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Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Why?
In July the Diocesan synod passed a motion to accept a policy to safeguard vulnerable adults. This is a wonderful idea because it gives us all an opportunity to show we are following our Lord's command to 'love our neighbour as ourselves'. However this may leave you with many questions.
Why have a diocesan policy?
1) To demonstrate our belief in the worth of every human being and to enable everyone to take their God-given place in the church community.
2) To make every effort to ensure that vulnerable people are safeguarded from harm.
3) To meet government statutory requirements and those of the Ecclesiastical Insurance group.
Who is a vulnerable adult?
Everyone can be vulnerable at some time in their lives. Some of the factors that increase vulnerability include
A sensory or physical disability or impairment such as failing sight.
A learning disability
A physical or mental illness
An addiction to alcohol or drugs.
These may be compounded by failing faculties in old age and the effect of life events.
What do adults need safeguarding from?
Adults can be abused in many different ways. Recent stories in the media illustrate this. For example the gentleman who was humiliated and taunted just because he had a learning disability. The forms of abuse most commonly encountered are - physical, emotional or psychological, spiritual, financial or legal, neglect, and sexual.
What will the policy mean for parishes?
Every parish is asked to spend some time considering their work amongst vulnerable adults. This will enable them to decide how to ensure those vulnerable adults within the church community are enabled to take their rightful place within it. It will also enable them to take care when recruiting anyone working on behalf of the church amongst vulnerable adults and to support them.
Do you wish to find out more
Ask your Diocesan synod representative
Ask your deanery synod to arrange for members of the Diocesan voluntary working group to give a presentation
Attend a training session These will be held alongside the sessions for safeguarding children.
Everybody's business Adult safeguarding Leaflet
Produced by Herefordshire Council
A Guide to Adult Abuse Leaflet
Produced by Shropshire Council
Click to downlaod A Policy for the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults
For more information contact Sandra Earney e-mail
Contact details for all members of the working group can be found in the policy document.