SAFEGUARD ADULTS AT RISK POLICY

a) What is ‘safeguarding’?

We all have the same rights and expectations to independence, respect, choice, fulfilment

of ambitions, to be heard, included and to have privacy and confidentiality. These

expectations are central to the way in which we interact with each other.

“Safeguarding is the action required to promote individual’s fundamental rights to be safe”.

This includes the maintaining of safe environments for all and having processes to follow if

things go wrong.

Smile Charity Uganda recognizes its responsibilities for the safeguarding of all adults at risk

(Regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability). Smile Charity Uganda has sought guidance from

Cranes network with respect to safeguarding adults at risk.

As friends, volunteers, staff and partners of SCU we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safeguarding of all adults but are particularly mindful of the needs of anyone within the community who has a vulnerability, which could place them at increased risk.

b) What does ‘adults at risk’ mean?

Any adult aged 18 or over who due to disability, mental function, age, illness or traumatic

circumstances may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of

significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation.

The term ‘adults at risk’ has replaced the previously used ‘vulnerable adult’, focusing on

the situation rather than the characteristics of the adult themselves. Some adults may be more at risk and there are sometimes where risks may increase. Some of these circumstances may include: learning, sensory or physical disability, old age or frailty, mental health problems, addiction, bereavement and past trauma / abuse.

In pursuit of this, we commit ourselves to the following policies and to the development of

procedures to ensure their implementation.

Safe working practices

SCU is committed to provide a safe environment for everyone and to promote good practice to enable all people to be part of their SCU community in an enjoyable and safe way. We are committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity and will respond in a timely manner to any concerns of abuse or concerns that any adult is at risk.

Safe recruitment, support and supervision of employees

We recognize that adults who are at risk are part of our wider community in many different groups and settings. We expect those in positions of leadership within the community to be aware of the needs of adults at risk and promptly report any concerns, which arise.

SCU will exercise proper care in the selection and appointment of those working within the Organization, whether paid or voluntary. All workers will be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision to promote the safeguarding of adults at risk.

Recruitment Guidelines for safeguarding officer(s)

Leaders and helpers who have a specific role with adults at risk will be appointed and will follow the process laid out in these procedures in order to work with adults at risk. Appeals for leaders should only be made in exceptional circumstances and by a trustee, one of the designated persons and due care has to be given in order to ensure the safeguarding of all involved.

If a person is interested in working with adults at risk, he / she will need to complete an application form. This form will request information on basic personal details, two suitable referees and will include a declaration confirming the person is prepared to work within the safeguarding policy and procedures as outlined in this document and the declaration of any previous relevant convictions.

The decision as to the suitability of an applicant must involve two people, usually the group leader and the safeguarding trustee.

The informal interview will discuss the following:

• Details of the role
• Expectations and responsibilities of the volunteer
• The safeguarding procedures
• Support available
• Any training opportunities

There are criteria which exclude someone from working with adults at risk such as those who have been involved in misconduct in relation to children or adults, not depending on a criminal conviction. Any information obtained will be handled and stored confidentially.

In all other areas of SCU life, we welcome people to serve the Organization on the basis of the right mix of talent, skills, character, potential and call of God and we practice a policy of equal opportunities.

c) Safeguarding Team

Safeguarding adults at risk within Smile Charity Uganda is everyone's responsibility. However, SCU has appointed a safeguarding team and they will work together to achieve best practice in safeguarding.

Smile Charity Uganda has currently appointed Gabit Joseph Mukiibi and Benigne Ingabire (2019 to date) as Designated Personnel for Safeguarding to:

- Receive reports of disclosures, abuse or concerns and maintain confidential records

- Take the appropriate action when abuse is disclosed, discovered or suspected

- Keep the safeguarding policy up to date

- Advise Smile Charity Uganda on any matters related to the safeguarding of adults at risk

- Oversee and monitor implementation of the policy and procedures on behalf of SCU.

d) Prevention and reporting of abuse

It is the duty of each SCU member and each member of the wider SCU family to prevent the abuse of adults within the community.

It is the duty of all to respond to concerns about the well-being of adults at risk and to report any abuse disclosed, discovered or suspected. SCU will fully co-operate with any statutory investigation into any suspected abuse linked.

What is abuse

Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. It comes from the misuse of power and control that someone has over another. Harm is the result of this mistreatment or abuse.

Abuse may consist of one single act or many repeated acts, and it can occur in any relationship at any time of life. It can take many forms. It may be an act of neglect or an omission to act. Any or all types of abuse may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance.

Abuse can be perpetrated by an individual or a group. A partner or a professional. Abuse can take place in any setting, as well as via technology.

Types of abuse

The following is detailed information about the main types of abuse. However,

there are other forms of abuse towards adults at risk.

(Please note that this is not an exhaustive list)

Physical to inflict pain, physical injury or suffering.

Such behaviour can create very real emotional and psychological distress. All forms of abuse have an emotional component.

v Mocking, coercing, threatening or controlling behaviour;

v Bullying, intimidation, harassment or humiliation;

v The lack of privacy or choice, denial of dignity, deprivation of social contact or deliberate isolation;

v Making someone feel worthless, a lack of love or affection, or ignoring the person.

Sexual, any non-consenting sexual act or behaviour.

No one should enter into a sexual relationship with someone for whom they have responsibility with as SCU stakeholder or hold a position of trust.

Ø Rape, sexual assault or sexual acts to which the person has not consented, could not consent or was pressurized into consenting;

Ø Indecent assault, incest, being forced to touch another person in a sexual manner without consent;

Ø Making sexual remarks, suggestions and teasing;

Ø Indecent exposure, being forced to watch pornographic material or sexual acts;

Ø Enforced or coerced nakedness or inappropriate photography of a person in sexually explicit ways;

Ø Being spied on while a person is undertaking personal care activities.

Neglect

A person’s wellbeing is impaired and their care needs are not met. Neglect can be deliberate or can occur because of not understanding what someone’s needs are.

ü Failing to provide access to appropriate health, social care or education services;

ü Ignoring medical or physical care needs, including not giving someone proper food or assistance with eating or drinking;

ü Failing to intervene in behaviour which is dangerous to the adult (particularly when the person lacks the mental capacity to assess the risks to themselves or to others);

ü Failing to provide a warm, safe and comfortable environment.

ü Deliberately withholding aids, such as walking sticks or hearing aids.

ü Denying social, religious or cultural contacts or denying contact with the family;

ü Leaving alone or unsupervised.

Financial

The inappropriate use, misappropriation, embezzlement or theft of money, property or

possessions.

• Theft, fraud or embezzlement of monies, benefits or goods;
• Exploitation or profiteering;
• Applying pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance, or financial transactions;
• The abuse of influence, power or friendship to persuade a person to make gifts or change their will;
• Being charged excessive amounts for services (such as minor building works on a property).

Spiritual

The inappropriate use of religious belief or practice; coercion and control of one individual by another in a spiritual context; the abuse of trust by someone in a position of spiritual authority.

The person experiences spiritual abuse as a deeply emotional personal attack.

Discriminatory

The inappropriate treatment of a person because of:

Institutional

The mistreatment or abuse of an adult by a regime or individuals within an institution. It can occur through repeated acts of poor or inadequate care and neglect, or poor professional practice or ill-treatment. Smile Charity Uganda as an Organization is not exempt from perpetrating institutional abuse.

- The inability of an institution to safeguard people from emotional or even physical harm and neglect;

- People being prevented from doing things that are their rights;

- Not having access to personal possessions or personal allowance.

Other forms of abuse:

e) How to respond to abuse or concerns

If you suspect an adult is being abused or may be at risk of abuse, or if you have a concern about their wellbeing, it is important that you seek the right advice and report the concerns in the right way.

It is often not easy to recognize abuse or harm. Therefore, it is important to act if you

suspect abuse – don’t wait until you are absolutely sure. This does not mean that you are

jumping to conclusions or making judgements about the situation, it simply means that

there is a safeguarding concern.

You may suspect abuse because:

• You have a general concern about someone’s wellbeing.
• You see or hear something, which could be abusive.
• Someone tells you that something has happened or is happening to them, or to an adult at risk, which could be abusive.

It is our duty as a SCU to respond to concerns of abuse. If you have concerns, witness the abuse of someone or have seen changes in behaviour or living patterns that make you suspect that someone is being abused, it is important that you don’t ignore what you have seen or suspect.

But remember that it is not your job to investigate; as soon as you have enough information you should implement the following safeguarding policy and procedures.

If someone directly discloses abuse to you, remember to:

1. Listen. Take what is said seriously
2. Reassure. Tell them that they have done the right thing by telling you, and that you believe them
3. Remain Calm. No matter how difficult it is to listen to what is being disclosed. You have been chosen because the person feels able to talk to you
4. Be honest. Do not promise full confidentiality or offer false reassurance
5. Be open
6. Do not ask leading or closed questions, such as “Did she hit you?” It is not your role to investigate. As soon as you have enough information to concern you, stop probing.
7. Ask. Request their consent to share information and seek help.
8. Explain. Tell them that you are going to tell ‘x’ the Designated Person for Safeguarding and give them a timescale
9. Write. Document everything the adult at risk has told you, in his or her own words. You will need to record the questions you asked as well as the answers or information given. This should be done as soon as possible after the disclosure and should include the time and date. Contact the Designated Person for Safeguarding within 24 hours (or appropriate alternative if necessary) and report the disclosure
10. Keep quiet. The concerns you have should be kept confidential between you, the adult concerned, the Designated Person for Safeguarding (and SCU safeguarding team). The Designated Person for Safeguarding may need to inform and the statutory authorities.

f) Procedures

Anyone employed or volunteering with adults at risk within Smile Charity Uganda will be given a full copy of the policy and procedures and will be required to follow them. A full copy of the policy and procedures will be made available on request to any member of Smile Charity Uganda, or any other person associated with Smile Charity Uganda. The policy and procedures will be monitored and reviewed at least annually.

The following procedures show how a concern should be reported and what will happen in response.

Communication

A person may have vulnerabilities that make communication more difficult. This should be taken into account and consideration given to what support they need to enable them to share their concerns or any allegations. Consider age, culture, language, communication skills and

disability. You may need to ask the people to repeat themselves or to check that you have understood what they said.

Safeguard incident form should be completed within 24 hours if there are concerns about an adult being at risk of harm or a disclosure of abuse has been made. It is not your role to verify what you have been told but to record it as accurately as possible – including what questions you asked as well as the information given. Forms are available in the office and once completed should be passed to the designated person for Safeguarding.

Mental Capacity

Within safeguarding, mental capacity is whether someone has the capacity or ability to make decisions about themselves and their safety and well-being. There is a fine balance between the individual’s rights to autonomy and their need for protection. If there are any concerns about the mental capacity of an adult at risk, always refer to the Designated Person. What if the adult does not want help? The mental capacity of the adult at risk is vital in deciding what should be done.

All actions should be based on the assumption that the individual has the capacity and the right to make their own choices in relation to their personal safety and well-being. This includes upholding their right to follow a course of action which others may deem unwise, including staying in a situation of abuse. If the adult at risk doesn’t want help it may still be necessary to inform the police or Adult Social Care Services, who can put a safeguarding plan in place so that, as far as possible, the adult continues to be protected.

This is particularly important:

• When the person lacks the mental capacity to make such a choice
• When there is a risk of harm to others
• To prevent crime.

It is also important that the individual knows where to get appropriate help and support if they should change their mind. The designated person for safeguarding can provide information that can be passed onto the individual.

Premises

Smile Charity Uganda will aim to make the building as accessible as possible to all people. Any restrictions to access, visibility, audibility, toilet facilities, lighting or heating should be addressed and where necessary aids and adaptations should be put in place.

Language

Negative and uncaring attitudes are not acceptable. The language used to describe people such as derogatory words focusing on aspects of someone’s disability, race or gender rather than the person themselves. Every effort should be taken to use appropriate language and suitable vocabulary, enabling the greatest level of inclusivity and accessibility.

Communication

The way that we communicate with adults at risk should be carefully considered. Electronic communication can be a helpful tool but its use should be considering carefully.

The following are good practice guidelines that should be followed:

Ø Records of communications should be kept and messages not deleted

Ø Workers should be careful to keep their communications clear to avoid any possible misinterpretation.

Ø If an adult at risk is at a point of crisis the worker should seek to arrange a face-to-face meeting and consider if having a second person present would be helpful.

Ø If concerns are raised about the well-being of an adult at risk through their electronic communication or conduct in an online meeting the leader should consider if an in person follow up would be appropriate.

Ø If there are any concerns about communication, there should be a discussion with the designated person for safeguarding.

Financial integrity

Any allegations of financial discrepancies may be based on misunderstanding or confusion, therefore having clear processes in place will help to protect SCU workers as well as any adults at risk.

• If, as part of your SCU role, you become involved with handling money for someone else, always obtain receipts or other evidence of what has been done.
• SCU workers should not seek personal financial gain from their position beyond their salary or recognized allowances or expenses.
• SCU workers should not be influenced by offers of money.
• Any gifts given to an individual from an adult at risk should be reported to the Designated Person, who should decide whether or not the gift can be accepted.
• Care should be taken not to canvass for SCU donations from those adults who may be at risk, such as the recently bereaved.
• SCU workers should ensure that SCU and personal finances are kept apart to avoid any conflict of interest.
• If someone alters their will in favour of an individual known to them because of their SCU-work relationship, it should be reported to the Designated Person. We strongly recommend that volunteers or employees should not act as Executors for someone they know through their work as this may lead to a conflict of interests.

Training

All those working with adults at risk should receive safeguarding training. Smile Charity Uganda will deliver safeguarding training on a regular basis.

Confidentiality

Someone’s personal information should not be discussed with others except with their permission. If concerns need to be passed to the designated person for safeguarding or to an outside agency, information must be kept confidential to those relevant parties. Do not tell or hint to others what has been disclosed.