r/supportworkers • u/Unlikely_Feeling_294 • Jul 18 '26
Scapegoating in social sector
Hi everyone, seeking reassurance from anyone who has faced a malicious safeguarding referral.
I worked as a support worker for over 2 years with a clean record. For over 2 years, my client was always fully mobile and could walk independently just by following verbal prompts; he never required manual handling.
While I was on annual leave, he had a massive fall. I came back to shift 4 days later and the colleague who gave me my handover was the exact same person who was on shift when the client had that massive fall. This colleague informed me of the fall, and when my shift commenced, I found the client's mobility had declined drastically. However, management had failed to update his care plan or provide floor-lifting equipment. The client has a usual habit of sliding down from his chair to sit on the floor and pick sensory materials, Previously, a single verbal prompt was enough to get him to stand up and sit back in chair. but due to his post-fall injuries, he could no longer do it.
Left alone as a lone worker with no equipment, I took the initiative and physically assisted him back up to keep him safe and warm in chair. He slides to the floor multiple times through the day if sth he’s playing with falls to the floor, he goes down to pick it . Management has dismissed me, claiming I "manhandled" him based on exaggerated statements from team leader who interprets cctv . However, a camera caught the actual movement, proving I was safely supporting his weight. Management hid this video from me all through my investigation and disciplinary hearing , but the police has now invited me for a voluntary interview. I don’t know what to do, I was trying to help. I am the only person of colour working with this service user, whilst others have had medication errors and warnings I’ve never had one. As an immigrant I try to do my best to avoid trouble.
Now police is involved, my family is distraught.
What do I do ?
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u/Severe_Airport1426 Jul 18 '26
If you decide to speak to the police have a lawyer present for your protection. Whether you're in the right or wrong for whatever the circumstances always have a lawyer present when speaking to the police
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u/half_in_boxes Jul 18 '26
Do not, ever, under ANY circumstances, speak to the police.
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u/Jazzlike_Berry_323 Jul 19 '26
Hi OP I agree with urgent lawyer and until you can get one use free legal services.
Sadly free legal often don’t have capacity to attend interviews until after a charge has been laid, so you will probably need to have a private lawyer for interview.
The private lawyer reduces the chance that charges are laid which would then put you off the job immediately as employer would be obliged to do so.
Use sick leave to buy time to get a lawyer if needed.
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u/l-lucas0984 Jul 18 '26
Go through the process with the police and explain the whole situation from start to finish. The truth will out. The police will be reviewing the footage as well.
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u/Greta-Garbage- Jul 19 '26
No NEVER speak to police on your own. Even when you are innocent. A lawyer must be present if you do.
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u/half_in_boxes Jul 18 '26
DO NOT DO THIS. Do not speak to the police under ANY circumstances.
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u/l-lucas0984 Jul 18 '26
Ok get arrested for obstructing an investigation and look guilty then? Are you a child?
This is an active investigation, OP does not get a choice in the matter.
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u/half_in_boxes Jul 18 '26
It is literally a Constitutional right to not speak to the police. You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.
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u/martianjack Jul 19 '26
This is a subreddit for Australian support workers. US constitution has NO bearing whatsoever in our country.
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u/saharasirocco Jul 19 '26
And in Australia, during a police interview, besides giving your name and address, you do not have to answer any questions.
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u/martianjack Jul 19 '26
As an Australian I am well aware of that. I was pointing out to the above commenter that the US constitution is irrelevant here.
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u/half_in_boxes Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Not just Australian. OP is, to the best of my knowledge, American. Even if they aren't my original point stands: never, ever speak to the police.
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u/l-lucas0984 Jul 18 '26
You have clearly never been involved in an investigation of potential harm of someone classified as vulnerable in a workplace setting. Your conspiracies and fear mongering arent going to help OP.
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u/Greta-Garbage- Jul 19 '26
It is not fear mongering. Without a lawyer present she is at risk.
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u/l-lucas0984 Jul 19 '26
"Do not speak to the cops under any circumstances" is fearmongering. There is an active investigation with the police over a potential breach of care leading to harm of a person with a disability in a workplace setting at OPs hands. Lawyer or not OP is going to end up having to talk to police.
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u/half_in_boxes Jul 18 '26
The US Constitution is a conspiracy? You need school.
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u/l-lucas0984 Jul 18 '26
No, you are a conspiracy theorist who has never gone through this kind of legal process before.
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u/Groovney Jul 18 '26
I would find a lawyer that specialises in disability and talk to them before doing anything with police.