Nvq_3_Health_and_Social_Care

W2550 Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care. 2.1 Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused. * Keep calm. If possible, observe what I see around me. * Listen carefully and do not judge the complainant. * Record the facts immediately on appropriate paperwork. * Report to the appropriate person(s) for example my supervisor/ manager. * Do not tamper with evidence. * Give the young person all the support required. In order that inappropriate referrals are not generated, supervisors/ managers will need to assist their staff in determining what constitutes a protection issue as opposed to a service complaint. Every professional must acknowledge and take appropriate action if abuse is suspected. Being alert to possible abuse and informing supervisors/ management of suspected or actual abuse is the responsibility of all staff. Staffs have the right to form their own judgment and to challenge other opinions, including medical statements, where they believe this is in the young person’s interest. 2.1 Explain the actions to take if an individual alleges that they are being abused. * Keep calm. If possible, observe what I see around me. * Listen carefully and do not judge the complainant. * Record the facts immediately on appropriate paper work. * Report to the appropriate person(s). * Do not tamper with evidence. * Give the young person all the support required. All allegations must be regarded as serious. Any suspicion, allegation or disclosure that a young person is suffering or is at risk of suffering abuse should be reported to my supervisor/ manager who will then negotiate with other agencies concerning whether an investigation is appropriate and how it should be conducted. 2.3 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved. In most circumstances when preserving evidence I may not need to do anything except record the events that have given rise to concern. However, there may be occasions when it is important to follow certain rules: •Ensure written records (notes, letters, bank statements, medication records etc.) are kept in a safe place. •Make a written record of messages (e.g. answer-phone) to ensure they are not lost and include the date and time and sign them. •In cases of physical or sexual assault, encourage the person not to wash, bathe or shower where they might need a medical examination. •Don't tidy up, wash clothes, bedding or other items. •Try and ensure that others do not interfere with any items that maybe important for the Police. •Inform the police and preserve the evidence if there is any suspicion that there may be forensic evidence. The person may not tell me all the facts on the initial disclosure – do all I can to anticipate what may be needed as evidence and do all I can to preserve it.