Safeguarding Adults Recognition and Referral

Safeguarding Adults A safeguarding alert is not about being sure, it is about being unsure..... and then seeking appropriate advice

Introduction This is a basic introduction called ‘Recognition and Referral’ Once completed you should still consider further safeguarding learning by attending a Safeguarding Awareness one day event course/87 course/87

Human rights Everyone has a right to live a life free from violence and abuse

Types of abuse Physical Sexual Financial Emotional Neglect Discriminatory Institutional

Physical abuse

Sexual abuse Penetration Attempted penetration Inappropriate touching Sexual comments Being made to look at sexual material Exposure

Signs and symptoms Change in behaviour – fearful, withdrawn Sexualised behaviour – not usual Soreness, bruising injury to genital area Blood, fluids on underwear Reluctance to be left alone

Financial abuse Preventing access to own money/property Taking over access to money Theft Fraud Forcing someone to purchase items Fraudulent selling

Emotional/psychological abuse

Neglect

Discriminatory Different treatment based on race, age, gender, ethnicity, disability Verbal abuse in relation to any of above Being prevented from being involved in activities based on any of the above Indirect discrimination

Institutional abuse Can be any of other types – but in a residential setting Rigid, inflexible routines Organised for convenience of staff No choice or control Covert medication Treated as children

Family Carers Caring is not easy – may be under pressure. Carers may have to give up important parts of life – resentment May also be at risk of harm Look for warning signs of stress Help and support for carers – not judgement Having difficult times as carer is normal

Confidentiality Be clear about confidentiality, when a service user is telling you something, they are telling the organisation you are working for. It is not ‘Your secret’ Must ‘whistleblow’ concerns about colleagues/organisation. First concern is always vulnerable adult

Responsibilities in the Workplace Duty of care To exercise duty of care – must understand abuse and know signs and symptoms Must raise your concerns and alert adult social care on (Initial Assessment Team) Services are expected to write down concerns and forward this to Initial Assessment Team The more detail the better

Responsibilities (2) The best safeguarding approach starts with good quality care. Apply policies on: – Following care and support plans – Recording and reporting – Personal care – Responding to challenging behaviour – Observe professional boundaries, etc Care work can be stressful, seek support

Actions A safeguarding alert is not about being sure – it’s about being unsure Alerts are checked out and a decision made on next steps If necessary there will be an investigation and a case conference – you will be kept informed Sometimes - you need to think the unthinkable

Further Information Safeguarding web link: lth/keepingsafe/adultabuse.htm lth/keepingsafe/adultabuse.htm Walsall Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board If unsure about a possible safeguarding situation call

Further Learning One day Safeguarding Awareness Training is available through Walsall Council’s Workforce Development Team g-course/87 g-course/87 Safeguarding Learning and Improvement Framework safeguarding-adults/ safeguarding-adults/