Newsletter Editor Notes Whoa! Please mind my boundaries. All formal working relationships need rapport and trust to function well. This is particularly relevant to the relationship between a participant and their support worker. It is certainly important that the support worker makes sure participants feel at ease with approaching and relating to them – but it is equally important that the lines don’t become blurred. The relationship between an individual and their support worker should never come at the expense of maintaining clear professional boundaries. Successful and ethical working relationships are based on a clear understanding of what the workers’ role is – and just as importantly – what their role isn’t. Professional boundaries are limits which protect the space between a support worker’s professional power and the participant’s vulnerability. Problems for support workers can arise if these boundaries aren’t maintained. Professional boundaries are complex and often contentious subject because they relate to our personal values. They are experientially, culturally and historically influenced – and they change over time. Although we may talk about what’s ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and that we should use ‘common sense’, it’s not always clear cut. To ensure that everyone is protected, all support staff utilising social media must have written consent to do so. If you don’t have permission - you can’t.
“You
took such good care of me, I decided to sell my house and move into one of your rooms. Which one is available?” In This Issue 1 Editor Notes 2 Professional Boundaries 4 NDIS Updates 5 Support Worker Survey 6 Accessibility and Inclusion 8 Community News 9 Community Partnerships 10 Toowoomba Community Centre
11 Rockhampton Community Centre 12 Safety Matters 15 Admin Updates 16 August Events 16 What’s Happening at BigDog
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
