Tessera PBS
Safe and Respectful Engagement Policy
Zero Tolerance – Abuse, Threats and Violence
Tessera PBS is committed to providing safe, respectful, and supportive environments for participants, families, carers, providers, employees, contractors, and all individuals we work with.
We recognise that behaviours of concern may occur due to unmet needs, communication difficulties, distress, trauma responses, disability-related factors, sensory overload, or nervous system dysregulation.
As a Positive Behaviour Support provider, Tessera PBS is committed to understanding behaviour with compassion and developing proactive, person-centred strategies that support safety, dignity, and quality of life.
At the same time, every person has the right to safety and respect.
Tessera PBS has a zero-tolerance approach towards intentional abuse, harassment, threats, intimidation, discrimination, or violence directed towards practitioners, employees, contractors, participants, families, or others involved in service delivery.
This applies to interactions:
• in person
• by phone
• by email
• through messages or online communication
• during appointments, meetings, or service activities
Expectations When Engaging With Tessera PBS
We ask that all individuals:
• treat others with dignity and respect
• communicate in a safe and respectful manner
• refrain from threatening, abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language
• respect professional boundaries
• work collaboratively to support safe service delivery
If Unsafe Behaviour Occurs
Where behaviour creates a risk to safety, Tessera PBS may:
• attempt to understand the reason for distress and support de-escalation where appropriate
• advise the person that communication or behaviour is unsafe
• request that the behaviour stops before continuing the interaction
• pause, reschedule, or end a conversation, meeting, or appointment
• complete relevant incident reporting processes
• review service delivery arrangements and safety planning requirements
Where there is serious risk of harm, Tessera PBS may contact emergency services or relevant authorities as required.
Ongoing Safety
Tessera PBS acknowledges the complexity of disability, trauma, mental health, and behaviours of concern, and decisions will always consider individual circumstances, support needs, and reasonable adjustments.
However, ongoing service provision must also consider the health, safety, and wellbeing of practitioners, employees, contractors, participants, and others involved.
Where risks cannot be safely managed, Tessera PBS may review, modify, suspend, or cease services in accordance with service agreements, professional responsibilities, and duty of care obligations.
Our goal is always to maintain respectful, collaborative relationships that support positive outcomes for everyone involved.