Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and
reports that a male support recipient told him that
another DSP who supports him asked if he would like
to share a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in
detail the action you will take.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and reports that a male support
recipient told him that another DSP who supports him asked if he would like to share
a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in detail the action you will take.
1.1 Immediately inform your supervisor.
1.2 Have reporting employee write up a detailed
statement in your presence, indicating time, date, location,
exactly what was said and by whom, have them sign the
report.
1.3 Complete required incident report.
1.4 Report to the Abuse Hotline and Adult Protective
Services in your area.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and reports that a male support
recipient told him that another DSP who supports him asked if he would like to share
a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in detail the action you will take.
1.5 Inform Service Coordinator/Case Manager or other
entity responsible for case management and payment for
services; they will likely conduct their own investigation.
1.6 Tell reporting employee not to discuss the situation
with anyone.
1.7 Interview reporting employee (have two supervisory
or HR staff not involved in the incident present for
interview).
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and reports that a male support
recipient told him that another DSP who supports him asked if he would like to share
a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in detail the action you will take.
1.8 Interview support recipient who was allegedly offered
drugs.
1.9 Take support recipient to emergency room or
physician’s office for drug testing (obtain required
authorizations).
1.10 With witness present, call in alleged perpetrator to
office and place on immediate leave pending investigation.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and reports that a male support
recipient told him that another DSP who supports him asked if he would like to share
a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in detail the action you will take.
1.11 Have alleged perpetrator write detailed statement in
your presence and sign and date.
1.12 Take alleged perpetrator immediately to drug testing
site for drug testing (if agency policy allows for drug testing
based upon cause).
1.13 If agency policy allows, arrange for drug testing for all
staff assigned to work at that site.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and reports that a male support
recipient told him that another DSP who supports him asked if he would like to share
a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in detail the action you will take.
1.14 Report any positive test results to adult protective
services and the police department in your area.
1.15 Inform family and guardian of support recipient who
allegedly was offered drugs.
1.16 Interview any other individuals whom the DSP and
other staff (if positive for drug testing) support.
1.17 Keep funding authority (e.g. Regional Center)
informed.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #1.0 Just Say No
A direct support professional (DSP) comes to you and reports that a male support
recipient told him that another DSP who supports him asked if he would like to share
a joint (marijuana) with him. Describe in detail the action you will take.
1.18 Provide self advocacy training for support recipients
on how to “just say no”.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #2.0 Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
According to a DSP, a support recipient who receives
24 hour support is refusing to bathe. There are two
other DSPs who support this individual. It has now
been over three weeks and the individual smells
badly. The DSP seeks your advice. There is no
history of this issue. What will you tell them and
what action will you take?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #2.0 Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
According to a DSP, a support recipient who receives 24 hour support is refusing to
bathe. There are two other DSPs who support this individual. It has now been over
three weeks and the individual smells badly. The DSP seeks your advice. There is no
history of this issue. What will you tell them and what action will you take?
2.1 Inform your supervisor.
2.2 Have the DSP write a statement regarding the
information they shared.
2.3 Immediately talk with the support recipient to assess
the situation.
2.4 If you can’t meet with the support recipient, then the
supervisor’s supervisor should go in their stead.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #2.0 Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
According to a DSP, a support recipient who receives 24 hour support is refusing to
bathe. There are two other DSPs who support this individual. It has now been over
three weeks and the individual smells badly. The DSP seeks your advice. There is no
history of this issue. What will you tell them and what action will you take?
2.5 If the DSP was aware that three weeks lapsed without
the support recipient bathing, place the DSP on
administrative leave pending investigation for
possible neglect.
2.6 Inform Adult Protective Services, the funding
authority and case manager.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #2.0 Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
According to a DSP, a support recipient who receives 24 hour support is refusing to
bathe. There are two other DSPs who support this individual. It has now been over
three weeks and the individual smells badly. The DSP seeks your advice. There is no
history of this issue. What will you tell them and what action will you take?
2.7 Conduct the investigation making sure that the staff
daily notes are carefully reviewed.
2.8 Interview all other staff supporting the individual to
determine if they were aware of the situation, take
appropriate disciplinary action.
2.9 If you are not successful in convincing the person to
bathe, call the case manager and your supervisor as soon
as possible.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #2.0 Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
According to a DSP, a support recipient who receives 24 hour support is refusing to
bathe. There are two other DSPs who support this individual. It has now been over
three weeks and the individual smells badly. The DSP seeks your advice. There is no
history of this issue. What will you tell them and what action will you take?
2.10 Detail all your actions in the support recipient’s
record.
2.11 Request psychiatric/psychological intervention for
support recipient.
2.12 Inform family and guardian of situation by telephone
and in writing.
2.13 Request meeting of the interdisciplinary team to
determine action.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #2.0 Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
According to a DSP, a support recipient who receives 24 hour support is refusing to
bathe. There are two other DSPs who support this individual. It has now been over
three weeks and the individual smells badly. The DSP seeks your advice. There is no
history of this issue. What will you tell them and what action will you take?
2.14 Agency should conduct training with all staff
regarding required timelines for reporting of incidents such
as this.
2.15 If the DSPs were aware of the situation for three
weeks, provide a written counseling and refer to your
supervisor for determination of further disciplinary action.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #3.0 Safety First
A support recipient lives in a second floor apartment
with no elevator. This support recipient lives alone
and receives five hours of support weekly. The DSP
informs you that the support recipient fractured their
ankle and is confined to their apartment for six
weeks until they receive a weight bearing cast. What
is your response?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #3.0 Safety First
A support recipient lives in a second floor apartment with no elevator. This support
recipient lives alone and receives five hours of support weekly. The DSP informs you
that the support recipient fractured their ankle and is confined to their apartment for
six weeks until they receive a weight bearing cast. What is your response?
3.1 Inform your supervisor
3.2 Go to their apartment immediately and determine if
they can “scoot” down the stairs in a fire or other
emergency.
3.3 Inform the case manager and discuss short term
respite options in home or out of home.
3.4 Inform the family or guardian of evacuation concerns
verbally and in writing.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #3.0 Safety First
A support recipient lives in a second floor apartment with no elevator. This support
recipient lives alone and receives five hours of support weekly. The DSP informs you
that the support recipient fractured their ankle and is confined to their apartment for
six weeks until they receive a weight bearing cast. What is your response?
3.5 Schedule ISP with all involved parties. Ask for a PT
consult for recommendations on how to deal with an
emergency evacuation.
3.6 Request 24 hour supports in writing from the funding
authority, emphasizing imminent danger.
3.7 Talk with apartment manager regarding the short
term special needs for this renter. Ask if they have a
temporary apartment available on the first floor.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #3.0 Safety First
A support recipient lives in a second floor apartment with no elevator. This support
recipient lives alone and receives five hours of support weekly. The DSP informs you
that the support recipient fractured their ankle and is confined to their apartment for
six weeks until they receive a weight bearing cast. What is your response?
3.8 Inform fire and police departments of the special
needs of resident.
3.9 Talk with neighbors, friends, family and determine if
they can assist in emergency situations (obtain support
recipient’s approval prior to this discussion). Review the
option of having the support recipient stay with them.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #3.0 Safety First
A support recipient lives in a second floor apartment with no elevator. This support
recipient lives alone and receives five hours of support weekly. The DSP informs you
that the support recipient fractured their ankle and is confined to their apartment for
six weeks until they receive a weight bearing cast. What is your response?
3.10 Double check fire extinguishers/smoke alarms in
apartment and document. Review the support recipient’s
ability to use 911 and document. Check that emergency
numbers are prominently posted and available to the
support recipient and document.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #3.0 Safety First
A support recipient lives in a second floor apartment with no elevator. This support
recipient lives alone and receives five hours of support weekly. The DSP informs you
that the support recipient fractured their ankle and is confined to their apartment for
six weeks until they receive a weight bearing cast. What is your response?
3.11 If 24 hour support is authorized or a neighbor or
friend and family are willing to provide assistance in an
emergency, borrow or rent an emergency evacuation cot
for them.
3.12 Best option – find alternative location that is barrier
free (e.g. family, friend, short term stay hotel).
Considerations: Depending on a variety of factors, the organization may wish to consider providing 24
hour support until the individual is relocated or the funding authority approves the additional hours. Keep
in mind the hours may not be authorized thus this cost would be assumed by the organization.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #4.0 Don’t Spread it Around
A DSP informs you that they just found out from their
physician that they have Hepatitis C. The DSP
supports an individual with cerebral palsy who
requires pervasive supports (e.g. bathing, eating,
tooth brushing, toileting). The support recipient has
been living alone for 2 years. What action do you
take given what you have just been told?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #4.0 Don’t Spread it Around
A DSP informs you that they just found out from their physician that they have
Hepatitis C. The DSP supports an individual with cerebral palsy who requires
pervasive supports (e.g. bathing, eating, tooth brushing, toileting). The support
recipient has been living alone for 2 years. What action do you take given what you
have just been told?
4.1 Express concern about the welfare of the staff.
4.2 Inform your supervisor and the Human Resources
Dept.
4.3 Discuss with your supervisor the appropriateness of
offering an extended medical leave of absence for the DSP.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #4.0 Don’t Spread it Around
A DSP informs you that they just found out from their physician that they have
Hepatitis C. The DSP supports an individual with cerebral palsy who requires
pervasive supports (e.g. bathing, eating, tooth brushing, toileting). The support
recipient has been living alone for 2 years. What action do you take given what you
have just been told?
4.4 Obtain the DSP’s written permission to inform the
support recipient, family/guardian and case manager of
their medical condition.
4.5 Refer the support recipient to a physician for
examination regarding STDs as well as Hepatitis C.
4.6 Ask for a release from the DSP to discuss their
condition with relevant staff in the agency.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #4.0 Don’t Spread it Around
A DSP informs you that they just found out from their physician that they have
Hepatitis C. The DSP supports an individual with cerebral palsy who requires
pervasive supports (e.g. bathing, eating, tooth brushing, toileting). The support
recipient has been living alone for 2 years. What action do you take given what you
have just been told?
4.7 Refer the staff with Hepatitis C for drug testing
(mandatory or voluntary depending on Personnel Policies).
4.8 Request that the staff with Hepatitis C provides you with
a physician’s statement regarding any restrictions of their
employment. The physician’s statement must be in response
to their detailed job description provided by the HR Director.
(e.g. can they do the job and, if so, with what restrictions).
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #4.0 Don’t Spread it Around
A DSP informs you that they just found out from their physician that they have
Hepatitis C. The DSP supports an individual with cerebral palsy who requires
pervasive supports (e.g. bathing, eating, tooth brushing, toileting). The support
recipient has been living alone for 2 years. What action do you take given what you
have just been told?
4.9 With written authorization, provide hepatitis testing
to the support recipient as well as any other DSP’s
supporting that recipient (at agency’s expense) if
necessary.
4.10 Offer the DSP with hepatitis an alternative individual
they can support who does not require the same degree of
intimate contact.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #4.0 Don’t Spread it Around
A DSP informs you that they just found out from their physician that they have
Hepatitis C. The DSP supports an individual with cerebral palsy who requires
pervasive supports (e.g. bathing, eating, tooth brushing, toileting). The support
recipient has been living alone for 2 years. What action do you take given what you
have just been told?
4.11 Have a qualified RN provide training on blood borne
pathogens to the DSP with hepatitis. Document this action.
Considerations: Management needs to consider notifying the organization’s legal counsel regarding this
matter.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #5.0 Tipping the Bottle
As you begin a DSP’s annual performance appraisal
evaluation, you realize that they have the smell of
alcohol on their breath and their speech is slurred.
What do you do?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #5.0 Tipping the Bottle
As you begin a DSP’s annual performance appraisal evaluation, you realize that they
have the smell of alcohol on their breath and their speech is slurred. What do you
do?
5.1 Immediately have your supervisor or another
management staff come into the room to obtain their
opinion to verify your observations.
5.2 Ask the DSP if they have been consuming alcohol and,
if they respond yes, place them on administrative leave
and ask them to sign a statement that they have been
consuming alcohol. Make sure the statement is signed and
dated.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #5.0 Tipping the Bottle
As you begin a DSP’s annual performance appraisal evaluation, you realize that they
have the smell of alcohol on their breath and their speech is slurred. What do you
do?
5.3 Offer to provide a taxicab to take them home.
5.4 If they insist on driving get their license tag number
and immediately call the police.
5.5 If they indicate they have not been drinking, ask if
they will agree to a sobriety test.
5.6 If they agree to the sobriety test and fail, offer to drive
them home or call a taxicab and give the driver their
address.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #5.0 Tipping the Bottle
As you begin a DSP’s annual performance appraisal evaluation, you realize that they
have the smell of alcohol on their breath and their speech is slurred. What do you
do?
5.7 Conduct a review with the support recipient and the
DSP’s colleagues of the DSP’s interactions with the support
recipient.
5.8 If it is determined that neglect occurred (e.g. sleeping
while on duty; failure to administer medication as
prescribed) appropriate disciplinary action should be
taken.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #5.0 Tipping the Bottle
As you begin a DSP’s annual performance appraisal evaluation, you realize that they
have the smell of alcohol on their breath and their speech is slurred. What do you
do?
5.9 If no incidence of neglect was established, take the
position that they cannot return to work until they have
enrolled in a certified alcohol treatment rehabilitation
program.
5.10 They must be able to bring a letter from their primary
care physician that they are fit to do their job before
returning.
Consideration: It should be recognized that the potential for a situation/s of neglect occurred if the staff
was inebriated while on duty.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who
they support has been struggling with his anger lately –
yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of asking
for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with
suggested strategies to address the issue, the staff
indicated that they “kind of lost their temper.” The DSP
states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in
response to his name calling of the staff. What do you do?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who they support has been
struggling with his anger lately – yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of
asking for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with suggested
strategies to address the issue, the staff indicated that they “kind of lost their
temper.” The DSP states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in response to his
name calling of the staff. What do you do?
6.1 Clearly indicate to the staff their response is verbal
abuse.
6.2 Ask them to write a statement in your presence of
what happened including date, time, location.
6.3 Write a statement of what they reported to you.
6.4 Inform your supervisor of this incident of verbal
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who they support has been
struggling with his anger lately – yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of
asking for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with suggested
strategies to address the issue, the staff indicated that they “kind of lost their
temper.” The DSP states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in response to his
name calling of the staff. What do you do?
6.5 Notify Adult Protective Services, the case manager
and the family.
6.6 Place the employee on leave pending the completion
of the investigation.
6.7 Complete formal incident/abuse forms and submit to
funding authority within their prescribed protocol.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who they support has been
struggling with his anger lately – yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of
asking for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with suggested
strategies to address the issue, the staff indicated that they “kind of lost their
temper.” The DSP states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in response to his
name calling of the staff. What do you do?
6.8 If the investigation substantiates verbal abuse,
terminate employee if consistent with personnel policies.
In the event that abuse is not cause for immediate
dismissal, take appropriate disciplinary action.
6.9 Pursuant to organization’s progressive discipline,
provide leave without pay/written counseling, etc.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who they support has been
struggling with his anger lately – yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of
asking for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with suggested
strategies to address the issue, the staff indicated that they “kind of lost their
temper.” The DSP states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in response to his
name calling of the staff. What do you do?
6.10 Notify Adult Protective Services, case manager and
family of action taken.
6.11 If not terminated, retrain staff on issues of verbal
abuse prior to their return to work and document.
6.12 Have DSP apologize to support recipient.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who they support has been
struggling with his anger lately – yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of
asking for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with suggested
strategies to address the issue, the staff indicated that they “kind of lost their
temper.” The DSP states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in response to his
name calling of the staff. What do you do?
6.13 Provide self advocacy training to the support recipient
who was verbally abused – what are my rights? To whom
do I report rights violations?
6.14 Consider providing counseling for the support
recipient who was verbally abused.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #6.0 “I Just Lost It”
A DSP you supervise mentions in passing that a man who they support has been
struggling with his anger lately – yelling and threatening the staff. In the process of
asking for further details that you can use to provide the DSP with suggested
strategies to address the issue, the staff indicated that they “kind of lost their
temper.” The DSP states they called the man “an ignorant asshole” in response to his
name calling of the staff. What do you do?
6.15 If DSP is retained by agency, provide them with anger
management training
Considerations: The Direct Support Professional, who engaged in the inappropriate verbalization, should
have requested assistance from their Supervisor regarding how they could best intervene in response to the
support recipient’s conduct.
Management needs to consider notifying the organization’s legal counsel regarding this personnel matter.
The employee’s personnel file should be reviewed to verify that they successfully completed the agency’s
required abuse/neglect training.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #7.0 Don’t Say A Word
A DSP whom you supervise comes to you and wants to
confidentially share some information with you regarding a 23
year old woman they support who lives by herself. They preface
their remarks by saying they absolutely promised the support
recipient that they would not share this with anyone so they ask
you to keep this confidential as well. You hesitatingly agree. The
DSP states that the support recipient who is her own guardian
(diagnosis mild intellectual disability and bipolar disorder) is 5
months pregnant. What do you do?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #7.0 Don’t Say A Word
A DSP whom you supervise comes to you and wants to confidentially share some
information with you regarding a 23 year old woman they support who lives by
herself. They preface their remarks by saying they absolutely promised the support
recipient that they would not share this with anyone so they ask you to keep this
confidential as well. You hesitatingly agree. The DSP states that the support
recipient who is her own guardian (diagnosis mild intellectual disability and bipolar
disorder) is 5 months pregnant. What do you do?
7.1 Inform the DSP that you cannot maintain this
confidence and explain why.
7.2 Have the DSP write a detailed statement of their
conversation with the support recipient.
7.3 Immediately inform your supervisor.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #7.0 Don’t Say A Word
A DSP whom you supervise comes to you and wants to confidentially share some
information with you regarding a 23 year old woman they support who lives by
herself. They preface their remarks by saying they absolutely promised the support
recipient that they would not share this with anyone so they ask you to keep this
confidential as well. You hesitatingly agree. The DSP states that the support
recipient who is her own guardian (diagnosis mild intellectual disability and bipolar
disorder) is 5 months pregnant. What do you do?
7.4 Write a statement regarding the DSP’s information
that was shared with you.
7.5 Inform the case manager.
7.6 In conjunction with the case manager and with the
permission of the support recipient, schedule an
appointment for the support recipient with an OB/GYN.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #7.0 Don’t Say A Word
A DSP whom you supervise comes to you and wants to confidentially share some
information with you regarding a 23 year old woman they support who lives by
herself. They preface their remarks by saying they absolutely promised the support
recipient that they would not share this with anyone so they ask you to keep this
confidential as well. You hesitatingly agree. The DSP states that the support
recipient who is her own guardian (diagnosis mild intellectual disability and bipolar
disorder) is 5 months pregnant. What do you do?
7.7 Notify Child Welfare Services of concerns regarding
support recipient’s ability to provide essential parenting.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #7.0 Don’t Say A Word
A DSP whom you supervise comes to you and wants to confidentially share some
information with you regarding a 23 year old woman they support who lives by
herself. They preface their remarks by saying they absolutely promised the support
recipient that they would not share this with anyone so they ask you to keep this
confidential as well. You hesitatingly agree. The DSP states that the support
recipient who is her own guardian (diagnosis mild intellectual disability and bipolar
disorder) is 5 months pregnant. What do you do?
7.8 In conjunction with the case manager, conduct an
investigation to determine if the sexual intercourse
resulting in the pregnancy was consensual or by force. If
there is any indication it was by force, contact the police
immediately.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #7.0 Don’t Say A Word
A DSP whom you supervise comes to you and wants to confidentially share some
information with you regarding a 23 year old woman they support who lives by
herself. They preface their remarks by saying they absolutely promised the support
recipient that they would not share this with anyone so they ask you to keep this
confidential as well. You hesitatingly agree. The DSP states that the support
recipient who is her own guardian (diagnosis mild intellectual disability and bipolar
disorder) is 5 months pregnant. What do you do?
Considerations: It may be advisable for the agency to request additional funding to increase the hours of
support provided as this woman moves closer to delivery. The agency should advocate for the woman to
receive training in prenatal care and parenting
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Management Scenarios
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met
a man who is coming to her apartment and frequently
stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually
active. She tells you that he has a drug problem with
heroin. The individual who you support has extremely
poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is
legally competent. What action do you take?
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met a man who is coming to her
apartment and frequently stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually active.
She tells you that he has a drug problem with heroin. The individual who you support
has extremely poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is legally
competent. What action do you take?
8.1 Make detailed notes regarding your conversation.
8.2 Ask the support recipient if the man brings drugs to
her apartment and if he uses them there.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met a man who is coming to her
apartment and frequently stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually active.
She tells you that he has a drug problem with heroin. The individual who you support
has extremely poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is legally
competent. What action do you take?
8.3 Ask the support recipient if she engages in protected
sex – deal with educating her regarding the risks of STDs
and AIDS due to unprotected sex especially with a drug
addict. Request in writing from the funding authority
appropriate sex education training from a certified staff
(e.g. sex therapist, RN).
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met a man who is coming to her
apartment and frequently stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually active.
She tells you that he has a drug problem with heroin. The individual who you support
has extremely poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is legally
competent. What action do you take?
8.4 Inform your supervisor and case manager.
8.5 Conduct a special ISP meeting regarding this matter.
8.6 If the support recipient’s male friend is using drugs in
her apartment, explain with a witness that she is in
potential violation of the law and could suffer legal
consequences.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met a man who is coming to her
apartment and frequently stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually active.
She tells you that he has a drug problem with heroin. The individual who you support
has extremely poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is legally
competent. What action do you take?
8.7 With the support recipient’s permission, schedule her
for an OB/GYN appointment for STD testing.
8.8 With the support recipient’s permission, schedule her
for drug testing.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met a man who is coming to her
apartment and frequently stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually active.
She tells you that he has a drug problem with heroin. The individual who you support
has extremely poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is legally
competent. What action do you take?
8.9 Request permission from the support recipient to
review her financial records.
8.10 Explain that this arises from concerns regarding her
friend possibly abusing her finances.
Universal LifeStiles, L.L.C.
…overcoming life’s obstacles
Scenario #8.0 Users and Abusers
A young woman who you support tells you that she met a man who is coming to her
apartment and frequently stays overnight. She indicates that they are sexually active.
She tells you that he has a drug problem with heroin. The individual who you support
has extremely poor judgment in part due to mental health issues. She is legally
competent. What action do you take?
8.11 Explain to her that your agency’s policy prohibits
DSPs from being in her home if drugs are being used
while they are there or if drugs are present in the
home.