Ministry response to conduct allegations applauded

Media release

2 April 2009

Ministry response to inappropriate conduct allegations applauded

The Ministry of Health response, that allegations of inappropriate conduct against disability sexuality educator Claire Ryan were unfounded, has been applauded by Diversityworks Group Managing Director Philip Patston. Diversityworks Group was contracted by NZ Care Group to provide the sexuality and intimacy training, during which several women staff alleged they were told to masturbate their disabled clients.

The Ministry of Health investigation released today found “there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation.”

“We’re pleased with the investigation’s conclusions,” said Patston. “We agree with the report that supporting disabled people to express sexuality with dignity is a sensitive yet important issue.”

Patston said that he quite understood the women may have felt uncomfortable with the subject. “But the way they chose to respond to their discomfort through the media was unfortunate, even inappropriate,” he said.

The issue that should be under scrutiny and subject to intelligent debate is how disability support providers balance the rights of disabled people and the rights of employees, Patston believes. “It’s a delicate balance and can be blurry at times, but it’s an adult issue that needs to be dealt with in an adult manner.”

Patston’s company has been involved in training and policy development in the area of disability and sexual diversity for over ten years. “Our approach is that staff need to be aware of their comfort levels around sexuality. If one person is not comfortable, that’s fine. Just find someone who is.”

Staff would never be expected to provide “hands-on”support, but those who feel more comfortable with supporting sexual expression would be encouraged to find support elsewhere in the community. Robust policy development involving staff and clients was vital to ensure consistency, clarity and safety throughout the organisation.

Patston said NZ Care Group were leading the way by introducing training to staff.

ENDS

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