New quality and safeguarding guide 

A new book has been released on quality and safeguards in disability service provision. Thanks to generous support from donors, Disability Practice: Safeguarding Quality Service Delivery has been released for free download in open access pdf format. A crucial resource for all who support people with disability, the book particularly focuses on delivering high-quality and safe services to people with intellectual disability. 

Written by academics drawing on the latest research, it covers the key issues of high-quality and safe practice. It discusses the importance of being person-centred, how to deliver active support, why work and social engagement is important, and the best ways to support decision making. Its conversational and accessible style makes it easy to read and digest. 
 
At the book’s launch on 15 February, co-editor Dr Alan Hough spoke about how the book can be used by senior leaders, service managers, practice leaders, allied health professionals and disability support workers to bring a practical evidence-based approach to service provision. You can read it cover to cover or scroll through to the chapters that interest you. A great review of key messages concludes each chapter.  
 
For all invested in giving the highest quality support to people with intellectual disability, it is a great tool to bridge research and practice and an ongoing reference for sustaining robust quality and safeguarding systems. 
 
Hard copies are available and there is a 40 per cent discount until 31 March using the code HLT23 at checkout. It can downloaded or bought through the publisher’s website.

Victorian Senior Practitioner Annual Report 2022–23  

The Victorian Senior Practitioner has just released its annual report for 2022–23. It contains the office’s monitoring of restrictive practices for the year, reporting a small increase from last year. This is mostly due to a rise in the use of chemical restraint. 
 
The report breaks down the different categories of practices, included those contained in behaviour support plans. This monitoring raises awareness in the sector and identifies where changes can be made to reduce and eliminate the use of restrictive practices. 
 
The report and previous Senior Practitioners' reports are available on the Families, Fairness and Housing website.