Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk

We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable members of our community and continue to work closely with partner organisations to improve this process.

Living a life that is free from harm and abuse is a fundamental right of every person. All staff, in whatever setting and role, are in the front line in preventing harm or abuse occurring and in taking action where concerns arise.

Adults
Safeguarding adults’ procedures relate to the multi-agency response in respect of a person aged 18 years or over:
- ‘who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and
- who is or maybe unable to take care of him or herself, or able to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation’.
(‘No Secrets’ DH 2000).

What to do if you are worried about an Adult at Risk
Visit the Action on Elder Abuse website for more information.
Children

Where the term child, children or young person is stated, this relates to a person who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.

(Children Act 1989, 2004).

Our legislative responsibilities to safeguard children and young people requires us to be vigilant and responsive every time we engage with service users and families.

Guidance is provided by the document; Working Together to Safeguard Children (DCSF, 2010), which defines safeguarding as:

“The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.”

What to do if you are worried about a child.
Visit the NSPCC website for more information.