Safeguarding
Safeguarding is about preventing and protecting children and adults at risk from abuse or neglect.
It also means educating those around them to recognise the signs and dangers.
We are committed to protecting children and adults at risk and dealing with allegations, concerns and disclosures of
abuse or neglect effectively.
What to do if you’re worried about a child or adult at risk
- If you identify situations of concern where there is a risk you should report it as soon as possible.
Contact us to report a concern
If there is immediate concern for safety call the Emergency Services on 999.
If out of hours (5pm-9am) contact the relevant local authority:
• Gwynedd- 01248 353 551
• Conwy- 0300 1233079
• Denbighshire- 0345 053 3116
• Flintshire- 0345 053 3116
• Wrexham- 0345 053 3116
Who is defined as a child or adult at risk?
An Adult at risk describes anyone over 18 years of age who is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect and has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs), and as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
A Child at risk is described as an individual under the age of 18 years who is experiencing or is at risk of abuse, neglect or other kinds of harm; and who has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs).
What is abuse or neglect?
The term “abuse” describes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse (and includes abuse taking place in any setting, whether in a private dwelling, an institution or any other place).
The term “neglect” means a failure to meet a person’s basic physical, emotional, social or psychological needs, which is likely to result in an impairment of the person’s well-being (for example, an impairment of the person’s health).
Full definitions of each form of abuse are in our Safeguarding Policy.
How to recognise abuse and neglect
There are many indicators of abuse, the indicators will vary due to the type of abuse and neglect.
• Physical abuse sufferers may show evidence of scratches, bruises, burns and scalds.
• Sexual abuse sufferers may show signs of withdrawal, difficulty in walking or sitting or a change in usual behaviour.
• Emotional or psychological sufferers may show high levels of stress or anxiety, self-harm, signs of
depression or crave affection.
• Possible indicators of financial or economic abuse include a lack of possessions such as clothing or personal items missing such as a mobile phone.
• Victims of neglect may show the following signs
– deterioration of health, rashes, sores, unsuitable clothing or untreated medical condition.
Full list of indicators and examples of abuse and neglect can be found in our Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Policy.
One of the most important principles of safeguarding is that it is everyone’s responsibility.
Our responsibility
We will maintain confidentiality when dealing with issues of safeguarding but may share information with partner agencies for example:
- Social Services
- Police
- Domestic Abuse Agencies
Effective sharing and exchange of relevant information between professionals is essential in order to safeguard children or adults at risk.
We will co-operate fully with other agencies and partners in dealing with safeguarding concerns.