A damning report by the disability royal commission has found the SA Department for Human Services (DHS) failed to provide a safe home for two men with autism and intellectual disabilities.
It found Daniel Rogers suffered from neglect at a DHS group homeIn June 2021, the royal commission examined three cases in South Australia — Mitchell*, Daniel Rogers and Ann Marie Smith.
The report stated that Mitchell had been living in DHS-managed accommodation but his aunt and uncle started to become concerned after discovering he had injured his foot and was taken to a topless waitress restaurant by a staff member.She raised concerns with DHS but felt they were never heard. A camera was also installed in Mitchell's room without the consent of his legal guardians, his aunt Victoria* and uncle James*.
"As a consequence of the intercom issue and other matters, the site manager was moved from the residence. It appears that at least one staff member felt aggrieved by this change." The report stated that since the commission hearings in June 2021, DHS hired an external investigator to look into the letter and sent the family a formal apology.Daniel Rogers's mother says there were bruises on his body while in group home.
"DHS failed to seek an urgent medical opinion about the nature and likely cause of Daniel Rogers' injuries."