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Spotlight on Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

Protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for Powys County Council and is the responsibility of everyone who works for us or represents us.

Our Leaders in Safeguarding are:

  • Councillor Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, and Safeguarding Lead
  • Nina Davies, Director of Social Services and Wellbeing, Corporate Safeguarding Lead

But it isn't just these two people or our Social Services staff who are responsible for keeping our residents safe. It is everybody's responsibility, whatever role you play with or for the council.

If you spot something that doesn't look or sound right when visiting a home, taking a phone call, or running a coaching session, please report it.

Everyone can make a difference!

Help and support

If you are being harmed or abused, or you are worried about somebody else, please report it.

If it's an emergency, don't wait - call 999.

Experiencing domestic abuse?

If you feel you are in immediate danger, ring 999.

  • Otherwise, if you live in the north of the county, Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre (MFCC) can help you. Call: 01686 629114 (24 hours). MFCC website.
  • Otherwise, if you live in the middle or south of the county, Calan DVS can help you. Call: 01874 625146. Calan DVS website.
  • Live Fear Free also has a helpline you can call or text: 0808 80 10 800. Live Fear Free website.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Understanding our safeguarding duty

As a local authority in Wales, we have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk.

The term 'child/children' means up to the age of 18 years, as defined in the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014.

Adult safeguarding aims to protect adults aged 18 or over who may need community care services for reasons like mental health issues, disability, age, or illness. 

A person is also considered at risk if they are unable to look after themselves, protect themselves from harm or exploitation or are unable to report abuse themselves.

Our duty is to:

  • Recognise abuse or the risk of abuse, harm, or neglect.
  • Know what actions to take if you see or suspect abuse, harm, or neglect, or if someone tells you they are being abused.
  • Understand the basics of laws around safeguarding
  • Recognise that you have a duty to report abuse, harm, or neglect.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Self-harm and self-injury awareness

Self-harm includes many damaging behaviours such as self-injury, but also includes issues as diverse as eating disorders, risk taking behaviour, drug, and alcohol misuse.

We can also consider self-neglect (including a lack of hygiene, lack of healthcare and extreme selflessness) to be indicators of low self-worth.

Self-injury can affect anybody, at any time in their lives. Gender, age, sexual orientation, race, religion, background - they are all irrelevant. If rather than considering who might turn to self-injury, we instead focus on who could possibly suffer from the emotional distress that can lead to self-injury, it's much easier to imagine that self-injury really can affect anyone.

So instead of looking at who self-injures in terms of such things as gender and age, we might consider that there are certain characteristics that some people who self-injure share. These include, but are not restricted to, low self-esteem, perfectionism and high achievement, poor body image, trauma, and abuse. Of course, a person who self-injures may experience all, some, or none of these characteristics, as may a person who doesn't self-injure.

Low self-esteem

Many people who self-injure often talk about intense negative feelings towards themselves. A significant cause of low self-esteem is chronic invalidation by others.

Perfectionism and high achievement

Perfectionists may be very successful in their every-day lives, but it often comes at a personal cost. Perfectionism simultaneously pushes people to succeed to the highest standards, but it also inevitably causes a person to feel they could have done better, or even that they have failed. Similarly to invalidation, this may lead eventually to low self-esteem.

Poor body image

Some people who self-injure have a poor body image. This may, again, be due to invalidation (i.e. consistent comments about weight, looks etc) or may even be due to the media's attention on 'beautiful people'. A person can feel inadequate, or even ugly or inferior. Self-injury may be a way of coping with these feelings by 'punishing' the body.

Trauma and abuse

Some people self-injure to cope with traumatic life events, either currently or in the past. These may include bereavement, bullying, break-up of relationship, financial crisis, or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Other mental health issues

Self-injury may also be associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, etc.

Getting help

  • To get help or find out more visit the LifeSigns website
  • Papyrus also offers help to prevent young suicide and has a 24/7 Hopeline: 0800 068 4141.
  • The Samaritans can be contacted by anyone, free from any phone on 116 123, at any time.
  • Children can also share how they feel with Childline, either by chatting online or by calling 0800 1111 at any time.
  • And Young Minds has a parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 which is open 9.30am - 4pm, Monday - Friday or you can email: parents@youngminds.org.uk

Remember, if you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 right away.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Child to parent or adolescent to parent abuse

Child-to-parent-abuse (CPA) or adolescent-to-parent abuse (APA) is any behaviour used by a child or young person to control, dominate, or coerce parents, and is more common than you might imagine.

Child-to-parent abuse is complex and often misunderstood - or even completely overlooked. We don't know the true extent of CPA because incidents often go unreported.

This is exacerbated by the shame many parents feel, in addition to the fear that they will be blamed, disbelieved, or have their children taken away. Parents often feel torn, needing support for the escalating problems but also wanting to protect their child from the potential consequences if their behaviour is reported.

It can include emotional, verbal, physical or financial abuse and includes coercive control, or in other words, the parent or other adult is compelled to change their own behaviours for fear of further abuse. Any family can be impacted by CPA - and there are many professional parents working as police officers, solicitors and social workers who are experiencing abuse from their child. In fact, their career is often used as a tool by the child - who may threaten to spread false accusations.

Among the risk factors identified are having an absent parent, previous incidents of domestic abuse in the household, and mental ill health. But there is no single reason why CPA begins, and it can impact families regardless of where and how they live.

If you are a parent, stepparent, grandparent, or someone in any type of parental role who is experiencing this, you may be feeling some or all the following:

  • Shame and confusion.
  • Afraid of being blamed and judged.
  • Fear - for yourself and for your child or young person.

Getting help

To get help or support about child-to-parent abuse please contact Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS).

PEGS provides peer support, virtual drop-ins, bespoke workshops and empowerment programmes for parents, guardians and carers impacted by CPA. All parent services are free and can be accessed whether the child is under or over 18, with advocacy and one-to-ones also available for those at highest risk.

Live Fear Free also provides help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The Live Fear Free Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0808 80 10 800. It also welcomes calls in Welsh.

Its text, email and live chat services are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Remember, if you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 right away.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Financial abuse and coercive control

Financial abuse is the use or misuse of finances and is often part of a pattern of coercive control characterised by belittling, threatening, and domineering behaviour.

It restricts freedom and can lead to a loss of dignity.

It rarely happens in isolation and is often interlinked with other types of abuse - for example, 95% of cases of domestic abuse involve financial abuse too.

Most often, financial abuse occurs within romantic relationships. But it can also involve abuse by a family member, friend, or carer - particularly in a situation where the victim is vulnerable due to their age or a disability. 

Types of financial abuse

  • Fraud: This involves the use of deception, trickery, or false pretences to obtain money or property.
  • Theft: This involves the unauthorised taking of money or property.
  • Scams: This involves the use of fraudulent schemes or offers to obtain money or property.
  • Coercion: This involves the use of threats, intimidation, or other forms of pressure to obtain money or property.
  • Misuse of power of attorney or deputyship: This involves the misuse of a legal document that gives someone else the authority to make financial decisions on behalf of another adult.
  • Identity theft: This involves the use of someone else's personal information to obtain credit, loans, or other financial benefits.

Indicators - adults

  • Unexplained or inappropriate withdrawals from bank accounts.
  • Unpaid bills or overdue rent when someone is supposed to be undertaking this responsibility for paying bills.
  • Mysterious purchases: Purchases are being made with the person's debit or credit cards, yet the items can't be found.
  • Restricting the victim's access to money or their bank account.
  • Taking sole control of the family's income against the other person's wishes.
  • Putting assets, such as the family home or investments, in the name of the abuser.
  • Putting any debt such as credit cards or bills in the name of the victim.

Indicators - children

  • Education Maintenance Allowance taken by family without child's consent.
  • Child's belongings are sold or go missing.
  • Benefit claims for a child, which are not real or fabricated illness.
  • Misusing allowances/grants for children's care.
  • Inappropriate cars that have been supported by allowances and Motability.
  • Children Looked After payments being spent, but not to the benefit of the child, by foster carer or kinship carer.

Spotting the signs

  • A change in language - such as having to ask permission before victims can spend money, or not being allowed certain things. 
  • Victims spending less, perhaps 'forgetting' their wallet more often at social events.
  • Increased anxiety around spending money 
  • Refusing invites that involve spending money.
  • Needing to borrow money for essentials even though victims are working.

Acting if you suspect financial abuse

  • Contact the Adult - Assist team or Children's Front Door team to report abuse or report any concerns.
  • Call the Police on 101 - financial abuse is a crime, or 999 if someone is at immediate risk of harm.
  • CIFAS provide a serve that protects those at heightened risk of ID theft and details can be found here: https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr
  • If you or someone you know has been scammed, contact Action Fraud by visiting their website or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
  • If you or someone you know wants to talk to someone about abuse of an older person you can contact Hourglass on 0808 808 8141 or visit their website: https://www.wearehourglass.cymru/wales
  • Age Cymru's website is also a good place to go to for advice: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/ or NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Modern slavery: The signs and how to report it

Modern slavery can take many forms including the trafficking of people, forced labour, servitude and slavery.

This article focuses on adults who are experiencing modern slavery.

  • Modern slavery can affect people of all ages, genders and races and includes a range of different forms of exploitation.
  • Modern slavery has been addressed via legislation which includes the Modern Slavery Act (2015).
  • Modern slavery in Wales is on the rise. In 2021, 479 referrals of potential victims of slavery were reported. This represents a 25% increase from 2020.

Examples of modern slavery

  • Sexual exploitation
  • Forced criminality (including drug dealing and trafficking)
  • Domestic servitude
  • Forced marriage
  • Organ harvesting
  • Human trafficking
  • Forced labour
  • Debt bondage/bonded labour.
  • Cuckooing (vulnerable person's home is taken over)

Those who experience modern slavery do not always see themselves as victims, as they are often led to believe their abuse is consensual by those who are exploiting them.

You can find more information on examples of modern slavery at: https://www.antislavery.org/slavery-today/modern-slavery/

Signs of modern slavery

These include (but are not limited to)

  • Restrictions on movement or travel
  • Isolation
  • Reluctance to seek help
  • Poor living conditions
  • Unkempt appearance
  • Unusual travel arrangements

You can find out more about the signs of modern slavery at https://www.unseenuk.org/about-modern-slavery/spot-the-signs/

Our duty

Public authorities must notify the Home Office about any potential victims of modern slavery they encounter. This is done through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

You can find more information on the NRM at National referral mechanism guidance: adult (England and Wales) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Acting on concerns

Concerns about modern slavery can be reported to the police (101 non-emergency and 999 for emergency). They can also be reported through the UK Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline run by the charity Unseen: 0800 0121 700. This is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to call from landlines and most mobile phone networks.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111. And Bawso provides support to people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in Wales who are affected by any type of abuse: 0800 731 8147.

If you are concerned that the individual is also an adult at risk, you can submit a safeguarding report to the adult safeguarding team via Assist. You can call: 0345 602 7050. Email: assist@powys.gov.uk. Complete the online adult at risk report at https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/1895/How-to-report-abuse-A-Safeguarding-Concern

Support for those experiencing modern slavery

A 'care pathway' is in place for anyone who is suspected of being a survivor of slavery in Wales.

This includes health services, those provided by local authorities and specialist services as required.

Where criminal offences have been committed, the Modern Slavery Act (2015) may provide protection from prosecution for victims who were coerced or acted with little choice.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Child employment

Do you know what work children are allowed to do?

You may be surprised to learn that there has been legislation in place for 90 years which restricts what employment children can undertake.

  • It is illegal to employ a child under 13 years of age.
  • It is illegal to employ a child without having obtained a Child Employment Permit.
  • A permit is needed while the child is of statutory school age (until the end of June in Year 11).

Permitted hours of employment

The legislation sets out what hours children can and can't work:

  • Children can't work before 7am or after 7pm.
  • Children can only work for 2 hours maximum on a school day or a Sunday.
  • 13 - 15-year-olds can only work for 5 hours maximum on a Saturday or during school holidays.
  • Those over 15 can only work for 8 hours maximum on a Saturday or during school holidays.
  • No child can work for more than 12 hours a week during term-time.
  • In school holidays, 13-15-year-olds can only work for a maximum of 25 hours; those over 15 can only work for a maximum of 35 hours.

Types of work

The legislation also sets out what work children are and aren't allowed to do.

Children may only be employed in light work. The types of work 13-year-olds are able to undertake is very limited. 14-16-year-olds can undertake a wider range of employment.

Some of the examples of prohibited employment include:

  • Delivering milk
  • Collecting money
  • Working in a commercial kitchen
  • In telephone sales
  • Any work which is more than 3 metres above ground level

Child performance

The legislation also covers Child Performers, and the Welsh Government have published statutory guidance.

Child Performance Licences apply to a child of any age, from birth to the end of compulsory schooling.

A licence may be required depending on the type of performance and a range of other factors, such as:

  • The child has performed on 4 days in the last 6 months
  • The performance will be broadcast
  • The performance will have a paying audience
  • The performance will take place at licensed premises

Safeguarding children

If you become aware that a child is being employed or is taking part in performances, you should check with the Schools Service whether an Employment Permit or Performance Licence is in place.

It's especially important that you check out possible Child Employment with us. You may be aware of a child working in a local takeaway past 7pm or doing work that is dangerous. It's important to be aware that the Child Employment legislation also applies to family farms.

Any queries about a Child Employment Permit or Child Performance Licence can be directed to the Schools Service via education@powys.gov.uk or 01597 826422.

For more information on Child Employment and Child Performance, you can visit the Schools and Students section of the Powys public website, which has the following pages:

Or visit the Welsh Government website:

Help and support

If you are being harmed or abused, or you are worried about somebody else, please report it.

If it's an emergency, don't wait - call 999.

Experiencing domestic abuse?

If you feel you are in immediate danger, ring 999.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

Financial exploitation (including romance fraud)

Financial exploitation is a form of financial abuse where someone is manipulated or forced to do something that benefits others.

It can take many forms, occur in various situations, and involve different groups of people. 

Financial exploitation happens when someone is deceived, scammed, or coerced into handing over money or assets.

It can happen through fraud, blackmail, accumulating debts, or having money or property stolen - this includes situations where someone feels pressured into handing over money or property.

It can happen online, via email, telephone, post, or in person.

Face-to-face financial exploitation may be carried out by doorstep callers or by people known to the person such as family, friends, and carers.

It often involves grooming - fraudsters may seek to befriend someone and establish a relationship of companionship and trust to gain access to the person's money and property. An example of this is romance fraud.

Romance fraud

Romance fraud happens when you think you've met the perfect partner online, but they are using a fake profile to form a relationship with you.

The fraudster gains your trust over several weeks or months and has you believe you are in a loving and caring relationship. However, the criminal's end goal is only ever to get your money or personal information.

Criminals are experts at impersonating people. They spend hours researching you for their scams, especially when committing romance fraud. 

Five ways to spot the signs of romance fraud

  • You've struck up a relationship with someone online and they declare their love for you quickly. Many fraudsters claim to be overseas because they work in the military or medical profession.
  • They make up excuses as to why they can't video chat or meet in person and will try to move your conversations off the platform you met on.
  • When they ask for financial help, it'll be for a time-critical emergency, and the reason will be something that pulls at the heartstrings. They may get defensive if you decline to help.
  • Their pictures are too perfect - they may have been stolen from an actor or model. Reverse image search can help find photos that have been taken from somewhere else.
  • They tell you to keep your relationship private and not to discuss anything with your friends and family.

If you are a victim of romance fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.

Other scams

Students are often targeted by criminals on social media and mobile messaging, to help them 'clean' their income in return for 'easy money'.

They are picked because they're less likely to have a criminal record, and many will be seeking employment to support their finances whilst at university.

Criminal gangs exploit the bank accounts of students by convincing them to share their account details, or asking if they can 'borrow' their account. These criminals then use them for depositing, withdrawing, and transferring onwards sums of money, with the promise of a percentage for the student to keep.   

This money has usually been obtained through fraudulent or criminal means and is used for further criminal activity. This is money laundering. 

The moment a victim chooses to take part in this scam they become complicit in the crime, whether they did this knowingly or not. Transferring money obtained illegally is a criminal offence.

Protecting yourself from fraud

  • STOP: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information.
  • CHALLENGE: Is this person really who they say they are? Could it be fake? It's OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests for your financial or personal details. Criminals will try to rush or panic you.
  • PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Powys Corporate Safeguarding Group

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