts, Sexual exploitation
Define Psychological/Emotional abuse
Being forced by another person to watch or take part in behaviour that is psychologically/emotionally harmful
Define Financial Abuse
Use of financial information or other resources to control/cause harm to another person
Define Honour based violence abuse
Fear of or actual forced marriage, controlling sexual activity, false imprisonment, forced abortion and death
Define Child Abuse as per CFS
means an act or omission by any person where the act or omission results in:
- physical injury to the child,
- emotional disability of a permanent nature in the child or is likely to result in such a disability, or
- sexual exploitation of the child with or without the child’s consent
What are the physical indicators of abuse?
- Unexplained burns, bruises, welts, lacerations or abrasions; various stages of healing
- Unexpected fractures or dislocations
what are emotional abuse indicators?
oExtreme lack of self-confidence → “cannot win”
oStates no one cares about him/her
oLags in physical, mental, emotional development
oHabit disorders: sucking, biting, rocking
oSuicide threats or attempts
Define Child Neglect
the failure of a child’s primary caregiver to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, and/or medical care. Child neglect involves an act of omission by a parent or guardian, resulting in (or likely to result in) harm or imminent risk of harm to a child
When is a child in need of protection?
a child needs protection, where: “the life, health or emotional well-being of the child is endangered by the act or omission of a person”
Who must nurses report suspected child abuse to?
- to CFS if there is suspicion that a child needs protection or immediate harm to police
- will supersede PHIA
What is the age of consent for sexual activity?
In Manitoba and across Canada, the age of consent to sexual activity is 16 years
What is the sexual activity consent according to the Criminal Code of Canada?
- A 14- or 15-year-old individual can consent to sexual activity with someone who is less than five years older than them (only apply if the older person is NOT in a position of authority or trust)
- A 12- or 13-year-old individual can consent to sexual activity with someone who is less than two years older than them
What is the duty to report of Child Abuse?
- Applicable when information is obtained in a nurse-client relationship
- Disclosure without consent – even if the child does not want the report to occur it still needs to happen because it is the obligation of the nurse to do so
- Obligation includes allegations of past abuse
- Report to Child Family Services agency
- Potentially report to parent/guardian – would not report to them if they are the ones causing the abuse
- Failure to report consequences – can be a punishable offence such as legal outcome
Who are “adults living with an intellectual disability”?
an adult living with a disability who needs assistance to meet their basic needs with regard to personal care of management of their property.
Define intellectual disabilities
significantly impaired intellectual functioning existing concurrently with impaired adaptive behaviour and manifested prior to the age of 18 years, but excludes a mental disability
What is the intent behind the Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act?
to support people to be as independent as possible and promote and protect the rights of people living with an intellectual disability-free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
What are the guiding principles of Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act and Autonomy?
- presumed to have the capacity to make decisions on matters affecting their lives, unless demonstrated otherwise.
2.should be encouraged to make their own decisions.
3.The support network should be encouraged to assist them in making decisions to enhance their independence and self-determination.
4.Assistance with decision making should be provided in a manner which respects the privacy and dignity of the adult living with intellectual disabilities and should be the least restrictive and least intrusive form of assistance that is appropriate in the circumstances.
- Substitute decision making should be invoked only as a last resort when an adult living with an intellectual disability needs decisions to be made and is unable to make these decisions, either by themselves or with the involvement of members of their support network.
What is the duty to report of suspected abuse in adults living with an intellectual disability?
- Duty to report abuse or neglect per sec. 21(1)
A person who believes on reasonable grounds that an adult living with an intellectual disability is, or is likely to be abused or neglected, shall immediately report the belief and the information on which it is based to the executive director. - Protect the vulnerable person from abuse and neglect, if there is abuse and neglect present we must report it to CALIDO (Commissioner with adults living with intellectual disability)
Define the Protection for Persons in Care Act
- Who does it include?
a law to help protect adults from abuse and neglect while receiving care in Manitoba personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health facility. – Does not include people living in the community/at home
- Includes a resident/in-patient in a health care facility
- People attending a geriatric day hospital if regulated under the Health Services Insurance Act
- Patients receiving services in an ED or UC department
- People receiving other services provided by a health facility that are specified in the regulations
What is the duty to report of suspected abuse in Persons in Care?
- Duty of health facility to protect patients from abuse or neglect (2)
- The operator of a health facility has a duty to protect the patients of the facility from abuse or neglect and to maintain a reasonable level of safety for them.
- Duty to report abuse or neglect 3(1) by both family and health care provider
- Report to protection for persons in care office (PPCO) – can use the online recording system
- Have a legal obligation to report to this office
Role of PPCO is to conduct an investigation – not the role of the nurse
what should be documented with suspected abuse/neglect?
*Description of person, including accurate and objective detail on any signs of abuse noted – remove any feelings
*Specific dates & times of disclosure - in person’s own words
*Concerns about immediate safety – any threats of imminent harm should be reported to the police
*Height & weight – especially for those with suspected neglect
*For children:
– Accurate recording of child’s developmental stage
– Child’s behavior with & without parent or guardian
Define restraints
Anything that restricts or reduces voluntary movement or freedom implemented to ensure safety of self, others or the physical environment
