Introduction and Context

Background

Initially this resource was developed as a result of changes to safeguarding legislation and the proposed introduction of a Vetting and Barring Scheme. These have encouraged a greater focus on safeguarding throughout the education sector.

These changes to legislation arose from high-profile abuse cases including:

  • Abuse by care home owner Gordon Rowe, which came to light in the late 1990s.
  • The 2003 Laming Report following the death of Victoria Climbié.
  • The 2004 Bichard Report following the Soham murders.

Why do agencies need to safeguard?

For those agencies whose job it is to protect children and vulnerable people, the harsh reality is that if a sufficiently devious person is determined to seek out opportunities to work their evil, no one can guarantee that they can be stopped. Our task is to make it as difficult as possible for them to succeed...

- Bichard Enquiry Report, 2004

Exit module

Loading...

Personal support

Click on a heading below for links to source of support

Support Me

The following links highlight sources of support for you if you are personally affected by any of the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

Samaritans A confidential telephone or email listening service if you need to talk about your own experiences.

SupportLine Offers confidential emotional support by telephone, email and post, working to help develop healthy and positive coping strategies. They also keep details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK.

Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA) Provides support, friendship and advice for any adult whose life has been affected by childhood abuse.

Support for Learners

The following links highlight sources of support for learners or anyone else you know who may be personally affected by any of the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

ChildLine Offers support, advice and guidance for anyone up to the age of 18 on a variety of topics, including abuse.

Respond A national, free service for children, young people, adults and elders with learning difficulties.

TheSite Young adult oriented searchable website offering support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including abuse.

Information, Advice and Guidance

The following links highlight sources of further information, advice and guidance around the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

Ann Craft Trust An organisation focused on safeguarding people with learning disabilities.

Department of Health The Department of Health website contains useful information about safeguarding adults.