Introduction

This information is to provide you with an overview of the safeguarding procedures when a health professional is concerned a child or adult is being mistreated. We appreciate this can be a very difficult and stressful time for the service user and their families and we hope this information will be helpful.

Responsibilities

We all have a responsibility to make sure children, young people and adults are safe and well cared for. If anyone has concerns about a child, young person or adult being harmed or being exposed to harm, they have a duty to act on their concerns.

Harm or Maltreatment

Children, young people and adults may be harmed or maltreated in a number of ways including: physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect.

Health Professional Responsibilities

Healthcare professionals have a legal duty to respond to any concerns they have which suggest a child, young people or adult is being harmed or is at risk of harm. If a child, young person or adult is considered to have been maltreated the health professional must follow the WorthMore safeguarding procedures and inform the correct people and professionals.

The Safeguarding Team

The Safeguarding Team at WorthMore Mental Health & Well-Being have expert knowledge in child protection and child and adult abuse issues. The team consists of Specialist Nurses and Social Workers. It may be necessary for the team to work with other professionals such as G.P’s Health Visitors, School Nurses, Children’s Social Care, Police or other professionals within the community involved in that persons care.

Refusal of Consent

If a parent or guardian refuses permission for information sharing take place, the member of staff must inform Adult or Children’s Social Care from the area they reside.

It is likely we will seek legal advice as the adult or child’s welfare must come first. Adult and Children’s Social Care and the Police have a duty to think about the immediate safety of the child. They may seek an order from the court.

Provision of Interpreters

This would be at an extra cost to the individual

Children and Young People’s Rights

All children, regardless of background, cultural and religious beliefs should be entitled to care which protects their welfare and keeps them safe.

Rights and responsibilities

Everybody has a right to:

  Be treated with respect

  Be given a clear explanation about what is happening and possible future actions.

  Have all decisions clearly explained.

  Be listed to and have their views taken into consideration.

  Offered appropriate advice and support.

This site only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child, young person or adult with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this site alone for information about your child’s or your treatment. This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested