Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults Policy

Definitions

CHILD A child is defined as being under the age of 18 years by the Children Act 1989.

VULNERABLE ADULT There is no legal definition of  “vulnerable adults” but in general terms an adult who is considered vulnerable may be defined as any person aged 18 or over who:

·        is, or may be, unable to care for themselves by reason of mental, physical or                learning disability, age or illness, and who
·        is or may be unable to take care of him or her self or unable to protect him or                her self against significant harm or serious exploitation.

SUMMARY
We recognise that the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is paramount and that they have equal rights of protection.  We have a duty of care when they are in our charge and will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

We will:

      Treat all children, young people and vulnerable adults with respect and                             celebrate their achievements

       Carefully recruit and select all staff whether paid or unpaid

        Respond to concerns and allegations appropriately

         Adopt the recommendations of the SAFE Pack.

When there are concerns about the welfare of any child/young person/vulnerable adult all staff [paid or unpaid] in our organisation are expected to share those concerns with the designated Protection Officer.

S/he is responsible for:

          Monitoring and recording concerns

          Making referrals to social care services without delay

          Liaison with other agencies

          Arranging training for all staff.

CONFIDENTIALITY
In cases of disclosure of abuse, by children, young people, vulnerable adults, parents or carers, we are obliged to share the information with the Lead Person who may have to refer our concerns to Social Services.

STAFF ALLEGATIONS
Concerns about the behaviour of adult/s in the organisation will be referred without delay to the Lead Person who will contact Social Care Services or the police in an emergency.
In cases where the Lead Person is implicated, the deputy should be informed and s/he will contact social services or the police, in an emergency.