Safeguarding

IMPORTANT

If you are worried about a child, a young person under the age of 18, or a vulnerable adult you should contact Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224 or email us at Childrens@somerset.gov.uk or Adults@somerset.gov.uk. If you or the person you are concerned about is in danger and immediate action is required, you should ring the emergency services on 999. 

 

Introduction

We all have a role to play in protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. Somerset Council is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults who we come into contact with through the services we provide.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm. Protecting children and vulnerable adults from:

  • abuse and maltreatment
  • preventing harm to children’s health or development
  • ensuring that they grow up with the provision of safe and effective care enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect

The definition of a child or a vulnerable adult are:

  • Children – up to and including the age of 17 
  • Adults – who have need of care and support

Our Safeguarding policy

We have a safeguarding policy which sets out what staff should do if they have concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult. We work together with our partner agencies to ensure that we protect children and vulnerable adults. We are also committed to work with partners to provide early help to children and families. As part of our staff induction program, all staff receive a basic level of safeguarding awareness training.

We have a zero tolerance approach to abuse. We recognise that all children and adults at risk, regardless of their background, have the right to protection from abuse, and acknowledge our shared responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.

What we cover:

  • Domestic abuse
  • Suicide threats
  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Modern slavery
  • Prevent
  • Any child or adult at risk

Types of abuse to look out for:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Financial or material abuse
  • Neglect
  • Discrimination

More information about the types and signs of abuse are available on the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership and Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board website.

Improving our safeguarding procedures

We are always keen to learn from serious case reviews and other independent assessments to improve our processes and procedures.

For more information on how Somerset Council protects the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, visit the council's website: Safeguarding (somerset.gov.uk).

Further details relating to safeguarding can also be found on the LTA website - LTA Safeguarding