SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Introduction
This document has been developed in accordance with the Department of Health’s No Secrets Act 2000/7.
This Policy covers all employees of Care Angels Homecare Limited. It is everyone’s responsibility to tackle and report abuse. It should not be assumed that this responsibility lies with a limited group or grade of staff, although some actions required in this Policy many only be taken by senior management.
This Policy also covers all the people who use our service, including vulnerable adults, young people and children, and is also inclusive to individuals who are funded by statutory bodies or self-funding service users.
There is a simplified version of our Safeguarding Policy in Care Angels Homecare Limited’s Service User Guide, and the Care Angels Homecare Limited’s Staff Handbook.
All staff are given an additional factsheet on Safeguarding for reference purposes.
There is a Safeguarding adults easy read document available for all people who access our service.
Aim of the Policy
The aim of Care Angels Homecare Limited’s Safeguarding Policy is to ensure that;
Service Users and staff members are kept safe from the risk of harm
Service Users and staff members are aware of the different types of abuse
Staff members are actively safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults who use the service
Service Users and staff members are aware of how to raise a safeguarding issue/complaint in an appropriate and safe manner
Children and young people who use the service, this includes the children of adults who use service, are protected from abuse and harm
Care Angels Homecare Limited are fully compliant with CQC Regulation 7: Safeguarding people who use services from abuse to ensure that all safeguards in place to protect services users and staff.
Policy Statement
Every person has the right to live free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Care Angels Homecare Limited have zero tolerance to any form of abuse.
Abuse occurs in all sections of society and there should be no discrimination because of assumptions about class, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or culture.
Care Angels Homecare Limited believes that a child or vulnerable adult should experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and adults who use the service and to keep them safe. Care Angels Homecare Limited is committed to practise in a way that protects them.
Some adults and children are more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation because they are disempowered within society. People who are eligible to receive health and community care services may be additionally vulnerable to the violation to their Human Rights because of disability, impairment, age or illness.
Definition of “vulnerable adult”: The term “vulnerable adult” is defined by the Law Commissions as: “Someone of 16 years or over who is or may be in need of community care services by reason mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation”. “Making decisions” Lord Chancellor’s Department 1999
Care Angels Homecare Limited ensure every effort must be made to promote the wellbeing, security and safety of vulnerable adults and children at risk of abuse consistent with their rights, mental capacity and personal choices, and to prevent abuse occurring wherever possible.
In most cases, the vulnerable adult at risk of abuse should be the person who decides on the chosen course of action, whilst being given all possible support to make an informed decision under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In a proportion of cases, an adult with mental capacity may choose to remain in an abusive environment or situation. In these cases, it is still extremely important to consider what advice and support can be offered to reduce the risk of harm.
The safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults includes the following
Prevention of abuse or neglect
Recognition of vulnerable people at risk of, or suffering from abuse and neglect.
Enquiry
Assessment, planning and review
Monitoring
Legislation and Best Practice
Care Angels Homecare Limited is committed to comply and work in accordance with the current law requirements and good practice in this area. This policy has been produced in accordance with the Department of Health Guidance “No Secrets” which remains statutory guidance and has taken into account the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the National Framework “Safeguarding Adults “, and the guidance for interagency working “Working together to safeguard children” and the Children’s Act 2004.
Care Angels Homecare Limited complies with the current legislation and covers Children, Adults and Vulnerable Adults and all policies have been drawn up based on law and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults, named:
Care Act 2019
Mental Capacity Act 2005 Children Act 1989 & 2004 Data Protection Act 1998
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Children and Families Act 2019 Human Rights Act 1998
Working together to Safeguard Children 2015
Special Education needs and disability (SEND) code of practice: 0-25 years- Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities; HM Government 2019.
Care Angels Homecare Limited employees encounter children and young adults whilst supporting adults, therefore working in Accordance with the South West Child Protection Procedures and the Working together to Safeguard Children guidelines which state the following:
“When staff are providing services to adults they should ask whether there are children in the family and consider whether the children need help or protection from harm. Children may be at greater risk of harm or need additional help in families
where the adults have mental health problems, misuse substances or alcohol, are in a violent relationship, have complex needs or have learning difficulties”.
Care Angels Homecare Limited will take all safeguarding concerns including suspicions and allegations of exploitation, harm or abuse seriously and will report concerns promptly.
Care Angels Homecare Limited has processes in place to check the suitability of staff whose duties and responsibilities involve regular contact or supervision of children or adults who may be vulnerable.
Care Angels Homecare Limited is committed to seeking to ensure that appropriate suitability checks are carried out in relation to staff including criminal record checks and other checks where appropriate. Please refer to the Organisation’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Policy for further information.
People raising an alert of possible abuse:
Any person making reports of allegations of abuse should be listened to and their information acted upon. Whatever possible, the person who has raised the alert will be given information about the outcome, although due regard should be given to the extent of the information that can be shared.
Organisations working together to prevent abuse and safeguarding adults
Effective inter-agency working is crucial for the safeguarding of adults from abuse. Effective information sharing, collaboration and understanding between agencies and professionals are key elements in safeguarding adults.
No single agency can act in isolation to ensure the welfare and protection of adults at risk of abuse. Information and decision making must be shared.
Recognising Abuse
Some signs and inductors of abuse may seem insignificant in themselves and may have explanations or causes other than abuse. However, where they are in evidence and particularly where;
A cluster of indicators appears
The presence of an indicator recurs
There is significant change in the behaviour or presentation of adult at risk of abuse Then a more detailed assessment of the situation should be conducted.
If there is any concern at all about the possibility of abuse, then advice should be sought.
It is recognised that the adult at risk of abuse may be the person receiving or in need of care or may be the carer himself or herself.
Definition of Abuse
Abuse is defined as “a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons.” Department of health 2000.
Definition of Child Abuse
Child abuse is the mistreatment of a child: Severe mistreatment of a child by a parent, guardian or other adult responsible for his or her welfare and covers children from unborn through to 18 years of age.
Types of abuse
There are many different types of abuse and they all result in behaviour towards a person that deliberately or intentionally cause harm.
It is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights and in the worst cases can result in death.
There are 10 types of abuse: Discriminatory, Psychological or Emotional, Financial or material, Organisational, Neglect and acts of omission, Physical, Sexual, Domestic, Modern slavery and Self-neglect.
Definition of Discriminatory Abuse:
‘No Secrets’ suggest that the category of discriminatory abuse should also be considered. This abuse is motivated by discriminatory and oppressive attitudes towards race, gender, cultural background, religion, physical and / or sensory impairment, sexual orientation and age.
Definition of Psychological or Emotional Abuse
Psychological abuse may be intentional or unintentional. It may involve the use of intimidation, indifference, hostility, rejection, threats, humiliation, shouting, swearing or the use of discriminatory and/or oppressive language, which results in the individual’s choices, opinions and wishes being neglected and the adult becoming isolated or over-dependent. It can also take the form of racial or religious harassment.
Psychological abuse includes the denial of a person’s human and civil rights including choice and opinion, privacy and dignity and being able to follow one’s own spiritual and cultural beliefs or sexual orientation.
It includes preventing the adult from using services that would otherwise support them and enhance their lives. It includes the intentional or unintentional withholding of information, for example information not being available in different formats/languages. It includes the lack of access to dress, diet, language or specific religious observations relating to an adult’s background or culture.
Definition of Financial or Material Abuse
Financial abuse is the exploitation, inappropriate use or misappropriation of a person’s financial resources, property, pension, allowances or insurance. This includes withholding money or the improper use of a person’s money or property or denying the rights of an adult who may be competent to handle their own financial affairs.
Definition of Organisational or Institutional Abuse
Organisational or Institutional Abuse includes any word, action or care regime which negatively affects the dignity and respect to which every person is entitled. It occurs when the individual’s wishes and needs are sacrificed for the smooth running of a home or service setting. This may include instances where people’s rights are denied ensuring perceived safely.
Definition of Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s (or a vulnerable adult’s) basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s (or vulnerable adult’s) health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child or vulnerable adult from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s (or vulnerable adult’s) basic emotional needs.
Definition of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child or an individual whom they are looking after. This situation is commonly described using terms such as factitious illness by proxy or Munchausen syndrome by proxy.’
Definition of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child, or vulnerable adult to take part in sexual activities, whether the child or vulnerable adult is aware of what it is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape or buggery) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities,
such as involving children or vulnerable adults in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children or vulnerable adults to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
Definition of Domestic Abuse
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:
•psychological
•physical
•sexual
•financial
•emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.” *
This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.
Definition of Modern Slavery
Servitude forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking are all forms of modern slavery. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Self-Neglect
A wide range of behaviour neglecting to care one one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.
There are a wide range of perspectives that inform professionals’ understanding of self-neglect. There is, however, no conclusive evidence on causation, or on the effectiveness of interventions. There are tensions between respect for autonomy and
a perceived duty to preserve health and wellbeing. The former principle may extend as far as recognising that an individual who chooses to die through self-neglect should not be prevented from doing so; the latter may engage the view that action should be taken, even if resisted, to preserve an individual’s safety and dignity.
Human rights arguments are engaged in support of either perspective.
The autonomy of an adult with capacity is likely to be respected, and efforts directed to building and maintaining supportive relationships through which services can in time be negotiated. Capacity assessments, however, may not take full account of the complex nature of capacity; the distinction in the literature between decisional and executive capacity is not found in practice, and its importance for determining responses to self-neglect may need to be considered further.
People raising an alert of possible abuse:
Any person making reports of allegations of abuse should be listened to and their information acted upon. Whatever possible, the person who has raised the alert will be given information about the outcome, although due regard should be given to the extent of the information that can be shared.
Organisations working together to prevent abuse and safeguarding adults
Effective inter-agency working is crucial for the safeguarding of adults from abuse. Effective information sharing, collaboration and understanding between agencies and professionals are key elements in safeguarding adults.
No single agency can act in isolation to ensure the welfare and protection of adults at risk of abuse. Information and decision making must be shared.
What to do when abuse is disclosed or suspected
Concerns for the safety of children and vulnerable adults could arise in an variety of ways and in a range of situation.
Any person from any service working with adults at risk of abuse must be aware of the potential for abuse to take place. Anyone who has a suspicion or concern that abuse may have taken place or might take place if no preventative measures are taken must raise the alert. It is essential that any allegation of abuse is taken seriously, however insignificant it may seem.
Every member of staff must regard himself or herself as an alerted. Alerting or raising a concern about abuse means:
Recognising signs of abuse or on-going bad practice, responding to a disclosure, reporting a concern, allegation or disclosure, recording initial information and working strictly in accordance with anti-discriminatory practice.
As an alerted, you are asked to take any possibility of abuse very seriously, log your concerns and report them to an appropriate person, for example your manager. You do not have to verify or prove that the information is true.
Alerting through the formal channels will enable a proper assessment or investigation to be carried forward. You must report any concerns, allegations or disclosures of abuse, no matter who the alleged perpetrator is. If you raise a concern about an organisation or an individual and you are acting in good faith, you will be supported whatever the outcome of the investigation.
In all cases of concern, allegation or disclosure of abuse, you must inform your manager as soon as possible. Failure to do so will be regarding as colluding with the abuse.
Handling Allegations
When a child or vulnerable adult discloses information about abuse to a member of staff, it may be done obliquely rather than directly and be limited in detail.
An abused child, young person or vulnerable adult is likely to be under severe emotional stress makes discloses in confidence, the member of staff would need to display tact and sensitivity in responding.
The member of staff would need to reassure the child or vulnerable adult, and retain his or her trust, whilst explaining the need to inform other professionals
DO’s and DONT’S DO
Decide if there is an immediate risk and if so, dial 999 for the police ambulance as appropriate. Be accessible and receptive. Listen carefully. Take it seriously.
Reassure the child, young person or venerable adult that they are right to tell. Negotiate getting help. Find help quickly. Make careful records of what was said using the child’s own words as soon as is practicable following the disclosure. Date, time and sign the record. This record would be used in any subsequent legal proceedings. Details of the referral should be confirmed in writing to Social Services.
DONT
Jump to conclusions. Directly question the child or vulnerable adult or suggest words for him/her to use. Try to get the child or vulnerable adult to disclose all the details. Speculate or accuse anybody. Make promises you cannot keep. Details of the referral should be confirmed in writing to Social Services.
Care Angels Homecare Limited will offer ongoing support to victims of abuse, and the alleged perpetrators, when appropriate. Care Angels Homecare Limited will advise individuals on additional help and support that is available through external organisations and will work with organisations to ensure that the individuals involved are supported. Care Angels Homecare Limited will provide a dedicated member of staff who can source and speak to the different agencies. This individual will be someone the service user trusts.
It is Care Angels Homecare Limited’s responsibility to inform Service Users how they can protect themselves from abuse.
Raising an alert
Police. 999 (urgent) 101 (non urgent)
CQC 03000 616161
If you are looking for advice on whether an incident is a safeguarding, or would like any further advice on Safeguarding you can call Devon County Council Safeguarding enquiry line on 01392 382339
You can also contact a senior member at
Care Angels Homecare
9 Waterloo Road
Wolverhampton WV1 4DJ
By calling into our office which is open between 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday By post (address as above) By telephoning us on: – 01902 275780 By email:- info@careangelshomecare.com
(Emails and via the internet Care Angels Homecare Limited can only be accessed between 9am- 5pm Monday-Friday)
What information will I need to give?
why you’re concerned
the vulnerable adult’s name, age and address
if anyone lives with them
if they’re getting help from any organisation
who may be doing the abuse
Don’t delay in reporting abuse if you’re not sure about some of these details. If reporting the abuse puts you at risk you can chose to do so anonymously
Responsibility of the Registered Manager
In dealing with suspicions and allegations, the Registered Manager would follow clear procedures. Typically, the Registered Manager would take the following steps:
Write down everything that has given cause for concern and say why. This would be done as soon as possible, and certainly within 24 hours of the allegation;
Ask the member of staff against whom the allegation has been made to keep records of all conversations, meetings attended, and letters received and telephone calls relating to the allegation;
Record any dates and times of incidents or observations and any contact had with the child, younger person or vulnerable adult’s parents or carers. Only the facts would be recorded, not personal opinions or assumptions unless supported by facts;
Record any explanation for the injuries of behaviour given by the child, young person or vulnerable adult and/or member of staff;
Record who the child or vulnerable adult has come into contact with and in what context since the allegation (where known);
Store these records in a secure place, accessible only be designated persons; Contact the local social services team for advice where abuse is suspected; Contact The Care Quality Commission where abuse is suspected.
Contact the local Police Public Protection Unit where there is evidence of a criminal offence.
Assist the social services team and police with their enquiries should a referral be advised by the social services team.
Risk Assessment
If a safeguarding concern is raised, a risk assessment is undertaken to assess the appropriateness of a referral to Social Services or the Police.
The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring that a record of the risk assessment process and the outcome of the risk assessment is made, and any
appropriate follow up action is undertaken. Information about risk assessment procedures is available within the Guidance on Safeguarding document.
Care Angels Homecare Limited will liaise with other partner agencies as appropriate in order to address the safeguarding concerns identified.
Capacity and Consent Guidelines
In every situation, it will be assumed that a person can make their own decisions unless it is proved that they are unable to do so. There will be a presumption against a lack of capacity.
The three definitions to ascertain whether a person lacks capacity have been defined as;
A person is without capacity if, at the time that a decision needs to be taken, he or she is “unable because of mental disability to make a decision on the matter in question; or unable to communicate a decision on that matter because he or she is unconscious or for any other reason”
Mental disability is “any disability or disorder of the mind or brain, whether permanent or temporary, which results in an impairment or disturbance of mental functioning”
A person is to be regarded as unable to make a decision by reason of mental disability if the disability is such that, at the time when the decision needs to be made, the person is “unable to understand or retain the information relevant to the decision, or unable to make decision based on that information”.
During the investigation process, it is essential that we are certain that a vulnerable adult fully understands the nature of the concerns and the choices facing them.
Capacity should be assessed in relation to the specific activity or issue being considered.
In cases where Care Angels Homecare Limited feel that the person is unable to give informed consent, it will necessary to start a multi-disciplinary assessment.
Whistle Blowing
Care Angels Homecare Limited will not tolerate any form of abuse, aggression or bad practice. Working on these principles, whistle blowing is actively encouraged in the hope to reduce any form of abuse or bad practice. Any person reporting such activities will do so without fear of intimidation or reprisal and will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Once Care Angels Homecare Limited have been alerted to an alleged offence we will take the action outlined below. Our Whistle Blowing Policy is available on request.
Care Angels Homecare Limited believes that if a service user wishes to make a complaint or register a concern they should find it easy to do so. It is Care Angels Homecare Limited’s policy to welcome complaints and look upon them as an opportunity to learn, adapt, improve and provide better services. This policy is intended to ensure that complaints are dealt with properly and that all complaints or comments by service users and their relatives and carers are taken seriously.
The responsibility for the implementation and management of this policy is held by:
NAME: Alton Fuller Position: Registered Manager
Their responsibilities include:
Undertaking relevant training in safeguarding procedures and ensuring their knowledge is kept up to date;
Acting as a point of contact for those who have safeguarding concerns, receiving information and recording those concerns;
Acting upon concerns as appropriate in the circumstances for example by making external referrals for example to social services or police;
Monitoring the implementation of this policy and procedure
Additional Care Angels Homecare Limited Policies and Documents which relate to our Safeguarding Policy
Whistle Blowing Policy Complaints Policy Consent Policy Confidentiality Policy DBS Policy
Staff Handbook Service User Guide
Recruitment and Selection Policy
To be reviewed: JULY 2021
SAFEGARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE POLICY
Purpose and Aims
The purpose of Care Angels Homecare Limited’s safeguarding policy is to provide a secure framework for the workforce in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those children/young people who attend our setting. The policy aims to ensure that:
All children are safe and protected from harm. Care Angels Homecare Limited is following current government legislation. Other elements of provision and policies are in place to enable children to feel safe and adopt safe practices; Care Angels Homecare Limited Staff, visitors, volunteers, service users and parents are aware of the expected behaviours’ and the settings legal responsibilities in relation to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.
Our ethos
All children deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential. In 2003, the Government published Every Child Matters (ECM) Green. The Green Paper set out five outcomes that are key to children and young people’s wellbeing: healthy; stay safe; enjoy and achieve; make a positive contribution; and achieve economic wellbeing.
The five outcomes are universal ambitions for every child and young person, whatever their background or circumstances. Improving outcomes for all children and young people underpins all the development and work within this setting.
Safeguarding in Care Angels Homecare Limited is considered everyone’s responsibility and as such our setting aims to create the safest environment within which every child can achieve their full potential. Care Angels Homecare Limited recognises the contribution it can make in ensuring that all children registered or who use our setting feel that they will be listened to and appropriate action taken. We will do this by working in partnership with other agencies and seeking to establish effective working relationships with parents, carers and other colleagues to develop and provide activities and opportunities throughout our curriculum that will help to equip our children with the skills they need. This will include materials and learning experiences that will encourage our children to develop essential life skills and protective behaviours.
Responsibilities and expectations
Care Angels Homecare Limited’s registered manager has a legal responsibility it is to make sure that the setting has an effective safeguarding policy and procedures in place and monitors that the setting complies with them. The Service should also ensure that the policy is made available to parents and carers if requested. It is the responsibility of the Registered Manager to ensure that all staff and volunteers are properly checked to make sure they are safe to work with the children who attend our setting, that the setting has procedures for handling allegations of abuse made against members of staff (including the Directors) or volunteers and ensure the safe and appropriate use of cameras, mobile phones, technology and on line equipment within the setting.
The Registered Manager has lead responsibility for dealing with all safeguarding issues in our setting.
The Registered Manager is Alton Fuller. These persons can also be contacted with any safeguarding concerns. It is the responsibility of all the management team at Care Angels Homecare Limited to ensure that all safeguarding issues raised in setting are effectively responded to, recorded and referred to the appropriate agency. The management team are also responsible for arranging the whole settings safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers who work with children and young people in our setting. The Registered Manager must ensure that the whole settings safeguarding training takes place at least every three years; which they can deliver within setting provided they are linked into to the support and quality assurance process offered by the Local Authority.
The Registered Manager is required to attend or ensure that the management team has the relevant training and access to appropriate supervision, attends where appropriate, all child protection case conferences, reviews, core groups or meetings where it concerns a child at our setting and to contribute to multi-agency discussions to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare.
The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring the acceptable, safe use and storage of all camera technology, images, and mobile phones through the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the appropriate policies and procedures.
All Child Protection concerns need to be acted on immediately. If you are concerned that a child may be at risk or is suffering abuse, you must tell the Safeguarding Designated Officer. All Adults, including the Registered Manager, have a duty to refer all known or suspected cases of abuse to the relevant agency including Devon Children and Families Partnership (DCFP), Social Care, MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) or the Police. Where a disclosure is made to a visiting staff member from a different agency, e.g. Early Years Consultants, Health Visitors, it is the responsibility of that agency staff to formally report the referral to the Setting’s Designated Person in the first instance. Any records made should be kept securely on the Child’s Protection file.
Recognising concerns, signs and indicators of abuse
Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. For our setting it includes such things as child safety, bullying, racist abuse, harassment, visits, intimate care and internet safety etc. However, it must be acknowledged that technology itself will not present the greatest risk, but the behaviours of individuals using such equipment will. The witnessing of abuse can have a damaging effect on those who are party to it, as well as the child subjected to the actual abuse, and will have a significant impact on the health and emotional well-being of the child. Abuse can take place in any family, institution or community setting, by telephone or on the internet. Abuse can often be difficult to recognise as children may behave differently or seem unhappy for many reasons, as they move through the stages of childhood or their family circumstances change. However, it is important to know the indicators of abuse and to be alert to the need to consult further.
Physical Abuse: This can involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, punching, kicking, scalding, burning, drowning and suffocating. It can also result when a parent or carer deliberately causes the ill health of a child in order to seek attention through fabricated or induced illness. This was previously known as Munchausen’s
Syndrome by Proxy.
Emotional Abuse: Emotional Abuse is where a child’s need for love, security, recognition and praise is not met. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of someone else such as in Domestic Violence or Domestic Abuse:
A parent, carer or authority figure is considered emotionally abusive when they are consistently hostile, rejecting, threatening or undermining toward a child or other family member. It can also occur when children are prevented from having social contact with others or if inappropriate expectations are placed upon them. Symptoms that indicate emotional abuse include:
Excessively clingy or attention seeking
Very low self-esteem or excessive self-criticism
Withdrawn behaviour or fearfulness
Lack of appropriate boundaries with strangers; too eager to please.
Eating disorders or self-harm
Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether the child is aware of what is happening. This may include physical contact both penetrative and non-penetrative, or viewing pornographic material including using the internet. Indicators of sexual abuse include: allegations or disclosures, genital soreness, injuries or disclosure, sexually transmitted diseases, inappropriate sexualized behaviour including words, play or drawing.
Neglect: Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs which can significantly harm their health and development.
Neglect can include inadequate supervision (being left alone for long periods of time), lack of stimulation, social contact or education, lack of appropriate food, shelter, appropriate clothing for conditions and medical attention and treatment when necessary.
What to do if you are concerned If a child makes an allegation or disclosure of abuse against an adult or other child or young person, it is important that you:
Stay calm and listen carefully
Reassure them that they have done the right thing in telling you
Do not investigate or ask leading questions
Let them know that you will need to tell someone else
Do not promise to keep what they have told you a secret
Inform your Safeguarding Designated Officer as soon as possible
Make a written record of the allegation, disclosure or incident which you must sign, date and record your position using the setting safeguarding record log forms
If you are concerned that a member of staff or adult in a position of trust poses a danger to a child or young person or that they might be abusing a child or young person you should report your concerns to the Safeguarding Designated Officer. Where those concerns relate to the Safeguarding Designated Officer however, this should be reported to the Director or Chair of Trustees using the settings ‘Whistle blowing’ policy.
Good practice which supports the prevention of abuse It is not only important to recognise and know what to do if abuse is disclosed or suspected but also to create a culture where abuse is not accepted or tolerated and where people feel able to raise concerns. At Care Angels Homecare Limited, we have a range of policies in place which set out the expectations of staff. In addition to this policy, other policies that support the robust prevention of abuse include: Confidentiality, Performance and Conduct, Data Protection, Recruitment and Selection, Professional Behaviour Guidelines, Safeguarding Children and Young People, Whistleblowing, Intimate Care, Lone Working, Protection from Accusations of Abuse, Remote Working and Portable Devices Policy.
In addition to the policies, processes are in place that allow open and honest discussions and provide clear guidance including staff Supervision, regular team meetings, rigorous risk assessments, training, regular liaison with families and a multi-disciplinary approach.
All staff supporting users should read the individual’s support and care plan, risk assessments, protocols and other relevant documentation in order to appropriately deliver care and support.
It is expressly stated that personal mobile phones or recordable devices are not to be used to capture images of children under any circumstances. This is considered an act of gross misconduct and any person found to have inappropriate images in their possession will be reported to the police. Where Care Angels Homecare Limited has permission to capture images this must be done on Care Angels Homecare Limited devices (not Care Angels Homecare Limited mobile phones) and the images only used in line with our Images Consent agreements.
Some members of our communities hold beliefs that may be common within cultures, but which are against the law of England. Care Angels Homecare Limited does not condone practices that are illegal, and which are harmful to children. Examples of practices are:
Child Exploitation and E-Safety Children and young people can be exploited and suffer bullying through their use of modern technology such as the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites. In order to minimise the risks to our children and young people Care Angels Homecare Limited will ensure that we have in place appropriate measures such as security filtering. We will ensure that staff are aware of how not to compromise their position of trust in or outside of the setting and are aware of the dangers associated with social networking sites. Our Safeguarding Policies will clearly state that mobile phone, camera or electronic communications with a child at our setting is not acceptable other than for approved setting business. Where it is suspected that a child is at risk from internet abuse or cyber bullying, we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.
Forced Marriage: Care Angels Homecare Limited does not support the idea of forcing someone to marry without their consent.
Under-age Marriage in England, a young person cannot legally marry until they are 16 years old (without the consent of their parents or carers) nor have sexual relationships.
Genital mutilation/female circumcision. This is against the law, yet for some communities it is considered a religious act and cultural requirement. It is illegal for someone to arrange for a child to go abroad with the intention of having her circumcised. If any of the above areas of concern is brought to the attention of Care Angels Homecare Limited, we will report those concerns to the appropriate agency in order to prevent this form of abuse taking place.
Ritualistic Abuse. Some faiths believe that spirits and demons can possess people (including children). What should never be considered is the use of any physical or psychological violence to get rid of the possessing spirit. This is abusive and will result in the criminal conviction of those using this form of abuse even if the intention is to help the child.
Sexually Active under Eighteen years old It is acknowledged by those working with young people that most young people under the age of 18 will have an interest in sex and sexual relationships. The Protocol for Sexually Active Young People under 18 years old has been designed to assist those working with children and young people to identify where these relationships may be abusive, and the children and young people may need the provision of protection or additional services.
Safeguarding Disabled Children Disabled children have the same human rights to be safe from abuse and neglect, to be protected from harm and achieve Every Child Matters outcomes as non-disabled children. Disabled children do however require additional action. This is because they experience greater risks and ‘created vulnerability’ as a result of negative attitudes about disabled children and unequal access to services and resources, and because they may have additional needs relating to physical, sensory, cognitive and/ or communication impairment (Safeguarding Children, DCSF, July 2009) Care Angels Homecare Limited will ensure that our disabled children are listened to and responded to appropriately where they have concerns regarding abuse. In order to do this, we will ensure that our staff and volunteers receive the relevant training to raise awareness and have access to specialist staff in the event they have concerns regarding abuse of a child.
Safer Recruitment and Selection It is a requirement for all agencies to ensure that all staff recruited to work with children and young people are properly selected and checked. At Care Angels Homecare Limited we will ensure that we have a member on every recruitment panel who has received the appropriate recruitment and selection training. That all our staff are appropriately qualified and have the relevant employment history and checks to ensure they are safe to work with children in compliance with the Key Safeguarding Employment Standards.
Honour Based Violence Honour based violence’ is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community’. It is important to be alert to signs of distress and indications such as
self-harm, absence from setting, infections resulting from female genital mutilation, isolation from peers, being monitored by family, not participating in setting activities, unreasonable restrictions at home. Where it is suspected that a child/young person is at risk form Honour based violence Care Angels Homecare Limited will report those concerns to the appropriate agency in order to prevent this form of abuse taking place.
Trafficked Children: Child trafficking involves moving children across or within national or international borders for the purposes of exploitation. Exploitation includes children being used for sex work, domestic work, restaurant/ sweatshop, drug dealing, shoplifting and benefit fraud. Where Care Angels Homecare Limited is made aware of a child is suspected of or being trafficked/exploited we will report our concerns to the appropriate agency.
Domestic Abuse: The Government defines domestic abuse as “Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality”. Staff need to understand what is required of them if children are members of the household where domestic abuse is known or suspected to be taking place. Our policy includes action to be taken regarding referrals to the Police and Children and Young People’s Services and any action to be taken where a member of staff is the alleged perpetrator or victim of domestic abuse. At Care Angels Homecare Limited we will follow our safeguarding policy and report any suspected concerns regarding Domestic Abuse to the relevant agency.
If staff need further advice regarding concerns about domestic abuse, they can call 01902 275280
Private fostering is an arrangement made between the parent and the private foster carer, who then becomes responsible for caring for the child in such a way as to safeguard and promote his/her welfare. A privately fostered child means a child under the age of 16 (18 if a disabled child) who is cared for and provided with accommodation by someone other than: a parent, a person who is not a parent but has parental responsibility, a close relative, a Local Authority.
For more than 28 days and where the care is intended to continue. It is a statutory duty for us at Care Angels Homecare Limited to inform the Local Authority where we are made aware of a child or young person who may be subject to private fostering arrangements.
Concealed Pregnancies The concealment of a pregnancy represents a challenge for professionals in safeguarding the welfare and the wellbeing of the foetus (unborn child) and the mother. There is no national agreed definition of what constitutes a concealed pregnancy, however a coordinated multiagency approach is required once the fact of a pregnancy has been established; this will also apply to future pregnancies where there has been a previous concealed pregnancy.
Where there is a strong suspicion that a pregnancy is being concealed, it may be necessary to share this information with other agencies, irrespective of whether consent to disclose can be obtained. Every effort should be made to encourage the (young) person to obtain medical advice. If this is unlikely a referral should be made to Children’s Social Care. An open assessment or previous referral to MASH and/or contact other agencies known to be involved with the young person must also be established so that a fuller assessment of the available information and observations can be made.
Fabricated and Induced Illnesses Fabricated or Induced Illness is a condition whereby a child suffers harm through the deliberate action of her/his main carer, and which is attributed by the adult to another cause.
Concerns will be raised for a small number of children when it is considered that the health or development of a child is likely to be significantly impaired or further impaired by the actions of a carer or carers having fabricated or induced illness.
Where there is a suspicion of FII, Care Angels Homecare Limited will refer to the local authority as outlined in this safeguarding policy.
Radicalisation and Violent Extremism At Care Angels Homecare Limited we recognise that the service users we work with are vulnerable individuals who have the potential to be radicalised or influenced by violent extremism. Keeping children safe from these risks is a safeguarding matter and should be approached in the same way as safeguarding children from other risks. Children should be protected from messages of all violent extremism including, but not restricted to, those linked to Islamist ideology, or to Far Right / Neo Nazi / White Supremacist ideology and extremist Animal Rights movements. If Care Angels Homecare Limited identifies concerns about a child or young person, they should report them to the designated safeguarding lead in their organisation, who will discuss these concerns with the police.
Historical Abuse Allegations of child abuse are sometimes made by adults or children many years after the abuse has occurred. There are many reasons for an allegation not being made at the time including fear of reprisals, the degree of control exercised by the abuser, shame or fear that the allegation may not be believed. The person becoming aware that the abuser is being investigated for a similar matter or their suspicions that the abuse is continuing against other children may trigger the allegation. Care Angels Homecare Limited has a duty to take these allegations as seriously as any other must be report these to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for the area in which the alleged abuse took place / where the professional worked, and the LADO procedures must be followed.
Managing Allegations
We are aware of the possibility of allegations being made against members of staff or volunteers that are working or may meet children and young people whilst in our setting. Allegations will usually be that abuse has taken place. This could include inappropriate behaviour displayed by members of staff or other persons working with the children such as inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one to one attention beyond the requirements their role and responsibilities, inappropriate sharing of images.
They can be made by children and young people or other concerned adults. Allegations are made for a variety of reasons: Abuse has taken place, something has happened to the child that reminds them of a past event – the child is: unable to recognize that the situation and people are different; Children can misinterpret your language or your actions. Some children recognise that allegations can be powerful and if they are angry with you about something, they can make an allegation as a way of hitting out. An allegation can be a way of seeking attention.
If an allegation is made against an adult in a position of trust whether they be members of staff or volunteers this should be brought to the immediate attention of the Registered Manager who will advise the Directors. In the case of the allegation being made against the Registered Manager this will be brought to the immediate attention of the Director.
The Register Manager / Director will need to discuss with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) the nature of the allegations made against the adult, for the appropriate action to be taken. This may constitute an initial evaluation meeting or strategy discussion depending on the allegation being made. Refer to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately and follow up in writing within 48 hours. Consider safeguarding arrangements of the child or young person to ensure they are away from the alleged abuser. Contact the parents or carers of the child/young person if advised to do so by the LADO. Consider the rights of the staff member for a fair and equal process of investigation. Advise Ofsted of allegation within 14 days of the allegation Ensure that the appropriate disciplinary procedures are followed including whether suspending a member of staff from work until the outcome of any investigation if this is deemed necessary. Act on any decision made in any strategy meeting. Advise the Independent Safeguarding Authority where a member of staff has been disciplined or dismissed as a result of the allegations being founded.
Training
All members of staff and volunteers will have access to whole setting safeguarding training at least every three years. We will also, as part of our induction, issue information in relation to our Safeguarding policy and any policy related to safeguarding and promoting our children/young people’s welfare to all newly appointed staff and volunteers.
Our Registered Manager will undertake further safeguarding training, in addition to the whole setting training. This will be undertaken at least every three years which updates their awareness and understanding of the impact of the wide agenda of safeguarding issues. This will support both the Register Manager and the management team to be able to better undertake their role and support the setting in ensuring our safeguarding arrangements are robust and achieving better outcomes for the children in our setting. This includes taking part in multi-agency training in addition to safeguarding training.
Our Register Manager will have access to safeguarding training and our Management team for Safeguarding will also undertake additional awareness training at least every three years. They will also be advised to undertake additional training to support their employers’ role in Handling Allegations against adults who work with children and young people, including our staff and volunteers. Our safeguarding arrangements are reported on an annual basis to our Directors and our
Safeguarding policy is reviewed annually, in order to keep it updated in line with local and national guidance/legislation. We can arrange for our policy to be made available to parents whose first language is not English, on request.
Care Angels Homecare Limited specific issues
It has been recognised that there are some risks that are specific to Care Angels Homecare Limited and its environment.
Age gaps: At Care Angels Homecare Limited there will be occasions where children with a range of ages attend our clubs and may potentially be in the same groups. This can be for a variety of reasons but interactions between children and young people of significant age differences should be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the play is appropriate for both parties. Any concerns should be reported immediately to the most senior member of staff / line manager.
Related Setting Policies ‘Safeguarding covers more than the contribution made to child protection in relation to individual children. It also encompasses issues such as child health and safety, bullying and a range of other issues, for example, arrangements for meeting the medical needs of children, providing first aid, setting security, drugs and substance misuse, etc. There may also be other safeguarding issues that are specific to the local area or population’
Legislation relating to this policy:
Children Act 1989, 2014 Family and Children Act 2014 Education Act 1996, 2002 (Section 175) School Standards and Framework act 1998 Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education Guidance DfES 2007 Every Child Matters 2003 Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2008 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 Manuals kept in setting: What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused 2006 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010
For further information regarding any child protection procedure, please consult www.swcpp.org.uk
Useful Contacts:
www.ceop.org.uk NSPCC Safe (Safe Activities for Everyone) Network www.safenetwork.org.uk.
Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 0345 155 1071 Email: mashsecure@devon.gcsx.gov.uk
Single point of access regarding social care: 03300 245321
Out of hours for CYPS (Social Care): 5pm -9am and at weekends and public holidays, please contact: Emergency Duty Service 0345 6000 388 Police Central Referral Unit: 0845 605 1166
If you have concerns about a child but are unsure whether to make a Social Care referral you can call the MASH number above:
Child Protection Chairs and Local Authority Designated Officers for managing allegations against staff: Allegations against staff: 01392 384964
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub – MASH This is a new initiative which has been developed by Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) and partner agencies, supported by the Devon Safeguarding Children Board. Devon’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) will provide information sharing across all partners involved in safeguarding – including statutory, no statutory and third sector sources. All partners work together to provide the highest level of knowledge and analysis to make sure that all safeguarding activity and intervention is timely, proportionate and necessary.
How will it work All information within the MASH is collected and decision-making will take place in a timely manner within agreed timescales depending on the priority criteria when the concern is referred to a Hub.
HIGH RISK – RED: MASH INFORMATION PACKAGE TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN
4 HRS AND Police & CYPS assessment team receive immediate notification with research to follow
Immediate and serious safeguarding concern requiring action to ensure the safety of the child and possible necessity to secure and preserve physical evidence that might otherwise be lost.
MEDIUM RISK – AMBER: MASH product within one working day There are significant concerns, but immediate urgent action is not required to safeguard the child although an investigation under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 is likely.
LOW RISK – GREEN: MASH information package to be completed within three working days or Immediate referral to Early Response Service (Practice Manager, CYPS, decision) The referrer clearly has concerns about a child’s wellbeing. The child may be a child in need as defined by section 17 of Children Act 1989 however there is no information at this stage to suggest an investigation under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 would be required.
The MASH: Manages contacts and referrals received from any source (usually CYPS and Police 121A reports), Develops a document recording the concern information and all other available information in the Hubs within agreed timescales and an Early Years and Families manager makes an informed decision using all the
available information. Develops concern information into an Early Years and Families referral if services are required under section 17 or section 47 of The Children Act 1989, Liaises with the Early Response Service for children and young people who need services but do not meet The Children and Family Act 2014 threshold Provides consultation to agency referrers about thresholds, appropriate action to be undertaken and services. The Hub contributes to improved outcomes for safeguarding children because it can swiftly collate, and share information held by the various agencies and to provide a multi-agency risk assessment of each case for ‘actual or likely harm’. The above list is not exhaustive and as new policy guidance and legislation develops within the remit of Safeguarding, we will review and update our policies and procedures as appropriate and in line with the Devon Safeguarding Children Board and Local Authority.
Current Safeguarding Issues: The following Safeguarding issues are all considered to be child Protection issues and should be referred immediately to the most relevant agency. The issues featured below are linked to guidance and local procedures which can be found on the South West Child Protection Procedures at www.swcpp.org.uk
The responsibility for the implementation and management of this policy is held by:
NAME: Alton Fuller Position: Registered Manager
Their responsibilities include:
Undertaking relevant training in safeguarding procedures and ensuring their knowledge is kept up to date;
Acting as a point of contact for those who have safeguarding concerns, receiving information and recording those concerns;
Acting upon concerns as appropriate in the circumstances for example by making external referrals for example to social services or police;
Monitoring the implementation of this policy and procedure
Additional Care Angels Homecare Limited Policies and Documents which relate to our Mental Capacity Act Policy
Safeguarding Policy Mental Capacity Act Policy Whistle Blowing Policy Complaints Policy Consent Policy Confidentiality Policy
DBS Policy Staff Handbook
Service User Guide
Recruitment and Selection Policy
MENTAL CAPACITY ACT POLICY
Introduction
This policy is intended to outline who Care Angels Homecare Limited manage and support individuals with issues around Mental Capacity
Purpose of policy
The aim of this procedure is to summarise those areas of the Code of Practice that apply to Care Angels Homecare Limited. In all cases, the procedure refers staff to the Code if they require detailed information.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 establishes five key principles which Care Angels Homecare Limited staff will follow:
The presumption of capacity: adults should be assumed to have the capacity to make decisions unless it is proved otherwise.
The right to be supported to make decisions: people should be given all appropriate help before it is decided that they cannot make their own decisions
Individuals retain the right to make what might be seen as eccentric or unwise decisions
Best interests: anything done for or on behalf of a person without capacity must be done in their best interests
Least restrictive alternative: anything done for or on behalf of a person who lacks capacity should be done in the way that least restricts their basic rights and freedoms.
All staff involved in the care and support of service users, including volunteers, have an obligation to act in accordance with the principles of the Act and in the best interests of a person who may lack capacity to make specific decisions. All staff must:
Follow the guidance in the Code
Have an obligation to act in accordance with the principles of the Act and in the best interests of a person lacking capacity
In addition to the above, will:
Ensure that all patients have been given the opportunity to make an ‘Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment.’
As required, provide patients with information on Advance Decisions.
To ask for advice if there is any doubt about the capacity of any person within our care.
To ask for advice in all cases where a patient lacks capacity.