Forrest and Georgia
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘If someone is injured on our roads or assaulted in the street the perpetrator would be charged and penalised. When someone with a disability is almost killed it is just too bad.’
A few years ago, staff at Forrest’s group home gave him the wrong medication. He ended up in an intensive care unit with multiple life-threatening illnesses. ‘He almost lost his life and suffered weeks of recuperation,’ his mum Georgia told the Royal Commission.
The group home admitted the mistakes it made and apologised, but Georgia is angry that no-one has been held to account. She made formal complaints to various bodies but believes this will have ‘minimal impact’. ‘As far as I am aware all they can do is ensure that policies are reviewed and staff training improved.’
‘Direct care of people with disabilities is often complex and requires carers to be skilled … Until the disability industry is staffed with professionals providing the direct care to vulnerable people neglect will continue … The most educated people in the industry at the moment are well away from the actual clients in administration or management roles. Clients desperately need people with expertise to care for them.’
After this episode, Forrest moved out of the group home and Georgia now cares for him in the family home. But Georgia feels anxious about this:
‘I am in my seventies and suffer health issues which remind me daily that I do not live forever and need to find a secure, safe living arrangement for my son. It is a daunting task knowing that the system of group home care is badly broken and there is no suitable alternative.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.