The AUA believes that it is always unacceptable for a child, young person or vulnerable adult to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults by a commitment to practice which protects them.
We recognise that:
The welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult is paramount
All people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults, their parents, carers and their agencies is essential in promoting the welfare vulnerable groups.
The purpose of this policy statement is:
To provide protection for any children, young people and vulnerable adults who may receive services from the AUA
To provide AUA staff and volunteers with guidance on action to take in the event that they suspect a child, young person or vulnerable adult may be experiencing, or may be at risk of, harm
This policy applies to all staff and volunteers working on behalf of AUA.
We will seek to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults by:
Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
Adopting procedures for staff and volunteers which will protect children, young people and vulnerable adults
Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
Sharing information about safeguarding good practice with staff and volunteers
Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people and vulnerable adults appropriately
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training.
If you have a concern that a child, young person or vulnerable adult may be experiencing, or may be at risk of, harm:
