1.1 Explain what is meant by ‘safeguarding’.
The term “safeguarding” refers to the action of preventing harm to individuals. Protecting people against harm, including physical harm, emotional harm, neglect, and exploitation, is part of this. As an integral part of safeguarding, we must also take measures to forestall potential dangers.
Some of the most important things one can do to protect others are: listening to those who report being harmed or feeling uncomfortable, believing those who report being victims of harm, acting to prevent more harm, and standing by them as they seek treatment and justice.
Protecting vulnerable people is everyone’s job, not only that of teachers and social workers. Everyone must do their part to ensure the safety of everyone else. Protecting adults should follow these six guidelines.
- Empowerment: The ability to act responsibly for one’s own choices is a key component of empowerment. In the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves or are at risk of being exploited, it is important that they be assisted and safeguarded along the process.
- Prevention: It’s better to prevent problems from arising than to fix them after the fact. So, if we have reason to believe that someone is in danger, we must take swift action.
- Proportionality: When considering how to respond to safety issues, it is important to keep in mind the principle of proportionality. Because of this, not all safeguarding concerns call for a full investigation, but rather, it may be necessary to take limited, more specific steps to guarantee that no one is harmed.
- Partnership: everyone has a role to play in keeping people safe. Therefore, everyone’s protection necessitates a coordinated effort from various organisations.
- Protection: Adults who are particularly vulnerable have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation. This includes the right to government protection and aid in the event of disability.
- Participation: Adults should be given as much autonomy as possible when making decisions about their own health care and support. They should also be kept informed at every stage of the procedure so they may decide what to do with their lives with understanding.
Individuals, organisations, and societies can all take measures to safeguard themselves. Personal safety plans, support networks, and counselling services are all types of individual safeguarding measures. Safeguarding measures for an organisation include policies and procedures to keep employees from getting harmed and training on how to spot and report risks of harm. Protective measures for society include laws and rules that keep vulnerable people from being exploited, abused, or hurt.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Explain how safeguarding:
– Keeps individuals safe
– Value individual needs
– Protects individuals - 1.3. Explain how Health and social care practitioners can take steps to safeguard themselves.
- 2.1. Summarise current legislation in relation to safeguarding.
- 2.2. Describe the relationship between legislation, policy and procedure.
- 2.3. Identify policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding.
- 3.1. Explain factors that may contribute to an individual being vulnerable to harm or abuse
- 4.1. Describe signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that may cause concern relating to:
– Physical abuse
– Sexual abuse
– Domestic abuse
– Emotional abuse
– Neglect - 5.1. Explain the boundaries of confidentiality in relation to the safeguarding, protection and welfare of individuals
- 6.1. Evaluate the role and responsibilities of the health and social care practitioner in relation to safeguarding individuals.