Manitoba’s adult abuse registry, the first of its kind in Canada, is now in place to help protect vulnerable adults and patients living in health-care settings from abuse and neglect. This announcement was made by Health Minister Theresa Oswald and Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard.
The registry will help protect Manitobans by preventing individuals who abuse or neglect vulnerable people from working with them in the future, Oswald said, adding the names of individuals who have abused or neglected adults with an intellectual disability began to be placed on the registry in January, when it became operational.
“This regulatory change builds on the important work already being done by the Protection for Persons in Care Office as they investigate reports of abuse and help protect Manitobans living in health-care settings,” said Oswald. “Reporting to the registry adds another layer of protection for adult Manitobans and empowers the PPCO to do more on their behalf.”
New regulations coming into effect on March 15 would require the province’s Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO) to refer cases where an individual was found to have abused or neglected a patient in a hospital or personal care home to the registry, where a committee would decide whether or not to include the name.
“The ultimate goal of this new registry is to be the first tool employers use to screen new hires and protect Manitobans in their care from potential abuse or neglect,” said Howard. “At the same time, we are fulfilling our commitment to Manitobans living with intellectual disabilities and their families, so they can feel more comfortable with the people providing such important care and support.”
Individuals convicted of an offence against a vulnerable person are automatically placed on the registry. Where there is no conviction, the name of an individual can also be referred to the appointed adult abuse registry committee to determine whether they should be included. Fees for registry checks will be waived for volunteers.
For more information about the adult abuse registry is available here. For more information about the Protection for Persons in Care Office is available here.
The definition of an individual with intellectual disabilities is set out under the Vulnerable Persons Living with a Mental Disability Act.
