Safeguarding

Safeguarding children and adults at risk

Safeguarding is the process of protecting children and adults at risk from abuse and neglect.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Everyone – regardless of age, culture, disability, sex, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual orientation - has the right to protection from abuse and harm. We have a moral and legal responsibility to put robust procedures in place and a duty of care to children and adults at risk, to help protect them from abuse.
 

What is abuse?

Behaviour which can lead to harm or distress such as: hitting, pushing, bullying, stealing (financial abuse) neglect or sexual activity without consent. It can happen to men, women and children. Abuse is carried out by all types of people, but it's often someone known and trusted.

Safeguarding Boards

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board brings together representatives of each of the main agencies and professionals responsible for promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people in Staffordshire. Follow this link to the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board brings together representatives of key agencies to make sure that local safeguarding arrangements help and protect adults in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent area. A copy of their annual report can be found here. Follow this link to the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board.

Recognise it and report it

If you think someone is being abused or you think their safety is at risk, then it is important to tell someone. Where a crime has been committed or if you're worried about someone's immediate safety, contact the Police by dialling 999. Otherwise you should report your concerns to a county council social work team.

Useful links