Disability group home residents left vulnerable due to lack of independent monitoring, advocate says

Community visitors should be checking on residents in privately run facilities, Victoria’s public advocate says

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Highly vulnerable residents of disability group homes are being placed at significant risk because independent monitors have not been given the power to inspect the increasing number of privately run facilities, Victoria’s public advocate has warned.

The national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) has driven an explosion in different forms of disability accommodation, including privately run group homes, which can sit outside the remit of state-based independent monitors checking for signs of abuse, neglect or assault.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup