Defining the core concept
Safeguarding adults is a collective effort to protect and empower adults who have care and support needs and are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect. It involves preventing harm and creating safe environments, always prioritizing the individual's well-being and right to make choices [1.2].
The six key principles of safeguarding
Adult safeguarding work is guided by six key principles:
- Empowerment: Supporting adults to make decisions and provide informed consent [2].
- Prevention: Taking proactive steps to prevent harm [2].
- Proportionality: Using the least intrusive response necessary [2].
- Protection: Supporting and representing those most in need [2].
- Partnership: Working collaboratively with communities and services [2].
- Accountability: Ensuring transparency and responsibility in safeguarding efforts [2].
Types of abuse and neglect
Abuse can be a single incident or repeated acts, occurring anywhere [2]. Recognizing its forms is vital:
- Physical abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Financial or material abuse
- Modern slavery
- Discriminatory abuse
- Organizational abuse
- Neglect and acts of omission
- Self-neglect [2]
Recognizing and reporting a safeguarding concern
Identifying a potential risk requires vigilance. Anyone can raise a concern, looking for signs like physical injuries, behavioral changes, financial difficulties, or a decline in living conditions. Reporting triggers a safeguarding enquiry to determine what has happened and how to help the individual. A multi-agency approach is crucial [2].
Reporting a concern: A comparison
| Aspect | Reporting for Self | Reporting for Another Person |
|---|---|---|
| Who reports? | The adult at risk themselves. | Anyone who has a concern: a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or a professional. |
| What is reported? | The details of the abuse or neglect, how it is affecting them, and what they would like to see happen. | The specific concerns, observations of changes in the person's behavior, health, or living situation. |
| Initiating the process | Can contact local adult social services or the police directly. | Report concerns to local adult social services. For immediate danger, call emergency services. |
| Involvement level | High level of control over the process, as the goal is empowerment. | Varies, with the adult's wishes being paramount, though the reporter's input is crucial. |
| Confidentiality | Information is managed with the individual's consent. | The reporter may be anonymous, but their information will be used to guide the enquiry. |
For more information on reporting and safeguarding, visit authoritative resources like the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) here [2].
The difference between adult safeguarding and child protection
While both aim to protect from harm, adult safeguarding emphasizes the individual's right to choose, even with some risk. Child protection prioritizes the child's welfare above their wishes in certain situations [2]. Adult safeguarding requires individuals to have care and support needs that prevent them from protecting themselves, whereas child protection applies to anyone under 18 [2].
The conclusion on safeguarding adults
Safeguarding is essential in health and social care, built on respect and empowerment. It focuses on prevention and open communication. Understanding principles, recognizing abuse signs, and knowing how to report allows everyone to help adults with care needs live safely. The goal is to improve quality of life, respecting individuals' views and wishes through collaborative efforts [2].
