All children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect have the right to live their lives to the fullest potential, to be protected, to have the opportunity to participate and enjoy any activity and to be treated with dignity and respect.
We have both a moral and legal obligation to ensure a duty of care for all children and adults across our services at the Council and are committed to ensuring that those using the services organised and provided by us are protected and kept safe from harm.
The purpose of this Policy and association procedures is to help protect all children and adults, including those living our communities, placed in our care within our services and to protect Stafford Borough Council, our staff, elected members and volunteers.
Safeguarding Children
Improving the way people work together to safeguard, support and improve the welfare of children is crucial. Sections 10 and 11 of the Children Act 2004 place new duties upon Local Authorities and their partners to co-operate to make arrangements to ensure that they improve and safeguard the welfare of all children.
Safeguarding Adults
A vulnerable adult can be anyone who is 18 years old or over, who has a physical or sensory impairment, a learning disability, or a mental health problem and may be unable to protect themselves from harm or abuse. Many frail or confused older people are especially vulnerable.