Safeguarding Policy for Children & Adults at Risk — Carl Argent Counselling and Coaching

1. Purpose & Commitment

My practice is committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of all clients. I recognise that some individuals, including children and adults at risk, may be vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. Protect children and adults at risk from harm.
2. Provide a framework for recognizing, recording, and reporting concerns.
3. Ensure I practice in accordance with UK legislation (Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989/2004) and the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all clients, visitors, and anyone I interact with in a professional capacity.

1. Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
2. Adult at Risk: Any person aged 18 or over 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 against the abuse or neglect (Care Act 2014).

3. Categories of Abuse

I recognise that abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

1. Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, or causing physical harm.
2. Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Threats, humiliation, isolation, or controlling behaviour.
3. Sexual Abuse: Unwanted sexual activity or exploitation.
4. Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, food, or medical attention.
5. Financial Abuse: Theft, fraud, or coercion regarding money/property (common in adults at risk).
6. Modern Slavery/Trafficking: Forced labour or exploitation.
7. Radicalization: Being drawn into terrorism (Prevent Duty).
8. Domestic Abuse: Controlling, coercive, or threatening behavior between partners or family members.

4. Responsibilities

As a sole practitioner, I act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for my practice. My responsibilities are to:

1. Recognize the signs of potential abuse.
2. Respond to disclosures or concerns appropriately.
3. Record details factually and securely.
4. Refer serious concerns to the appropriate statutory agencies.

5. Procedure for Handling Concerns

1. If a client (or third party) discloses abuse, I will:

1. Listen: specific attention will be paid to what is being said without displaying shock or disbelief.
2. Reassure: I will reassure the client that they have done the right thing by telling me.
3. No Promises: I will not promise total confidentiality. I will explain that if they or someone else is at risk of serious harm, I may need to speak to other professionals.
4. No Leading Questions: I will not “investigate” or ask leading questions. I will only ask open questions (e.g., “Can you tell me more about that?”) to clarify the situation.

1. Confidentiality & The Limit

1. Safeguarding overrides confidentiality.
2. If I believe a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, I am ethically and legally obligated to break confidentiality to prevent harm.
3. Where possible and safe, I will inform the client of my intention to refer the matter to social services or the police, unless doing so would increase the risk of harm to the individual.

2. Recording

1. I will make a detailed, factual record of the concern immediately following the session.
2. This will include the date, time, exactly what was said (using the client’s own words where possible), and my own observations.
3. These records will be stored securely and separately from general therapy notes if required by case complexity.

3. Consultation

1. In non-emergency situations, I will consult with my Clinical Supervisor and seek appropriate statutory safeguarding advice when needed to discuss the appropriate course of action, ensuring client anonymity where possible during the consultation.

6. Reporting Procedures (Referrals)

1. If a referral is necessary, I will contact the relevant local authority department or the Police.

4. Local Authority Contact Details:

1. Children’s Services (C-SPOC):

1. Number: 01702 215007
2. Out of Hours: 0345 606 1212

1. Adult Social Care (Safeguarding Team):

1. Number: 01702 215008 (Option 5, then Option 1)
2. Out of Hours: 0345 606 1212

5. Police:

1. Emergency: 999
2. Non-Emergency: 101

7. Safer Recruitment & Practice

1. I hold a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate.
2. I undertake regular Safeguarding CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to keep my knowledge up to date.
3. I attend regular clinical supervision to monitor my work and professional boundaries.