SELF DETERMINATION

Self Determination
Person Driven Practice is a way of working with people so that they have choice and control over the supports they receive and the lives they lead as valued citizens in their own communities.

Interactionz has worked hard over time to develop this practice so that the people we serve can make decisions about the way they live their lives. Our aim is to support people to discover what is meaningful for them and assist them to make their contributions to their community and to the lives of others.

We believe that a good life involves having opportunities to;

Exercise free will – this means being able to make decisions about what we do without being fearful of the reactions of others or being controlled by others

Experience the dignity of risk – this means being able to try new things that may not work out or may be painful learning experiences.

Learn from mistakes and the consequences of choices – this means being allowed to get it wrong and being able to experience the outcomes of our actions.

Be connected to natural supports and the community – this means having relationships with people who are not paid to be with us and taking part in activities and other opportunities in our community.

Like all of us, there will be times when the decisions people make will not end up being positive or helpful. There will be times when people lose out or feel hurt. These are ordinary learning experiences for all of us.

Person Driven Practice does not mean ignoring situations where there is real risk to a person’s physical or emotional safety. Person Driven Practice is not an excuse to withdraw support or allow circumstances to exist that are dangerous, abusive or negligent.

We have a duty of care that means we are obligated to ensure that a person is supported to understand the potential consequences of their choices and actions. When we believe that there is a real risk to someone’s safety we must take action to assist in finding a way forward.