Protection of Vulnerable Adults at Healing Streams
King’s Church Beverley has developed procedures and strategies which are designed to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. It is necessary for us to be able to identify who is at risk, define what is meant by abuse and identify the types of abuse that can occur. An awareness of the common indicators associated with each type of abuse is essential and procedures to follow if abuse is suspected.
The definitions of a Vulnerable Adult is ‘Someone who is aged 18 or over and who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is, or may be, unable to protect himself/herself from significant harm or exploitation.
King’s Church Beverley also applies this policy to anyone considered to be vulnerable to abuse.
Definitions of Abuse:
- Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. For vulnerable adults this will focus upon others who have influence over them.
- These violations may be intentional or unintentional.
- These violations may be a single act or a repetition of acts over a period of time.
Abuse may be:
- Physical – can include hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions..
- Sexual – can include rape, sexual assault, sexual acts to which the person has not consented, could not consent to or was pressured into consenting to.
- Psychological or emotional – includes threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation or contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
- Financial and / or material – can include theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
- Neglect / acts of omission – includes ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition or heating.
- Discrimination – includes racism, sexism, abuse based on a persons disability and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.
Symptoms/Indicators of Abuse:
Physical Abuse, sexual Abuse:, psychological / Emotional Abuse, Financial or material abuse:
Neglect: (not self neglect or refusing help)Discrimination.* see full policy for a list of indicators .
Action to be taken in the event of alleged/suspected Abuse:
The Vulnerable Adult Officer is designated as the key contact person within King’s Church Beverley with direct responsibility for deciding on the appropriate action to be taken as directed by their local policies any alleged or suspected incidences of abuse. Anyone with concerns regarding possible abuse of a vulnerable adult will report the matter directly to the Vulnerable Adult Officer.
The Vulnerable Adult officer will assess the allegations / suspicions and decide upon the appropriate action to be taken, .and either deal with the situation directly or If the incident is considered to fit the criteria of abuse they will refer the matter to Social Services
Corrective action will then be taken against alleged or confirmed perpetrators (as set out in the disciplinary procedure) involved in incidents of abuse, and the discreet and sensitive handling of the abused person.