Introduction
The Children’s Wellness Centre is committed to providing a safe, respectful and professional environment for all employees, self-employed Associate Clinical Practitioners, clients, patients parents and carers, and visitors.
The Clinic operates a zero-tolerance approach to threats, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, coercion and physical violence.
All employees and self-employed Associate Clinical Practitioners have the right to work without fear of abuse or aggression. Likewise, all clients and families have the right to receive services in a safe and supportive environment based upon mutual respect and trust.
We recognise that individuals accessing clinical services, and parents or carers supporting children and young people with physical, developmental, emotional, social or mental health needs, may at times experience significant stress, anxiety or distress. Whilst we aim to be understanding, compassionate and supportive, abusive, threatening or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Protect staff, self-employed Associate Clinical Practitioners, clients and visitors from violence, abuse and intimidation.
• Promote a culture of mutual respect and professionalism.
• Provide a clear framework for responding to incidents of unacceptable behaviour.
• Ensure appropriate support is available for those affected by such incidents.
• Maintain safe and effective therapeutic and assessment environments.

Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour
The following behaviours are considered unacceptable, whether they occur in person, by telephone, in writing, through email, text messages or via social media:
• Use of aggressive, abusive or offensive language.
• Swearing or inappropriate remarks.
• Shouting, yelling, intimidation or threatening behaviour.
• Verbal abuse or harassment.
• Any form of physical violence or threatening gestures.
• Persistent, unreasonable or unrealistic demands that cause distress or disruption.
• Bullying, coercion or intimidating behaviour.
• Damage to, or theft from, The Clinic’s premises, equipment or property.
• Damage to, or theft from, the property of staff, practitioners, clients or visitors.
• Harassing or abusive communication outside appointments.
• Conduct that undermines the therapeutic relationship or creates an unsafe environment.
Racial abuse, discrimination, hate-related behaviour and sexual harassment will not be tolerated and will be dealt with immediately and seriously.

Managing Incidents
Where appropriate and where it is safe to do so, staff or practitioners may attempt to address concerns informally and resolve misunderstandings.
However, where behaviour is serious, repeated, or where the therapeutic relationship has been adversely affected, The Clinic may take one or more of the following actions:

• Issue a verbal or written warning.
• End an appointment immediately.
• Suspend or postpone future appointments.
• Restrict access to the premises.
• Require communication to take place through specified channels.
• Transfer the case to another practitioner where appropriate.
• Terminate therapeutic, assessment or consultation services.
• End contractual arrangements with third parties.
• Report incidents to external agencies or the police where appropriate.

These actions are taken to protect staff, practitioners, clients and visitors and to ensure professional standards of care are maintained.

Therapeutic Relationships
Effective therapy and assessment rely upon mutual trust, respect and professional boundaries.
Where inappropriate or aggressive behaviour has resulted in a breakdown of the therapeutic relationship, it may no longer be appropriate or clinically beneficial to continue providing services. In such circumstances, therapy or assessment services may be ended in accordance with professional and ethical standards.

Serious Incidents
In extreme circumstances, including physical assault, credible threats, criminal damage, stalking, harassment or other unlawful behaviour, The Clinic may immediately terminate services and report the matter to the relevant authorities, including the police.
The Clinic will fully support any investigation and cooperate with external agencies where required.

Reporting and Recording
All incidents of violence, aggression or unacceptable behaviour will be documented and reviewed.
Where appropriate, incidents will be investigated and additional measures introduced to protect staff, practitioners, clients and visitors.
Lessons learned from incidents may be used to improve safety procedures and working practices.

Support for Staff and Practitioners
The Clinic is committed to supporting any employee or self-employed Associate Clinical Practitioner who experiences abuse, intimidation or violence.
Appropriate support will be offered following an incident, and staff and practitioners will not be expected to tolerate behaviour that places their safety, wellbeing or professional practice at risk.