Safeguarding Adults (Level 2)

 

Introduction:

The Safeguarding Adults (Level 2) training program teaches how to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. The program emphasises identifying and acting on abuse indications in moral and legal contexts of adult protection. Participants learn about abuse kinds, risk factors, and professional and individual safeguarding roles. Risk assessment, cooperative intervention, and communication are program priorities. Case studies and realistic scenarios help people grasp complex events and decision-making. The program places people at the centre of safety efforts. After the program, participants will be able to protect vulnerable people and promote care and vigilance in their professional or community roles.

What is Adult Safeguarding?

Adult safeguarding is defined under the Care Act of 2014 as defending an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse, neglect, and harm. It involves individuals and groups cooperating to Vulnerability identification for empowerment. Advocating for and speaking up for the underrepresented. Ensuring essential human rights for everybody, especially those unable to defend themselves.

Safeguarding in Action

The principles of safeguarding ensure that service providers do not discriminate based on age, handicap, gender, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Adults should be supported in decision-making, with advocate services and communication tools available. Decisions made in accordance with the Mental Ability Act of 2005 and the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice should prioritize the person's goals and points of view.

Safeguarding Policy

A clear safeguarding policy should be in place at your organization to:

• Guarantee the safety and fulfilling lives of the people you support;
• Make sure all staff members understand their responsibilities;
• Showcase to commissioners that your organization takes safeguarding seriously;
• Shield staff and the organization from potential legal challenges;
• Prevent referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service or other professional bodies; and
• Comply with regulations and best practices.

There should be a designated safeguarding lead in every organization who can provide guidance and assistance. If the designated safeguarding lead is ill or on annual leave, it is best to designate a deputy to handle any urgent matters.

Where Does Abuse Take Place?

Neglect and abuse can occur anywhere and at any time. Nonetheless, there are several circumstances that can make someone more vulnerable. 

Example: Abusers often conceal their activities at home, live with stressed adults, and use poor standards. Unsupported workers may not confront issues, and inadequate training can lead to misinterpreted symptoms. Factors like addiction, dependency, and a history of abuse contribute to this issue.

Types and Possible Indicators of Abuse and Neglect

The lists are not exhaustive and should not be used to prove misuse, but they should alert health and social care providers to investigate and evaluate other causes.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves intentional injury to the body, causing pain or harm. Indicators include unexpected falls, frequent injuries, and masking injuries. Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual behaviors without consent, with physical indicators like bleeding, pain, and indecent exposure. Self-harm, despair, stress, and fear of personal care are also signs.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Psychological or emotional abuse can cause feelings of worthlessness, unwantedness, and uncare for, causing devastating effects like social isolation, cyberbullying, insomnia, sadness, and distress, as well as lack of confidence.

Financial or Material Abuse

Economic abuse involves unauthorised use of someone else's money and property, often accompanied by fraud, scamming, stealing, rogue trading, and cuckooing. It can also involve fear of decision-making, financial struggles, and unnecessary property repairs.

Neglect and Acts of Omission

Failure to complete tasks negatively impacts others, often due to intentional or oversight. This can include ignoring medical or physical care needs, withholding access to necessities, poor health, hygiene, pressure sores, untreated injuries, malnutrition, and unexplained weight loss.

Self-Neglect

Self-neglect can lead to a person's decline in vital support, treatment, or services due to duress or dependence. This neglect can affect family, friends, and the community, raising safeguarding concerns. Mental capacity law should address self-neglect, including neglecting personal hygiene and surroundings.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse occurs between intimate partners and other family members, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. It can manifest in various ways, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional, and honor-based abuse. Indicators include low self-esteem, depression, physical violence, and coercive behavior.