Safeguarding Policy

SAFE - Safeguarding Young Adults Policy (18–25)

​

1. Statement of Intent

SAFE believes that every young person has the right to live a life free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We are committed to a "person-centered" approach, where the young adult's voice and choices are at the heart of our safeguarding practice.

​

2. Scope and Definitions

This policy applies to all staff, trustees, and volunteers.

• Young Adult: For this policy, any individual aged 18 to 25.

• Adult at Risk: An adult (18+) who has needs for care and support, is experiencing (or is at risk of) abuse or neglect, and as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves.

 

3. The 6 Principles of Adult Safeguarding

In accordance with the Care Act 2014, we operate under these six principles:

1. Empowerment: We support and encourage young adults to make their own decisions.

2. Prevention: We take action before harm occurs.

3. Proportionality: We provide the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk.

4. Protection: We support those in greatest need.

5. Partnership: We work with local services (MASH, Police, Health) to create a safety net.

6. Accountability: We are transparent in our actions.

​

4. Consent and Mental Capacity

Unlike child safeguarding, adults have the legal right to make "unwise decisions."

• The Presumption of Capacity: We assume every young adult has the capacity to make their own choices unless it is proven otherwise (Mental Capacity Act 2005).

• Informed Consent: We will always seek the young adult’s consent before sharing their information or making a referral, unless:

  • There is a risk to life or of serious immediate harm.

  • A crime has been committed or is about to be committed.

  • There is a risk to others (especially children or other adults at risk).

 

5. Identifying Modern Risks for 18–25s

Staff must be vigilant for risks specific to this age group:

• Transitional Gaps: Losing support systems when moving from child to adult services (the "cliff edge").

• Financial Exploitation: Cryptocurrency scams, "money muling," or coercive control over wages.

• Digital Harm: AI-generated deepfakes, online grooming for radicalisation, or "sextortion."

• Contextual Risks: County lines, modern slavery, and cuckooing.

 

6. Reporting Procedure

If a staff member or volunteer is concerned about a young adult:

1. Recognise: Note any physical or behavioral signs of abuse.

2. Respond: Speak to the young adult. Ask: "What would you like to happen now?"

3. Record: Write a factual account of what was seen or heard. Use the individual's own words.

4. Report: Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.

5. Refer: The DSL will contact the Local Authority Adult Social Care team or the Police if necessary.

 

7. Safer Recruitment

To ensure a safe culture, SAFE will:

• Perform DBS checks for all roles involving regulated activity.

• Require two professional references for all new staff and volunteers.

• Provide mandatory safeguarding training during induction and annual refreshers.