Supported residential services (SRS)

People living in an SRS have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else in the community. This includes rights to:

Privacy

This means:

• your personal information is kept safe and not given to anyone unless the law says they can have it
• being able to dress, shower and go to the toilet in private, even if someone is helping you
• having access to a phone that can be used privately
• receiving your mail unopened
• having suitable storage for your property.

If you are sharing a room, you still have a right to privacy.

Freedom of expression

This means you can:

• choose what to wear
• practice your religion
• choose not to follow a religion.

Fair and equal treatment and independence

This means you can:

• choose what activities you do, unless they harm the rights of other residents
  • you should observe the house rules that you agreed to when you moved in
• choose when you come and go
  • you should tell staff when you will be back
• choose your own healthcare providers and receive help from the SRS to make appointments and organise transport to attend your healthcare provider
• control your personal affairs (unless you have a guardian or administrator to help you).

You should be:

• involved in discussions with the SRS about the support you need
• have your health, dietary needs and preferences taken into account in the selection of food provided at the SRS.

Dignity and respect

You have the right to:

• feel safe
• be treated with respect
• have your own clothing and toiletries such as soap, comb, toothbrush and razor; these can’t be shared.

No-one should borrow your personal belongings without asking your permission.

Freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitation

This means:

• the SRS must not employ you to work in the service or ask you to do any unpaid work
  • it’s okay if you choose to help with chores
• staff should listen and speak to you in a courteous, respectful and supportive way
• you should not be bullied, intimidated, or physically, sexually or verbally abused by other residents or staff.

Legislation

SRS are registered with the Department of Health and Human Services and monitored under the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010 and the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Regulations 2012.

Community Visitors

Community Visitors visit Victorian SRS facilities to monitor and report on the adequacy of the services provided and ensure residents are being treated with dignity and respect.

They write a report after each visit, escalate issues to SRS staff and managers and, when necessary, report issues to the Department of Health and Human Services and other authorities.

You can talk to a Community Visitor during their visit. You can also request a Community Visitor to come to your facility.