Safeguarding Adults Recognition and Referral

1. Safeguarding Adults Recognition and Referral

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

3. 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 eventhttp://www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk/training-course/87

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

5. Types of abuse • Physical • Sexual • Financial • Emotional • Neglect • Discriminatory • Institutional

6. Physical abuse

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

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 Signs and symptoms • Change in behaviour – fearful, withdrawn • Sexualised behaviour – not usual • Soreness, bruising injury to genital area • Blood, fluids on underwear • Reluctance to be left alone

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

10. Emotional/psychological abuse

11. Neglect

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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 0845 111 2922 (Initial Assessment Team) • Services are expected to write down concerns and forward this to Initial Assessment Team The more detail the better

17. 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

18. 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

19. Further Information • Safeguarding web link:http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/social_care_and_health/keepingsafe/adultabuse.htm • Walsall Safeguarding Adults Partnership Boardhttp://www.wsapb.co.uk/ • If unsure about a possible safeguarding situation call 0845 111 2922

20. Further Learning • One day Safeguarding Awareness Training is available through Walsall Council’s Workforce Development Team http://www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk/training-course/87 • Safeguarding Learning and Improvement Frameworkhttp://www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk/c/106-safeguarding-adults/