By Jane Lee
A former Department of Health and Human Services worker has been charged with sexually abusing people with disabilities at a residential care facility.
The former disability support worker appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court for the first time for a filing hearing on Friday. It is understood that the man is facing a number of charges, including indecent assault.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services said the man had turned himself in to Victoria Police, revealing things "about his behaviour during...his employment within the disability sector."
The man officially resigned from his job last June, but had not worked in the disability sector since December 2013, she said.
A police check on his employment history had not identified any issues when he was hired.
"The man's name has been provided to the Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme and he is not permitted to gain further employment in disability supported accommodation," the spokeswoman said.
The department and Victoria Police had contacted all people who were "directly affected" by the allegations.
"Abuse of a person with a disability is inexcusable and we are shocked and saddened by these disclosures," the spokeswoman said. "The wellbeing of our clients comes first and we are working with police to support these clients and their families."
She encouraged anyone with concerns about abuse allegations to contact Victoria Police or the department.