Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / How can I remove Children and Vulnerable Adults from Danger?

Transcript

How can I remove Children and Vulnerable Adults from Danger? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: How can I remove children or vulnerable adults at risk from danger?
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger during a crisis, the first priority is their safety and your own.
• 0:11
  SPEAKER_00: What you do will depend on the circumstances, but you should not put yourself or the person at greater risk by attempting a physical intervention that is unsafe.
• 0:19
  SPEAKER_00: First, consider whether there is an immediate risk of harm.
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: This might involve violence or threats of violence, a serious accident, fire, a medical emergency, or another situation where someone could be seriously harmed.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: If there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm, contact the emergency services as soon as it is safe to do so.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: If you can safely move yourself and the child or vulnerable adult away from the immediate danger, move to a safer location.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: This might mean leaving a building, moving to a secure area, going to a trusted neighbour or public place, or following instructions from emergency professionals.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: Try to communicate calmly and clearly.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: A child or adult at risk may be frightened, confused, or have difficulty understanding what is happening.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: Use simple, reassuring language about what needs to happen next without giving unnecessary or distressing details.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: Some people may also have mobility, communication, cognitive, sensory or medical needs.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_00: Where it is safe and practical, consider what support they need to leave the situation.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: However, don't delay leaving an immediately dangerous environment in order to collect non-essential belongings.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: If another person is behaving violently or unpredictably, avoid confronting them, if this could increase the risk of harm.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: Creating distance and contacting the appropriate emergency services is more important than trying to manage the person yourself.
• 1:46
  SPEAKER_00: If there is a safeguarding concern but no immediate danger, follow the appropriate safeguarding procedures.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: This may mean reporting the concern to your organisation's designated safeguarding lead or contacting the relevant local safeguarding service.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: If a child or adult at risk tells you that they have experienced abuse, neglect or exploitation, listen calmly and take what they say seriously.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: Don't promise complete confidentiality, don't investigate the concern yourself and avoid repeatedly questioning them.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: Record and report the concern through the appropriate safeguarding route.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: If you're uncertain about the level of risk, seek advice from an appropriate safeguarding professional or service.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, but you are not expected to manage serious risk alone.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_00: Your role is to recognise concerns, take immediate action when someone is in danger, report safeguarding concerns appropriately, and involve the professionals responsible for providing further protection and support.