Tess and Rosa
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.
Tess, who has ‘severe autism with sensory issues’, lives in supported accommodation during the week and spends weekends at home with her mum.
Rosa, her mum, told the Royal Commission that Tess is experiencing neglect in the accommodation because of staffing problems. She is not receiving the support she needs and staff often forget her medication.
Rosa believes one staff member in particular is responsible. This person had supported Tess in another setting and ‘gave poor supervision’ when they were out in the community.
The staff member left that job, but then got a job in the supported accommodation where Tess lives.
When management was awarding permanent positions, Rosa requested they not give this staff member permanent status. ‘My concerns were disregarded by the manager,’ she said.
‘Whenever this staff member is on site, the ratio of support is not maintained … [she] sits in the office and directs the younger staff to work with clients instead of also working with clients.’
Rosa said that when this person is on shift, Tess often ends up missing her medication and is given ‘negligible support’.
Rosa has complained ‘countless times’. She says they promise ‘things will improve’ but nothing changes.
She believes no action is taken because ‘all levels of management support this worker’.
‘Another staff member also brought this person’s lack of support to the attention of management,’ Rosa said. They were told ‘they weren’t a team player and they were undermining the team’. Not long after they left because of bullying.
This situation has continued for three years. Rosa wants something to be done to improve things for Tess.
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.