Every Vancouver Coastal Health employee has a responsibility to ACT in situations of Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
Confidentiality: A person must not disclose or be compelled to disclose the identity of a person who makes a report or offers collateral information to the enquiry.
Police reports: VCH is required by law to report suspected crimes committed against adults who are unable to seek support and assistance on their own to the police.
Emergency identification: If it is necessary to act with out delay in order to preserve the adult's life, prevent serious physical or mental harm, or to protect assets from significant damage or loss, it is an emergency.
Documentation: Write down all relevant information. Include names, dates, times, observations, details of incident(s), location and any other pertinent information.
If you suspect that a vulnerable adult in your care has been physically, psychologically or financially abused, or is the victim of neglect or self-neglect you need to ACT!
To respond to a suspected case of adult abuse, neglect or self-neglect, follow the Response Flow Chart.
To REPORT a case of abuse, neglect or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult, contact a Designated Responder from one of the following Health Service Delivery Areas (HSDA's) — if you believe it is an emergency, please contact 911 instead.
For clients with developmental disabilities please contact Community Living BC at Call Centre: toll free at 1-877-660-2522.
Tools used when investigating a suspected case of abuse, neglect and self-neglect: