Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults in SVP Home Visitation Awareness Raising

Transcription

1 Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults in SVP Home Visitation Awareness Raising

2 Aim of this session To raise awareness of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in SVP home visitation; To have an overview of SVP safeguarding policies and procedures and their importance in SVP home visitation. 2

3 Outline of Session General introduction Child safeguarding and protection Safeguarding vulnerable adults SVP policy and procedures 3

4 What is safeguarding? Safeguarding is preventative action to ensure the safety and well being of children and vulnerable adults. It is more than just protection and encompasses an approach of promoting well being, and rights. Particularly the right to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Safeguarding is an ingredient of quality home visitation. It also provides useful information to have in your tool kit if you come across issues of concern. 4

5 Working together today Balance talking listening getting through the programme Confidentiality and respect for the people we assist Sensitive nature of the subject No disclosures Feedback 5

6 Setting the Scene Contact with Children and Vulnerable Adults through Home Visitation Children (primarily through meeting parents / families) Families may be experiencing poverty, domestic violence, mental health problems, physical health issues or addiction that can cause harm or risk to children. Families where there may be existing or previous issues with sexual violence or abuse. Vulnerable Adults Older people. Adults with learning disability. Adults with physical disability. Adults with mental health and other emotional issues. Adults experiencing domestic violence. 6

7 What is SVP s responsibility for responding to safeguarding issues? Co-operate with Statutory Authorities Policies for members Share relevant information with Statutory Authorities Take concerns seriously Designated Liaison Person 7

8 What s the law? Child Care Act 1991 United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child 1992 and constitutional amendment 2013 Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 Criminal Justice Act 2006 reckless endangerment Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011 applicable to eveyone Witholding Information 2012 applicable to everyone National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) 2012 and 2016 Children First Act 2015 for people in special or professional roles 8

9 SVP Policy Statement The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is committed to creating a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all, particularly, the children, young people and vulnerable adults whom we assist. We are committed at all times to ensuring their safety and welfare through upholding children s rights specifically and human rights generally. 9

10 Children and Child Protection Definitions and Indicators of Abuse

11 Child Abuse Myths and Truths Questionnaire

12 Definition of a child In Ireland the Child Care Act 1991 defines a child as: Any person under the age of 18 years, excluding a person who is or who has been married. 12

13 NSPCC Safeguarding Children A Shared Responsibly

14 Questions for discussion What, if anything, from these clips resonates with you in your SVP Home Visitation role? What are the barriers to seeking help in the clips? What types of abuse are mentioned? Any other observations? 14

15 Getting the balance right Child welfare, development and safety Duty of care 15

16 Making referrals to the Child and Family Agency - Tusla The DLP can refer on your behalf. The Child and Family Agency Tusla recommend informing parents or carers prior to making a referral. From an SVP perspective this is important being open and truthful with the people we assist is an important part of maintaining good relationships with them. The Child and Family Agency - Tusla cannot guarantee anonymity for referrers although they will name an agency rather than an individual. It is SVP s policy to refer through the DLP if you are not satisfied with the advice you get from the DLP you can go directly to the Child and Family Agency - Tusla yourself. 16

17 Role of the DLP to establish reasonable grounds An injury or behaviour that is consistent both with abuse and an innocent explanation, but where there are corroborative indicators supporting the concern that it may be a case of abuse. Consistent indication over a period of time that a child is suffering from emotional or physical neglect. Admission or indication by someone of an alleged abuse. A specific indication from a child that he or she was abused. An account from a person who saw the child being abused. Evidence (e.g. injury or behaviour) that is consistent with abuse and unlikely to have been caused in any other way. (Child Protection & Welfare Practice Handbook 2.3) 17

18 Table shows percentage of cases reported to HSE 2013 National Performance Activity Report 18

19 Guidelines for recognition 1. Considering the possibility; 2. Looking out for signs of neglect or abuse; 3. Contact DLP. Recording of information. In our work with children/young people we should always be guided by the principle of paramouncy which requires that: the welfare of the child should be the paramount consideration. 19

20 What about Home Visitation? You may see something concerning eg child not being adequately nourished, parent under the influence of alcohol and unable to care of a child, child not attending school. An adult may disclose relevant information that suggests children are at risk eg domestic violence, sexual abuse or sexual violence. You may be given information by another organisation or individual that suggests there is a concern. 20

21 If you have a concern Contact Regional Designated Liaison Person as per website and red booklet. Contact Mandy Nordell, National Co-ordinator of Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection as per red booklet or website. Contact Child and Family Agency directly in the case of child protection concerns. Contact An Garda Siochana in emergency situations. 21

22 Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Definitions and Indicators of Abuse

23 Awareness of vulnerability What could make an adult vulnerable?

24 Definition of vulnerable adult A vulnerable person is an adult who may be restricted in capacity to guard himself / herself from harm or exploitation or to report such harm or exploitation. Restriction of capacity may arise as a result of physical or intellectual impairment. Vulnerability to abuse is influenced by both context and individual circumstances. Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at risk of Abuse HSE

25 This may include: People with a learning disability People with a physical disability People with a sensory impairment People with mental ill health People with dementia People who are frail due to age or other factors People with acquired brain injury People with certain types of physical illness. 25

26 There should be a presumption of decision making capacity unless proven otherwise and a person has a right to make decisions which other people may consider as unwise. The autonomy of the individual must be respected at all times. 26

27 Factors of vulnerability Diminished social skills Dependence on others for personal or intimate care Capacity to report Sensory difficulties Power differentials Limited sense of danger, inability to see warning signs Vulnerability due to isolation Contact with multiple care services and carers Frequent staff turnover. 27

28 Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults We all have the right to lead the lives we choose safe from abuse. Unfortunately there are times when adults are exposed to exploitation, neglect and harm. We need to ensure that adults who are vulnerable receive all the assistance they need to keep themselves safe from harm and to be protected if harm occurs. For SVP as an organisation working with and assisting vulnerable adults there is a responsibility to ensure safe and appropriate services and that abuse is recognised and responded to wherever it occurs. 28

29 Deprivation of these rights may constitute abuse: Liberty Privacy Respect and dignity Freedom to choose Opportunities to fulfil personal opportunities in daily life Opportunity to live safely free from harm Respect for possessions. 29

30 Focus on Elder Abuse HSE Open Your Eyes to Elder Abuse in your Community

31 Lily and Sean What types of abuse did You recognise? What are risk factors for Lily? What positives did you observe? Did you observe any ageism in the scenario? 31

32 DVD Key Messages Elder abuse is a complex area it can be difficult to define there are 6 different types physical, psychological, financial, sexual, neglect and acts of omission and discrimination. Older people can be abused in their own homes, often by family members. It can be difficult for older people to speak out about abuse by family members. Often older people want the abuse to stop but they want to maintain their relationships with family this is possible through elder mediation. All reports and / or suspicions of abuse should be taken seriously. 32

33 Abuse may be defined as any act, or failure to act, which results in a breach of a vulnerable persons human rights, civil liberties, physical and mental integrity, dignity or general well being, whether intended or through negligence, including sexual relationships or financial transactions to which the person does not or cannot validly consent, or which are deliberately exploitative. Abuse may take a variety of forms. 33

34 Physical abuse: such as hitting, slapping, rough handling, misuse of medication, misuse of restraint. Sexual abuse: making someone carry out a sexual act which they have not or cannot respond to. Financial or material abuse: such as theft of money/possessions, misuse of someone s benefits, denying someone access to their money. 34

35 Neglect and acts of omission: such as not meeting a persons basic care needs. Discriminatory abuse: any form of abuse based on discrimination because of a person s race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation. Institutional abuse: abuse or poor practice throughout an organisation. Abuse may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance. 35

36 Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse refers to the use of physical or emotional force or threat of physical force, including sexual violence in close adult relationships. This includes violence perpetrated by a spouse, partner, son or daughter or any other person who has a close or blood relationship with the victim. The term domestic violence goes beyond actual physical violence. It can also involve emotional abuse; the destruction of property; isolation from friends, family and other potential sources of support; threats to others including children; stalking; and control over access to money, personal items, food, transportation and the telephone. In relation to children, exposure to Domestic Abuse, is defined as emotional abuse. Children exposed to Domestic Abuse are also at higher risk of physical and sexual abuse. 36

37 Possible Indicators of Concern Disclosure from a vulnerable adult; Injuries or patterns of injuries particularly without a plausible explanation; Injuries and wounds in concealed places; Under or over use of medication; Unexpected or unexplained changes in a persons behaviour; Isolation of a vulnerable adult or older person, leaving them alone or restricting phone calls or visitors, lack of assistance in doing activities they enjoy; Attempting suicide; A vulnerable adult not having access to their own money lack of money for basics, complaining that money or possessions are going missing, unable to explain what is happening to their income, disappearance of pension books, bank statements etc; Ongoing signs of neglect - deterioration in appearance or personal hygiene, inadequate food, drink or medical care, lack of social stimulation. 37

38 Some examples from the DLP s

39 Suicide - what to say and do if you are worried about someone it is important to. Take all threats seriously. Show that you care ask the person what is wrong. Ask if the person is thinking about suicide, don t leave the person alone. Call for help GP, out of hours doctor, A and E, SVP DLP, Gardai. 39

40 If you have a concern Contact Regional Designated Liaison Person as per website and red booklet. Contact Mandy Nordell, National Co-ordinator of Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection as per red booklet or website. Contact An Garda Siochana in emergency situations. Often, concerns require referral to other appropriate services. 40

41 What to expect when you contact the DLP This will mean: Clarifying or getting more information about the matter; Consulting with the vulnerable adult to hear their wishes etc; Where there are concerns about the diminished capacity of the vulnerable adult, considering assessment of decision making capacity in the context of the abuse allegations and the risk posed to the person; Making a formal referral to the Statutory Authorities; Where there is any doubt or uncertainty, consulting with the Statutory Authorities to hear their view of the situation; Limits of confidentiality apply. 41

42 Questions

43 43

44 44

45 SVP Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults June 2013 National Policy and Procedures for the Protection and Welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults

46 Overview of policy document (summary guide) Introduction Policy statement Definitions Child safeguarding and protection Vulnerable adult safeguarding and protection Responding to allegations against members / employees Key roles and responsibilities for safeguarding SVP Code of conduct******* Recruitment and selection Designated Liaison Persons Contact details for HSE 46

47 Key points for this session We are all responsible for the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults. As service providers we have a duty of care for those we assist. SVP has policies and procedures and DLP s to support members and to assist them to share relevant information where children or vulnerable people may be at risk of harm or abuse. 47

48 MAKING THE LINK Quality Home Visitation and Safeguarding Safeguarding is an ingredient of quality home visitation. It also provides useful information to have in your tool kit if you come across issues of concern. 48

49 QUESTIONS