SafetyNet Care Limited - Safeguarding Matters

 

 

Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Abuse

 

Abuse is when someone does something to another person that puts them at risk of harm. It can happen once or repeatedly, and it may be deliberate or unintentional, caused by factors such as ignorance, stress, or caregiver breakdown due to a lack of support.

 

Abusers of adults can be anyone – family members, friends, care or health workers. It is usually someone known to the victim, and abuse can occur anywhere, including homes, care facilities, hospitals, day centers, or public places.

 

Abuse can manifest in various forms and may be categorized as:

 

• · Physical: Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or misuse of medication.
• · Sexual: Rape, sexual assault, non-contact acts such as teasing or photographing.
• · Psychological: Threats, humiliation, controlling, intimidating behavior.
• · Financial: Stealing, tricking the person out of money or material possessions.
• · Domestic: Controlling, coercive or threatening behavior, 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation, or forced marriage.
• · Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on disability, race, religious beliefs, or sexuality.
• · Neglect: Leaving someone without food or heating, refusing to take care of personal needs.
• · Self-neglect: Not caring for one's personal hygiene, health, or surroundings.
• · Organisational: When paid staff in care facilities do not provide proper care or respect the rights of individuals.
• · Modern Slavery: Forcing people to work for little or no pay.
• · Sexual Exploitation: Sexual abuse in exchange for something, such as money, accommodation, gifts, or affection.

 

Recognizing Who Is at Risk of Abuse or Neglect

 

An 'adult at risk' is a person 18 years or older who:

 

• · Has needs for care and support, whether or not the local authority is meeting those needs.
• · Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.
• · Due to care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect (Care Act, 2014).

 

Some adults may be more at risk than others, including:

 

• · People who depend on others for their care.
• · Older people who are dependent on others.
• · People with mental health problems.
• · People with learning or physical disabilities.
• · People with sight or hearing impairment or loss.
• · People with dementia.
• · People who misuse substances.
• · People with long-term health needs.
• · People who self-neglect.
• · People who are unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and are in need of care and support.
• · Unpaid carers, such as family or friends.

 

This does not mean any person who is old, frail, or has a disability is at risk. The vulnerability of the adult at risk is related to how able they are to make and exercise their own informed choices and protect themselves from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

 

Safeguarding Adults

 

'Safeguarding Adults' is the process by which we:

 

• · Help adults at risk decide how they would like to keep themselves safe (where they can make these decisions).
• · Work together with family, friends, and other organizations to create a plan that allows them to remain safe.
• · Make a plan that meets their needs and wishes when they are unable to make these decisions for themselves.

 

If Someone Discloses Abuse to You

 

Do:

• · Stay calm and listen to them.
• · Take what you are being told seriously.
• · Reassure them they have done the right thing by telling you.
• · Make a written note of what you have been told.
• · Contact adult social care or the police.

 

Don't:

• · Press the person for more details (these can be taken later).
• · Assume that someone else is aware of the situation and will act.
• · Contact the alleged abuser.
• · Promise to keep it a secret.
• · Be afraid to contact adult social care or the police to discuss it.

 

Always ensure the safety of the adult and any other person at risk. If there is immediate danger or a need for medical attention, contact emergency services on 999.

 

Reporting Concerns and Contacts

 

For Families and Users of our Services, the first point of call for concerns is the underlisted

 

Office Hours (9am – 5pm Daily)

Office Lines – 01865803429

 

Outside Hours

Care Coordinator – 07472831661

Registered Manager – 07795573855

 

Depending on which locality you reside and are being serviced by SafetyNet Care you can use the details below:

 

Oxfordshire	Dorset	Hampshire	Bracknell
Office Address: Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Duty Team Abbey House Abbey Close, Abingdon OX14 3JD   Phone Number: 01865 328232 OOH Emergency Team: 0800 833 408   Email Address: safeguardingadults@oxfordshire.gov.uk   The Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) https://www.osab.co.uk/how-to-report-concerns/	Adult Social Care Dorset Direct, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ   Phone Number: 01305 221016 Out of Hours service: 01305 221000, 01305 858250   DSAB@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Referral Link NHS Dorset Safeguarding	Office Address: Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ   Phone Number: 0300 555 1386 Out of Hours service: 0300 555 1373	Office Address: Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1JD    Phone Number: 01 344 351 500 Out of Hours service: 01 344 351 999   adult.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk  mash@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Referral Link

 

If your concerns about us, a care home, other home-care agency, or other adult social care service, is not resolved then you can contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulatory body that monitors the quality of care provided by us and other organizations. You can phone the CQC on 03000 616161.

 

If you think someone is in immediate danger, phone emergency services on 999. Do not put yourself or anyone else at risk.

 

 

 

 

Safeguarding Matters for Children

 

Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect

 

Abuse and neglect of children are serious concerns that require our attention and action. It is crucial to recognize the signs of abuse and take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

 

Types of Abuse and Neglect

 

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves causing harm to a child through actions such as hitting, slapping, kicking, or using excessive force.

 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any form of non-consensual sexual activity imposed on a child, including inappropriate touching, exposure to explicit materials, or any sexual exploitation.

 

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse includes behaviours that negatively impact a child's emotional well-being, such as constant criticism, humiliation, or threats.

 

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a child's basic needs, such as food, shelter, and medical care, are not adequately met, leading to physical or emotional harm.

 

Domestic Violence

Children exposed to domestic violence may experience physical harm or emotional distress due to witnessing violence between adults.

 

Bullying

Bullying involves repeated and intentional harm, whether physical or emotional, by someone with more power over the child.

 

Online Safety

Children need protection from online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and contact with strangers.

 

Recognizing Signs of Abuse or Neglect

It is important to be aware of potential signs that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect. Signs can include:

 

• · Unexplained injuries or bruises
• · Changes in behaviour, mood, or performance
• · Fear of certain individuals or places
• · Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviours
• · Withdrawal from social activities
• · Poor hygiene or unattended medical needs
• · Changes in sleep or eating patterns

 

Safeguarding Children

 

"Safeguarding Children" is the process by which we:

• · Help children stay safe and protect themselves.
• · Collaborate with families, schools, and organizations to create a safe environment.
• · Develop plans that meet the needs and wishes of the child when they are unable to make decisions for themselves.

 

If a Child Discloses Abuse or Neglect

 

Do:

• · Stay calm and listen to them.
• · Take what you are being told seriously.
• · Reassure them they have done the right thing by telling you.
• · Make a written note of what you have been told.
• · Contact child protective services or the police.

 

Don't:

• · Press the child for more details (these can be taken later).
• · Assume that someone else is aware of the situation and will act.
• · Contact the alleged abuser.
• · Promise to keep it a secret.
• · Be afraid to contact child protective services or the police to discuss it.

 

Always ensure the safety of the child. If there is immediate danger or a need for medical attention, contact emergency services on 999. If the child is not in immediate danger but the abuse is of a criminal nature, contact the police on 101.

 

Reporting Concerns and Contacts

For Families and Users of our Services, the first point of call for concerns is the underlisted

 

Office Hours (9am – 5pm Daily)

Office Lines – 01865803429

 

Outside Office Hours

Care Coordinator – 07472831661

Registered Manager – 07795573855

 

Depending on which locality you are you can use the details below:

 

Oxfordshire	Dorset	Hampshire	Bracknell
Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) County Hall, New Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1ND   Phone Number: 0345 050 7666 OOH Emergency Team: 0800 833 408     Email Address: oscb@oxfordshire.gov.uk	Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD) Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, BH20 4PP   Phone Number: 01305228558 Out of Hours service: 01305 221000, 01305 858250 DSAB@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Other Contacts NHS Dorset Safeguarding	Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ   Phone Number: 0300 555 1384 Out of Hours service: 0300 555 1373   Agency Referral Form Link: IARF	Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), Family The Rowans Children Centre, Pondmoor Road, Bracknell, RG12 7JZ   Phone Number: 01344 352005 Out of Hours service: 01 344 351 999 mash@bracknell-forest.gov.uk  Agency Referral

 

 

 

If your concerns about us, a care home, other home-care agency, or other adult social care service, is not resolved then you can contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulatory body that monitors the quality of care provided by us and other organizations. You can phone the CQC on 03000 616161.

 

If you think someone is in immediate danger, phone emergency services on 999. Do not put yourself or anyone else at Risk