1. Policy
LEAP aims to provide a service that protects all vulnerable service users from abuse.
The safeguarding policy and procedure is to ensure an appropriate response when there is reason to believe that a vulnerable person is being abused.
Our policy is implemented in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) policies and practice guidelines.
All those working within LEAP can contribute to the safeguarding of children and young people. Through their daily contact with clients, staff members have an important role in identifying possible abuse or neglect and referring their concerns to the appropriate authority. Young people can also be helped to understand what is and what is not acceptable behaviour, taught about staying safe from harm and how to speak up about any worries or concerns. All staff and volunteers will be trained in the safeguarding procedures and be made aware of the need to be alert to signs of abuse as part of their induction. In addition a designated person will be given special training and will be responsible LEAP’s safeguarding policy and practice.
2. Procedures
LEAP will ensure that that young people using our services are kept safe and that concerns about a young person are followed up in the right way
It is the role of Social Care and/or the Police to investigate allegations or concerns.
The role of staff and volunteers in LEAP is to help identify concerns and pass them on to the relevant authority.
If a member of staff has concerns they should –
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Take appropriate action if the young person is in need of urgent attention.
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Collect as much information as possible about the situation.
This should include date and time of incident or disclosure, parties who were involved, what was said or done and by whom and any further actions.
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Be open about the concern and make it clear that the member of staff will have to tell others.
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Take their concerns to their line manager as soon as possible and within the same working day. Lincolnshire Children’s and Adult Services will be able to offer support and advice on individual circumstances.
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Complete the LEAP Safeguarding Notification Form after discussion with the manager to ensure a record of concern is maintained.
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Complete Supporting People Safeguarding report where appropriate.
It is the responsibility of the line manager to consider the information and decide what action is to be taken.
This will be clearly recorded and if no further action is considered necessary the reasons why should be documented and the form should be placed on file.
The young person should be made aware of this record.