​

Abacus Counselling and Support acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of under 18s. It is committed to ensuring its safeguarding practice reflects its statutory responsibilities and government guidance. It complies with best practice dictated by BACP and Local Authority requirements.

 

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of under 18s are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, all under 18s are protected from abuse whilst participating in sessions provided by Abacus, or in other activities outside of the service.

 

Abacus Counselling and Support acknowledges that some under 18s, including disabled under 18s or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse. We accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps, to ensure their welfare.

 

As part of our safeguarding policy, Abacus Counselling and Support will:

​

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of under 18s.

• Ensure everyone within the service 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 under 18s.

• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and 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 deployment of unsuitable individuals.

• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

​

This policy and the relevant procedures described in the service handbook will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved, in Abacus Counselling and Support. Failure to comply with this policy and the service’s procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

 

All workers who have direct contact with clients under 18, will need to provide evidence they have an up-to-date DBS. They will also be required to register on the update service, so their details can be checked every 6 months.

 

Monitoring:

 

The policy will be reviewed a year after development, then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

​

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance.

• as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, and BACP 

• as a result of any other significant change or event.

• ​

This policy was adopted by Abacus Counselling and Support and its trustees, on October 2015.