Safeguarding vulnerable adult and children policy

1. Introduction

Dream Care Farm CIC recognises its duty and responsibility under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable adults. Additionally, we adhere to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017. This policy ensures that all functions of Dream Care Farm CIC are carried out with due regard to safeguarding vulnerable adults.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect vulnerable adults from harm or exploitation.
  • Ensure individuals working or volunteering with these groups are properly vetted.
  • Prevent individuals who pose a risk from working with vulnerable groups.

3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Actions taken to promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.
  • Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may need community care services due to mental or other disability, age, or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

4. Types and Signs of Abuse

Types of Abuse:

  • Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm.
  • Domestic Abuse: Abuse by a partner or family member.
  • Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing participation in sexual activities.
  • Psychological Abuse: Emotional maltreatment.
  • Financial or Material Abuse: Theft, fraud, exploitation.
  • Modern Slavery: Exploitation through forced labour.
  • Discriminatory Abuse: Harassment due to race, gender, or disability.
  • Organisational Abuse: Poor care practices within an institution.
  • Neglect and Acts of Omission: Failing to meet basic needs.
  • Self-Neglect: Neglecting one’s own health or safety.

Signs of Abuse:

  • General Signs:
    • Unexplained changes in behavior or personality.
    • Becoming withdrawn or anxious.
    • Uncharacteristically aggressive behaviour.
    • Lack of social skills and friends.
    • Poor bond or relationship with a caregiver.
    • Knowledge of inappropriate adult issues.
    • Running away or going missing.
    • Always choosing to wear clothes that cover their body.
  • Signs of Physical Abuse:
    • Unexplained bruises, fractures, or burns.
    • Wearing long sleeves in hot weather.
    • Fear of physical contact.
  • Signs of Psychological Abuse:
    • Excessive withdrawal, fearfulness, or anxiety about doing something wrong.
    • Extremes in behaviour (e.g., overly compliant or demanding).
    • Delayed physical or emotional development.
  • Signs of Financial Abuse:
    • Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts.
    • Disappearance of possessions.
    • Sudden changes in financial situation.
  • Signs of Neglect:
    • Poor hygiene.
    • Inappropriate clothing for weather conditions.
    • Constant hunger or stealing food.
    • Frequent absenteeism from engagements.

5. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All volunteers
  • All service users, farm helpers and members
  • All visitors and contractors

6. Responsibilities

Management:

  • Ensure a clear line of accountability for safeguarding.
  • Appoint a senior board-level lead for safeguarding.
  • Develop a culture of listening to vulnerable adults and children.
  • Implement and maintain clear whistleblowing procedures.
  • Establish clear processes for sharing information with relevant authorities.
  • Designate a professional lead for safeguarding.

Staff and Volunteers:

  • Adhere to safe recruitment practices, including DBS checks.
  • Participate in mandatory safeguarding training.
  • Understand and follow procedures for reporting concerns.
  • Maintain appropriate supervision and support.

Service Users and Farm Helpers:

  • Engage in safeguarding practices.
  • Report any concerns to the designated safety officer.

Visitors and Contractors:

  • Follow the safeguarding guidelines provided by Dream Care Farm CIC.

7. How to Raise Concerns

Any concerns about a vulnerable adult or child’s welfare should be reported to the designated safety officer, Sue Smith. If Sue is unavailable, concerns can be reported via phone at 07590211124 or email at sue@fieldofdreamsfarm.co.uk. All communications will be handled confidentially.

8. How Concerns Will Be Handled

Upon receiving a concern:

  • The designated safety officer will assess the situation.
  • Appropriate action will be taken in line with safeguarding procedures.
  • If necessary, concerns will be reported to local authorities.
  • All steps will be documented and followed up to ensure the vulnerable adult or child’s safety.

9. Confidentiality

All concerns and communications regarding safeguarding will be handled confidentially. Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know to ensure the safety and welfare of the vulnerable adult or child.

10. Training and Awareness

  • Regular reviews and updates of safeguarding practices will be conducted to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Information about safeguarding will be regularly communicated to all stakeholders.

11. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up-to-date with current laws and best practices. Any changes will be ratified by the Head of Dream Care Farm CIC and the Chair of the Board.

12. Policy Approval

This policy has been approved by: ______________ (Head of Dream Care Farm CIC)
______________ (Chair of the Board)