Safeguarding is a term which signifies measures to protect the health, well being and human rights of the individual, which allow children, young people, and vulnerable adults to live free from harm, neglect, and abuse.
There are legislation and guidance in place to protect children and young people from abuse and to prevent harm of children’s health or development, ensuring children grow up which is consistent with a safe and effective environment to ensure children and your people have the best outcome. Therefore, it is the responsibility to ensure these outcomes lies with everyone who comes into contact with children and families.
UK government defines Children safeguarding as“The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully”.
Generally, elderly, frail adults who either live alone or in care homes with little support from family members are considered Adults in need of safeguarding. In addition, adults with a learning disability, mental health issues and/or physical disability are also considered adult in need of safeguarding.
New legislation was introduced The Care Act 2014, which sets out a legal framework for how local authorities and other organisation should react to suspicion of abuse or neglect.
The Care Act was a lengthy act addressing many issues; from a review of the public consultation, 107 recommendations were made of which many were adopted.
These are some of the major changes are: