Reporting@BBSafe
Trauma informed reporting service for concerns of institutional abuse
There are lots of factors impacting on a person’s decision to make a report to an organisation where they have concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult client. Organisations need to make it as easy as possible for people – whether that is staff or volunteers, children, or other adults – to raise concerns about what can be very sensitive issues.
At BBSafe, we strongly encourage organisations to have multi-channel reporting mechanisms that are easy to use and appropriate for the client group. People should also have the option to make anonymous reports.
Reporting@BBSafe will give your organisation that extra channel and ability for people to make anonymous reports.
What does ‘trauma-informed’ mean for reporting?
People who have concerns may be deeply conflicted about coming forward. They may be unsure of what they are noticing, they may have concerns about a colleague who they are friendly with, they might have community pressures on them not to raise concerns, or they may have to discuss things that are taboo or sensitive in their community. Also, they may be experiencing harm from an abuser and be feeling guilt, shame, fear or being threatened.
Creating safe spaces for people to raise concerns about possible abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect of children and vulnerable adults is critical.
A trauma-informed approach means that people will be met with a sensitive and supportive response always, be asked about the safety and supports for the reporter and any other person, and give them the opportunity to express how they would like to receive follow up.
What does the reporting service do?
The BBSafe trauma informed reporting service Reporting@BBSafe is available by email or text call back service and all contacts will be responded to same day/next business day (if out of hours).
The reporting service ensures a sensitive intake process and gathering of sufficient information to support organisations to take the next steps.
On intake we will:
- Check in on the immediate safety of the reporter or any other person involved.
- Check in on ongoing supports available to the reporter or making referral to supports if required.
- Explain the next steps to the reporter, including what will happen to the information provided.
- Provide them with an assurance of anonymity if that is what they wish.
- Ascertain how they can be contacted again, or if they do not want to share their details, invite them to make contact at a regular time.
BBSafe will contact emergency services if any person is in immediate danger.
What happens after a report is made?
After intake, BBSafe can provide the following support to organisations. This can be decided from the outset or considered on a case by case basis.
- Simple referral of information to the organisational contact.
- Remaining the contact person for the reporter (required for an anonymous reporter who wants follow up).
- Referral to support services for any impacted person.
- Providing a suggested action/response plan.
- Advising on regulatory reporting requirements.
- Investigation planning.
- Conducting investigations.
- Conducting incident review, including document review, root cause analysis, recommendations for improvement.
- Critical friend.
- Coaching for staff involved, including processes to support management of vicarious trauma.
All work undertaken by BBSafe is through a trauma-informed lens.
Your organisation will be required to meet its regulatory reporting requirements. BBSafe may have reporting obligations and these will be discussed with your organisation. Otherwise, all information received by BBSafe will remain confidential.
What does it cost?
There is a small establishment cost to set up. After that there are no costs until/unless a report is made, at which point, costs will depend on the level of support desired. Contact us for more details 0433 051 282 or sarah.lim@bbsafe.com.au.
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