Complaints Policy

Complaints made by participants, carers or their advocates to Sydney Child Development Specialists are taken seriously and complaints are viewed as an opportunity to resolve issues and institute improvements. Broadly speaking, a complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction with an NDIS support or service, including how a previous complaint was handled, for which a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected.

Participants are able to make a complaint:

  • verbally
  • in writing
  • via a third party e.g. family member, advocate
  • without fear of retribution
  • that will be addressed within the allocated time frames
  • with assurance that complaints are treated with utmost respect and confidentiality
  • Participants are advised when services commence if the provider is unable to resolve their concerns or complaints, then they should seek further support from family, friend or an independent advocate.
  • Participants are advised they may also contact the NDIS Feedback and Complaints website
  • You can make a complaint to the NDIS Commission by:

 

Management of Complaints Process

The Directors of Sydney Child Development Specialists will engage with the complainant and ensure all efforts are made to enable access, allay fears, provide opportunities for support and to provide a fair, timely and appropriate complaints resolution process.

When receiving the initial complaint:

  • the participant is offered the time and support needed to ensure understanding of the issues raised
  • all complaints will be followed up within 24 hours
  • there will be discussion on how the complainant wishes to see the matter resolved
  • The Open Disclosure policy and procedure document is to be referenced
  • when a complaint is made Sydney Child Development Specialists will complete the COMPLAINTS FORM and CCI REGISTER
  • any complaints that are required to be reported to other bodies will be referred as appropriate
  • should the complaint become identified as a Reportable Incident, refer to the incident management process
  • at the time of resolution, the complainant will receive correspondence closing the matter
  • the complaint would also be closed on the CCI REGISTER and available for six monthly review
  • All complaints management processes and reporting are to include collaboration, support and communication with the participant impacted and their supports and advocates if requested

Use of Advocates

An advocate is a person who can represent the concerns of the participant in voicing their complaint. Advocates are sometimes family members or an independent person from an advocacy centre. If a participant requests an advocate, Sydney Child Development Specialists will offer the following link:

https://askizzy.org.au/disability-advocacy-finder

 

Reportable Incidents: these may be identified as a result of a complaint

Reportable incidents are serious incidents or allegations which result in harm to an NDIS participant and occur in connection with NDIS supports and services. These include

  • the death of an NDIS participant
  • serious injury of an NDIS participant
  • abuse or neglect of an NDIS participant
  • unlawful sexual or physical contact with, or assault of, an NDIS participant
  • sexual misconduct committed against, or in the presence of, an NDIS participant, including grooming of the NDIS participant for sexual activity
  • the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice in relation to an NDIS participant

These matters must be reported to the NDIS Commission in accordance with the Reportable Incident Policy

Sydney Child Development Specialists conducts and minutes regular reviews of all incidents, complaints and feedback.

Complaint details, documentation and the complaints register are maintained for a period of 7 years