What is safeguarding?
Everybody has the right to be safe, no matter who they are or what their circumstances. Safeguarding is about protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, or harm.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Adults Board have co- produced 'Keeping Adults safe from abuse and neglect in leaflet Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland' document. LLR Safeguarding (PDF Document, 9.49 Mb)
Who is a child or young person?
In terms of safeguarding, a child or young person is defined in law as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
Who is an adult at risk?
An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who:
- has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met)
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect and
- as a result of these needs is unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect, or the risk of abuse or neglect.
Who has responsibility for reporting concerns?
Everyone has a moral duty to promote the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm.
How to report concerns about an adult or child as a member of the public
Always contact emergency services on 999 if a crime is being committed, or if a child or adult is in immediate danger.
Reporting concerns about a child or young person
If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, or you believe that they are suffering abuse or neglect, contact the Leicestershire Children’s Social Care Team. You do not need to know everything about the child or what is happening. You may just be worried or feel that something is not right.
Tel:0116 305 0005 (24 hours) where you will be able to speak to someone about your worries. They will discuss these with you and take as much information as possible. You will be able to remain anonymous if you wish.
Alternatively you could call the NSPCC Helpline - freephone 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
You can find out more about reporting abuse or neglect of a child on the Leicestershire County Council website.
Reporting concerns about an adult
If you are concerned about an adult’s welfare or think they:
- may be a victim of neglect or abuse
- are being abused in a care home
- are being abused by a care worker in their own home
contact the Leicestershire Adult Social Care Customer Service Centre. You do not need to know everything about the situation or what is happening. You may just be worried,or feel that something is not right.
If it is safe and you are able to do so, please ask for the adult’s consent to share information.
Tel: 0116 305 0004 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team 0116 305 0888 (Evenings, Weekends, Bank Holidays)
You can find out more about reporting abuse of an adult on the Leicestershire County Council website.
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline for Leicestershire
Help, advice and support is available by phoning 0808 80 200 28
Further information is available at Domestic abuse - North West Leicestershire District Council (nwleics.gov.uk)
Our commitment to safeguarding
Here at North West Leicestershire District Council, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm. We expect all our employees, elected members, volunteers, or anyone working on behalf of, delivering a service for or representing the council, to share this commitment by following our safeguarding policies and procedures if they become aware of a concern during the course of their work or activity.
The policies and procedures, which are intended for the use of council staff, can be viewed here.
NWLDC Adult Safeguarding Policy and Procedures 2024 (PDF Document, 1.7 Mb)
NWLDC Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy and Procedure 2024 (PDF Document, 1.7 Mb)
Further Resources
Related Links (1)
Last updated: Wed 20 November, 2024 @ 10:52