Definition

Some of the diverse circumstances and experiences that increase the risk of abuse to adults:

(a)           Being elderly,

(b)          Having a disability,

(c)           Having mental illness,

(d)          Having cognitive impairment,

(e)           Having diminished capacity,

(f)            Being culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) which increases risk of discrimination and exploitation,

(g)          Experiencing transient risks such as bereavement or relationship breakdown (or other such adversity), and

(h)          Having an impairment that makes it difficult for that person to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation.

Introduction

·      All Parishioners are encouraged to read the Parish Professional Standards Document covering all aspects of the Parish’s role and responsibilities regarding the care and safety of children and adults at risk.  Also, all who register their WWCC with the Parish and are eligible for volunteering in the Parish, are required to complete the Parish Obligation concerning safeguarding.

·      All volunteers in an Adults at Risk related ministry require a current WWCC linked to the Parish and authorised by the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

·      This document seeks to highlight awareness of the risks, when events or activities that involve Adults at Risk, are conducted. 

Good Practice at the start of an Activity.

·      Briefing and debriefing of Volunteers should occur so that all understand their roles and limitations.

·      If name tags or special identification attire are required, these should be clearly displayed.

·      Any ground rules should be clearly stated limitations on movement and/or the use of parish facilities should be covered.

·      The introduction of volunteer helpers to the group should take place if appropriate.

Responsibility.

·      Volunteers exercise a duty of care on behalf of the Parish; 

o   to create an environment for Adults at Risk to be safe and to feel safe. 

o   to model and promote good models of behaviour, and

o   to treat adults with dignity and respect

Two Adult Rule

·      Volunteers must be adults; wherever practical, no fewer than two volunteers (preferably not related) should always be present in any face-to-face contact.

·      If children volunteers are to be involved, they must not be involved in any face-to-face activity.  However, they might be used in preparation or set-up of the activity.

Key Behavioural Issues

·      Caring for the vulnerable is a privileged position. The work can make such a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable person if it is conducted with integrity and respect and with clearly defined boundaries. This is achieved if we acknowledge each person’s intrinsic value as a human being, allow others to maintain their dignity and acknowledge each person’s autonomy. 

·      The key behaviour rests on establishing and maintaining healthy relationships that are professional and friendly without being judgemental or inquisitive. 

·      We need to appreciate that there are power imbalances that exist between ourselves and a vulnerable person and this needs to be managed carefully. 

o   We need to respect the person’s right to make a choice and not abuse the power imbalance in the relationship.

o   It is generally inappropriate to contact a vulnerable person through social networking sites or by mobile phone (such as texting). Do not accept or offer friend status on social network sites from a vulnerable person for whom you have a duty of care. 

o   Keep the focus on the vulnerable person rather than our own personal needs or concerns. 

o   Respect the vulnerable person’s right to hold beliefs and values that may be different to ours without imposing our ideas on them. 

o   Avoid behaving or speaking in a manner that may embarrass or humiliate anyone. 

o   Obtaining personal details is never authorised and discussion of personal issues should bediscouraged.

·      If the activity involves a home or place of residence visit:

o   Ensure that the arrangements to visit are clear so that the person knows when to expect your visit. Ideally, a record should be kept of your visit.

o   Don’t assume that the person wants you to visit. Uncertainty can be a problem in circumstances where the worker has a personal relationship with the vulnerable person. In these circumstances, be completely clear that the vulnerable person wants you to visit and remember that it will be hard for the vulnerable person to say no to your visit. 

o   Do not call unannounced or outside the designated visiting times without prior agreement as vulnerable people also have a need for their own personal space and the right to say no to extra visits.