Calm Breathing Therapies

Safeguarding Policy

Calm Breathing Therapies – Safeguarding Policy

This policy outlines our responsibilities for safeguarding adults and young people (aged 16–17) in accordance with the Care Act 2014 and the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023). Although we work remotely, we are committed to protecting clients from abuse, neglect and harm.

1. Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all therapy sessions delivered by Calm Breathing Therapies. It covers:
• Adults at risk – people aged 18 or over who have care and support needs and are unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.
• Young people aged 16–17 – still legally defined as children in safeguarding law. Although they can consent to therapy, they may require additional protections.

2. Roles and Responsibilities
• Practitioner: responsible for identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns, undertaking appropriate training and adhering to legal frameworks.
• Supervisor: provides oversight and guidance on safeguarding matters raised in supervision.
• Clients and carers: are encouraged to disclose any safeguarding concerns affecting themselves or others.

3. Recognising Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial, discriminatory, organisational and neglect. Signs may include unexplained injuries, withdrawal, anxiety, sudden changes in behaviour, self‑neglect or reports from third parties.

4. Procedure for Adults
• If abuse or neglect is suspected or disclosed, we will discuss this with the client where appropriate and obtain consent to share information.
• If there is an immediate risk of serious harm, we will notify the appropriate local authority safeguarding team or the police without delay, even without consent.
• All concerns and actions taken will be documented in the client’s record.
• We will cooperate with safeguarding enquiries and provide information as required.

5. Procedure for Young People (16–17 years)
• Where abuse or neglect of a young person is suspected, we will act in accordance with the statutory guidance in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
• We will consider the young person’s capacity and willingness to consent. However, safeguarding the young person’s welfare is paramount. If serious harm is suspected, we will refer to the local authority children’s services or police.
• We will involve parents or guardians unless this could place the young person at further risk. Where there is conflict between confidentiality and safeguarding, the welfare of the young person takes precedence.

6. Raising Concerns
• In England, safeguarding concerns are reported to the local authority where the client is located. We will collect the client’s location at the start of each session to ensure the correct authority can be contacted.
• Contact details for local safeguarding teams can be found on local authority websites. In emergencies call 999.

7. Recording and Confidentiality
• All safeguarding concerns, decisions and actions are recorded securely in the client’s record.
• Confidentiality must be maintained but will be breached where necessary to protect the client or others from significant harm.
• Records of safeguarding concerns are retained in accordance with our Data Retention Schedule.