The rights of people with a disability are protected by law.
People with a disability have the same rights as other people in their community.
They have the right to:
- Freedom, respect, equality and dignity
- Fulfil their potential
- Exercise control over their own lives
- Live free from abuse or neglect.
People with a disability are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, therefore specific laws are in place that protect the rights of people with a disability.
These include the:
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2007
- Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
- Victorian Disability Act 2006.
Office of Professional Practice
The office provides practice leadership, fosters continuous improvement in service delivery and drives practice excellence of health and human services professionals in Victoria. It is charged with enabling professionals to provide evidence based support and interventions with foremost regard for the safety and well-being of all clients.
Our purpose is to promote and safeguard the rights, best interest and quality of life of vulnerable Victorians through practice leadership and development.
Consultation Requests
The office accepts requests to review a case or provide case consultation support from client services, families, external review bodies, and senior departmental staff. Client services include disability services provided by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and by community service organisations and child protection.
Persons with a disability, a parent/guardian or an advocate can request a review of matters related to restrictive intervention or compulsory treatment by completing a case review request form.
Requests from professional oversight organisations such as: the Commission for Children and Young People; Disability Services Commissioner; Ombudsman’s office; and Office of Public Advocate should utilise the established mechanisms in place for referring client matters to the department.
All requests for case consultation or case review must be made by either emailing or calling the office on officeofprofessionalpractice@dhhs.vic.gov.au or phone on 03 9096 8427.