The ultimate goals of the complaint process are:
- to protect the public;
- to increase the professionalism of members whose behavior has been found to be unprofessional; and
- to educate and support other practitioners who may encounter a similar circumstance or ethical dilemma.
Regulated members responding to a complaint should be mindful that the tone of their response and their cooperation in the complaint process, with the Complaints Director or an investigator, could have an impact on the outcome of the complaint.
Members are encouraged to remain objective, focus on the facts of the complaint, and recognize their role in the incident and/or miscommunication. Blaming the complainant is a common defensive response; however, it often leads to further communication breakdown.
The member must not:
- create or alter any related documents or records; or
- contact or communicate with the individuals involved in a sexual abuse or misconduct complaint.