KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE
Safeguarding children and young people is at the heart of our practice. We do this through having clear policies and procedures. All staff receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and this is refreshed annually. The senior management team have received safeguarding training to a higher level to reflect their additional service responsibilities with respect to safeguarding. We support young people to develop their understanding of risks and how to keep themselves safe (in line with their age and ability). Every child receives a children’s guide on their admission to the home. This is adapted to children’s level of understanding and their communication needs. Young people have posters in the homes with photos of the staff that form the safeguarding team at Rowden. Through close collaboration with our therapists, and individualised assessment, we support our young people to develop their understanding of risks and safety to the best of their potential. We consult with individual young people at a level that is accessible to them, making full use of total communication strategies. For some young people, this may include the use of social stories and/or pictures, Makaton sign and widget symbols to support access. For our less intentional communicators, this may include careful analysis of behaviour and close multi- disciplinary working.
Our person-centred approach allows us to provide a robust safeguarding support network, through regular opportunities for every young person to access tailored and fully accessible consultations. As a result of some of our children’s impairment or disability, restraint may be a necessary component of their care -this may include wearing soft helmets or personal protective equipment in the form of arm guards which are designed to protect skin from serious injuries. Should these restrictions be required -the information would be included in children’s care plans and risk assessments, agreed with their parents and social workers. Our Designated Safeguarding Persons (DSP) are based within the home and school setting. They have received additional, specialist training to become ‘designated safeguarding leads’. They share responsibility for monitoring and ensuring practice within the service to meet the needs of the people. If you have concerns related to a young person’s wellbeing or safety please contact a Home Manager, DSP or Registered Manager. Alternatively you can contact the SENAD Group Head Office or Hereford Safeguarding Team directly. A copy of our Safeguarding Procedure is available on request.
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