Abuse & Neglect Training

Abuse & Neglect Training 

Audience: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Providers, and House Managers
Applies To: Group Home, Sponsored Residential, Community Engagement, and Day Support Settings
Governing Authorities: DBHDS Licensing Regulations, HCBS Final Rule, Office of Human Rights (12VAC35-115), Adult Protective Services (APS), and relevant sections of the Code of Virginia

🚩Section 1: Legal Foundations in Virginia

Virginia law mandates that all licensed service providers and their staff maintain a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals receiving care. These responsibilities are outlined in:

• DBHDS Licensing Regulations (12VAC35-105)

• Rules and Regulations to Assure the Rights of Individuals Receiving Services from Providers Licensed by DBHDS (12VAC35-115)

• HCBS Final Rule

Under 12VAC35-105-160 and 12VAC35-115, all providers must:

• Prevent, identify, report, and respond to any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation

• Protect individuals from harm, humiliation, isolation, and improper restriction

• Promptly report suspected abuse or serious injuries using Lauris, CHRIS, APS, CPS, or law enforcement

• Uphold the principles of the HCBS Final Rule: person-centered care, community inclusion, informed choice, and autonomy

• Maintain documentation demonstrating proactive prevention, staff training, and a culture of safety

Compliance is monitored through licensing inspections, human rights reviews, and audits.

🚩Section 2: Definitions (Per DBHDS & Virginia Code)

Abuse: Deliberate infliction of physical or mental pain, injury, or anguish by a caregiver. This may include physical force, emotional manipulation, or violations of personal boundaries.

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pinching, choking, or rough handling. Includes improper restraint techniques.

• Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual behavior or contact. Includes inappropriate touching, exposure, or coercion.

• Verbal/Emotional Abuse: Use of threats, insults, ridicule, intimidation, or deliberate isolation.

• Exploitation: Using an individual's identity, labor, or belongings for personal gain.

• Financial Abuse: Misuse or mismanagement of an individual’s money or property.

• Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care or services, resulting in harm or distress.

🚩Section 3: Human Rights and HCBS Protections

 individuals receiving services are entitled to:

1. Dignity and respect

2. Freedom from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and retaliation

3. Right to file complaints without fear

4. Support in the least restrictive manner

5. Participation in service decisions

Staff must ensure:

• Compliance with ISPs

• No isolation or punishment that violates rights

• Immediate reporting and review of restraints or emergency interventions

🚩Section 4: Prevention & Your Role

As a mandated reporter, you must:

1. Know each individual’s needs, routines, and communication style

2. Stay observant for physical or behavioral changes

3. Follow all service plans and protocols

4. Document factually in Lauris before shift end

5. Report concerns without delay

6. Act professionally and compassionately

7. Maintain required supervision and avoid distractions or sleeping on duty

8. Ask for support when overwhelmed

9. Advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves

10. Participate in training and policy updates

🚩Section 5: Recognizing Signs

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, burns, restraint marks

• Untreated medical conditions

• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration

Behavioral Signs:

• Fear, withdrawal, aggression, regression

• Avoidance of certain staff or routines

Environmental Signs:

• Locked or unclean rooms

• Missing personal items or financial discrepancies

• Unjustified isolation

🚩Section 6: Reporting Procedures (Sunny Haven & Virginia)

If you suspect or witness abuse/neglect/exploitation:

Step 1: Ensure Safety

• Call 911 if urgent

• Move individual to safety

• Notify Program Manager immediately

Step 2: Notify Authorities

• Program Manager informs Sunny Haven leadership

• Leadership determines need for APS, CPS, Human Rights notifications

• Risk Manager files CHRIS report per protocol

Step 3: Document in Lauris

• Enter facts before shift end

• Include details: what, when, where, who, actions taken, and notifications made

• All reports must be made within 24 hours or immediately if urgent

🚩Section 7: Consequences of Failure to Report or Prevent

• Criminal charges or job dismissal

• Loss of provider licensure or contract

• Retaliation against reporters is prohibited and leads to disciplinary action

🚩Section 8: Creating a Culture of Safety

• Encourage open communication

• Model respectful, calm behavior

• Ask for help and take breaks

• Stay engaged and alert during shifts

• Monitor staff for burnout

• Stay informed with regular training

🔔 Remember: The individuals you support rely on your integrity, compassion, and vigilance to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being.