Safeguarding Policy

Timely Interventions for Families (TIFs) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances.

It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children have a positive and enjoyable experience of any activity provided by TIFs and are protected from any form of abuse whilst participating in the activities.
TIFs acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy TIFs will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and offer support provided to the individual's who raise or disclose the concern
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in TIFs. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

Policy Aims

The purpose of this policy is to outline the duty and responsibility of the TIFs team in relation to Safeguarding Adults at risk.
All adults have the right to be safe from harm and must be able to live free from fear of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Objectives

Everyone who participates in TIFs programmes is entitled to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment.
TIFs is committed to helping everyone in accepting their responsibility to safeguard adults at risk, from harm and abuse.
All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Staff working with adults at risk in TIFs have a responsibility to report concerns to the Director.

Definition of an Adult at Risk

An Adult (a person aged 18 or over) 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 take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation'. (Definition from the Department of Health 2002)

This could include people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, older people and people with a physical disability or impairment. It may also include victims of domestic abuse, hate crime and anti- social behaviour. The persons’ need for additional support to protect themselves may be increased when complicated by additional factors, such as, physical frailty or chronic illness, sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, drug or alcohol problems, social or emotional problems, poverty or homelessness.

Responsibilities and Communication

TIFs Safeguarding Policy will be available to all members, parents, staff, volunteers and participants. It is important that adults at risk are protected from abuse. All complaints, allegations or suspicions must be taken seriously and reported to the service manager who will pass the information to the appropriate authorities.

TIFs has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any appropriate disciplinary action to the national governing body as appropriate.

COVID_19 Update

We have adapted our current risk assessment to accommodate and address the Covid-19 crisis and the way in which we now work with our clients.