More Information
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- Safeguarding Adults
- Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures
- Safeguarding Adults Training
Safeguarding Adults [or Adult Protection] can include any work or activity which aims to support vulnerable adults to retain independence, well-being and choice and to be able to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect.
It is about both preventing abuse and neglect, and promoting good practice when responding to specific concerns.
Where abuse is suspected or alleged, then Safeguarding Adults Procedures can be used by organisations and services to make sure that a consistent and comprehensive response is provided.
The legislation and policy which guides Safeguarding Adults work is developing all the time. In November 2007 a new set of South Yorkshire-wide Multi-agency procedures were introduced along with Doncaster-specific Practice Guidance [see documents below].
The information on these pages has been produced by the Doncaster Safeguarding Adults Unit, whose work is managed by the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board which is made up of representatives from a wide range of organisations.
Some adults are less able to protect themselves than others, and some have difficulty making their wishes and feelings known. This may make them vulnerable to abuse; within the Safeguarding Adults policy a Vulnerable Adult is defined as someone 18 years of age or over:
who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness ...and
is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation
Abuse is defined as: ‘a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons’
Abuse may be physical or sexual, it may involve people taking money without permission, or not looking after someone properly. It may include poor care practices, bullying or humiliating, or not allowing contact with friends and family. Abuse often involves criminal acts and South Yorkshire Police are key members of the Safeguarding Adults Board.
Abuse can be a single act or may continue over a long period. It can be unintentional or deliberate, but will result in harm to the victim, either physically, emotionally or in its effect on the person’s wellbeing or development.
The definitions used here come from the Department of Health’s guidance document ‘No secrets’. The overall work of the Safeguarding Adults Board is also governed by the document 'Safeguarding Adults' which was produced by the Association of Directors of Social Services [see links on left]
If someone tells you something, or you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable or concerned about the care of a vulnerable adult, or if you feel that you may be a vulnerable adult being abused and need help to stop it - you should share your concerns.
Staff and volunteers have a duty to report concerns under the Safeguarding Adults procedures
For any concerns which may involve a Crime, contact should be made as soon as possible with the Police - 0114 220 2020 - be sure to mention that the alleged abuse/crime involves a vulnerable adult
Some larger organisations [e.g. Health Care Trusts and the Council] have people who act as Safeguarding Managers under the procedures, for people already known to them. They can take referrals and make decisons about how to proceed within the policy and procedures.
Other concerns should be referred directly to Social Care Services:
Between 08:30 & 17:00 Monday – Friday: Adult Contact Team - 01302 737391 adultcontactteam@doncaster.gov.uk
Between 16:30 & 08:30 and 24 hours at weekends and on Bank Holidays: Emergency Social Services Team - 01302 796000
You could also share your concerns with a nurse, health worker, social care worker, doctor, housing officer, advocacy service or advice centre, and ask them to make a referral for you.
For guidance, support or information contact the Safeguarding Adults Unit - 01302 736296
(Please note that you need to consider the security of the information you are providing, and the method by which it is being sent. Work is being undertaken to develop a secure and encrypted email link, but in the meantime please seek advice from any of the contacts above.)
The electronic link to the referral forms from the South Yorkshire Policy and Procedures has been temporarily removed from this page for amendment.
These web pages will be added to as new information or policy is introduced, we shall be adding templates for the recording paperwork and electronic bookings for the Training Programme.
The Partnership Board are also developing an information strategy - below are documents with the text of our first information leaflets, which are currently being designed and printed.
If you need more information, contact your representative on the Partnership Board or use the Contact details for the Safeguarding Adults Unit at the top of this page.
