Our Commitment to a Safe, Inclusive, and Respectful Environment

At Happy Mates SupportCare, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where every participant, family member, visitor, volunteer, and staff member feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered.Our programs are designed to promote friendship, community participation, personal growth, independence, and enjoyment. To achieve this, everyone attending our activities shares a responsibility to contribute to a positive, respectful, and safe atmosphere.This Behaviour Policy outlines the standards of behaviour expected from everyone participating in our programs. It also explains behaviours that are considered unacceptable and the actions that may be taken should these expectations not be met.

Respect and Dignity

We believe every person has the right to be treated with dignity, courtesy, kindness, and respect regardless of their age, disability, background, culture, beliefs, communication style, or support needs.

We encourage participants to:

• Treat others with kindness and consideration.

• Respect personal space and personal boundaries.

• Listen when others are speaking.

• Use polite and respectful language.

• Follow staff instructions that are given to maintain everyone’s safety.

• Work together to create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Our staff are committed to supporting participants with patience, understanding, compassion, and professionalism while encouraging positive social interactions.

Abusive or Offensive Language

We understand that people may become frustrated, anxious, overwhelmed, or upset from time to time. Our staff are trained to provide support during these situations and will always aim to de-escalate concerns calmly and respectfully. However, abusive, offensive, discriminatory, insulting, or threatening language directed towards another participant, staff member, volunteer, family member, or visitor will not be tolerated.

Examples include, but are not limited to,

• Swearing or abusive language directed at another person.

• Verbal abuse or personal insults.

• Racial, cultural, religious, or discriminatory remarks.

• Bullying or harassment.

• Humiliating or degrading comments.

• Repeated shouting is intended to intimidate others.

Where appropriate, staff will provide support to redirect behaviour. If the behaviour continues or presents a risk to others, the participant may be asked to leave the activity, and further participation may be reviewed.

Physical Aggression and Violent Behaviour

The safety of everyone attending our programs is our highest priority.

Any behaviour that intentionally causes or attempts to cause physical harm to another person will not be tolerated.

Examples include:

• Hitting

• Punching

• Kicking

• Pushing

• Slapping

• Biting

• Spitting

• Pulling hair

• Scratching

• Throwing objects at others

• Damaging property in a threatening manner

• Any physical act intended to intimidate or injure another person

If a participant displays violent behaviour, staff will take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone present.

Depending on the seriousness of the incident, this may include the following:

• Removing the participant from the activity.

• Contacting the participant’s emergency contact or support person.

• Completing an incident report.

• Reviewing future participation in programs.

• In serious situations, contact emergency services if required.

Threatening, Intimidating or Aggressive Behaviour

Everyone has the right to feel emotionally and physically safe.

Any behaviour intended to intimidate, frighten, threaten, or cause distress to another person is considered unacceptable.

This includes:

• Aggressive body language.

• Threatening verbal statements.

• Offensive hand gestures.

• Invading another person’s personal space.

• Deliberately intimidating or frightening others.

• Repeated confrontational behaviour.

• Harassment or stalking behaviour.

Such behaviour may result in immediate removal from the activity while the situation is assessed.

Respect for Property and Facilities

To help create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, participants are expected to respect all venues, facilities, equipment, vehicles, and the personal belongings of others. Treating shared spaces and property with care helps ensure everyone can participate comfortably and confidently.

This includes:

• Using equipment appropriately.

• Looking after shared resources.

• Respecting another person’s belongings.

• Reporting accidental damage to staff.

Deliberate damage to property may result in suspension from activities and responsibility for repair or replacement where appropriate.

Supporting Participants with Anxiety or Emotional Distress

We recognize that new environments, changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or unexpected situations can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or emotional dysregulation.

Our staff are committed to supporting participants by:

• Remaining calm and reassuring.

• Providing emotional support.

• Offering sensory or quiet spaces where available.

• Using positive behaviour support strategies.

• Allowing additional time for regulation.

• Working collaboratively with participants and their support networks.

While we understand that behaviours of concern may occur as a result of disability or emotional distress, behaviour that places others at risk cannot be accepted. Where ongoing behaviours present significant safety concerns, we will work collaboratively with participants, families, carers, behaviour support practitioners, and relevant professionals to determine whether appropriate supports can be implemented to enable safe participation.

Positive Behaviour Support

Happy Mates SupportCare believes in proactive and positive approaches to behaviour support.

Where appropriate, we aim to:

• Understand the reasons behind behaviours.

• Identify possible triggers.

• Use person-centred strategies.

• Reinforce positive behaviour.

• Encourage respectful communication.

• Promote emotional regulation and coping skills.Our goal is always to support participants in achieving successful and meaningful participation within the community.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

Depending on the seriousness, frequency, and circumstances of the behaviour, Happy Mates SupportCare may take one or more of the following actions:

• Provide a verbal reminder of expected behaviour.

• Redirect the participant using positive behaviour support strategies.

• Temporarily remove the participant from the activity.

• Contact parents, carers, guardians, or support coordinators.

• Develop or review an individual behaviour support plan where appropriate.

• Suspend participation while the incident is reviewed.

• Permanently withdraw access to specific activities or services if the safety and well-being of others cannot be maintained.

Every incident will be considered individually, fairly, and respectfully, taking into account the participant’s support needs, communication style, and individual circumstances.

Working Together

Creating a safe and enjoyable environment is a shared responsibility.

We ask all participants, families, carers, support workers, and visitors to support this policy by encouraging respectful behaviour and working collaboratively with our staff.

By working together, we can create a welcoming community where everyone feels safe, included, supported, and able to participate with confidence.

Acknowledgement

By completing the registration process, participants, parents, guardians, carers, or authorised representatives acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Behaviour Policy.

If a participant’s current support needs or behaviours indicate that we may be unable to safely meet their needs within our community programs, we will discuss alternative support options with the participant and their support network. This decision will always be made respectfully, fairly, and with the safety and well-being of all participants in mind.

Our aim is never to exclude individuals unnecessarily but to ensure that every person attending our programs can enjoy a safe, positive, and inclusive experience.