Safeguarding

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• There is a clear strategy for preventing self-harm and suicide, which recognises the different needs and risks of detainees.
• A multidisciplinary committee monitors the establishment’s self-harm and suicide prevention strategy and procedures and makes sure there is support for those at risk.
• Incidents of self-harm are monitored and any emerging patterns are identified and acted on.
• Investigations into any attempts by detainees to take their own lives are thorough and appropriately independent. They identify opportunities for improvement which are rigorously pursued.
• Where there has been a death in custody, managers respond quickly and comprehensively to subsequent investigations. Any recommendations, particularly from the coroner’s court, are prioritised, acted on and regularly reviewed.
• Staff are trained in suicide prevention processes and know how to support detainees who self-harm.
• Staff are trained to identify and support detainees who may have mental health problems, or who have been affected by trauma.
• Detainees’ family and friends know how to raise a concern about the risk of self-harm or suicide, can ask for support to be initiated, and are kept appropriately informed.
• Personal possessions are only removed from a detainee in documented exceptional circumstances, following a multidisciplinary review.
• The removal of clothing to manage self-harm is based on an individual risk assessment. It only occurs as a last resort when other options have been considered.
• Detainees at risk of suicide or self-harm are not held in special or unfurnished accommodation except in clearly documented exceptional circumstances, on the authority of the Commandant and in consultation with health care staff.
• Staff are clear about what to do in an emergency, including when to enter a locked room.
• Staff checking detainees always carry anti-ligature knives.
• Appropriate first aid equipment is readily available and sufficient staff working on the residential units are trained to use it.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Individualised care plans, developed by a multidisciplinary team in consultation with the detainee, are used to identify and deliver the actions needed to reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm. Care plans are reviewed at least weekly and following any change in risk. Reviews take account of observations recorded by staff.
• The care and support of a detainee is overseen by a single case manager.
• Information about detainees at risk of self-harm or suicide is shared effectively with all staff involved in their care.
• Measures to support detainees are proportionate to their individual risk of suicide and self-harm and are not unnecessarily intrusive.
• Detainees with complex self-harm/suicidal behaviours are given additional support, where necessary overseen by senior managers.
• There are arrangements to check on detainees after a care plan has been closed.
• Procedures to reduce the risk of suicide or self-harm are rigorously quality assured.
• Staff are supportive and constructive with detainees at risk of self-harm or suicide.
• Detainees at risk of self-harm or suicide can telephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Detainees at risk of self-harm or suicide have access to a counsellor, the chaplain and welfare department, and peer support.
• Detainees at risk of self-harm or suicide can use a comfortable, quiet and private room to speak to other detainees, peer workers or staff identified as sources of support, or telephone the Samaritans, their family and friends.
• Constant supervision is used infrequently. When it is necessary, staff create a positive environment which encourages and provides access to a purposeful regime.
• Staff encourage detainees to involve their family or friends in their care.
• Appropriate liaison arrangements are in place to support detainees on release back into the Armed Forces or the community. Information is shared subject to the detainee’s consent.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Children (those under 18) feel safe and are protected from harm.
• Risk assessments ensure the safety and best interests of children.
• Children are allocated and informed of the identity of a named member of staff who is responsible for meeting their welfare needs while detained. Girls are allocated a female member of staff.
• Staff have the time to build positive relationships with children and to effectively respond to their concerns.
• Multidisciplinary planning provides effective care and support for children. This is done in consultation with the child, to identify and implement strategies for reducing risk.
• Staff are subject to recruitment and vetting procedures that comply with necessary legislation.
• The arrangements for external scrutiny of safeguarding performance at custodial establishments are published by the local safeguarding partnership.
• There is a process for notifying the safeguarding partnership of significant events involving a child, including any injuries, use of force or child protection referrals.
• Outcomes of child protection referrals are clearly recorded, including the support given to children who are the subject of any referrals or inquiries.
• Children are consulted regularly, particularly about their safety. There is evidence of action and outcomes where children have raised concerns about safety.
• Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe from abuse, bullying and discrimination.
• Children’s families, carers, friends, legal representatives and external agencies can easily provide information to the establishment about children, including any support needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Staff immediately take appropriate action to protect children from harm.
• Staff understand and follow procedures for responding to concerns about the safety of a child. Any child protection concerns are shared with the local authority without delay, and a record of that referral and outcome is retained.
• Children can raise concerns in confidence with a range of people and services outside the establishment.
• Staff follow up the outcome of referrals quickly. They escalate their concerns appropriately and without delay if they are dissatisfied with the response from local authority children’s services.
• Investigations into allegations or suspicions of harm are shared with the appropriate agencies and are handled fairly, quickly and in accordance with statutory guidance. Children are supported and protected, including through specialist mental health and medical care. Support is given to the person making the allegation.
• Children who allege abuse or mistreatment are offered the help of an independent advocate at all stages of their complaint.
• Children or parents who allege harm are given a written response which sets out the action that has been, or will be, taken.
• The establishment has effective links with local authorities, designated officers and other safeguarding agencies.
• Visitors and families know how to raise concerns directly to the local authority if they think a child is being, or has been, mistreated while in custody.
• Alleged criminal acts are investigated in the same way as outside of detention.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Vulnerable adults at risk feel safe and are protected from harm.
• There is a local safeguarding strategy to protect vulnerable adults at risk and a nominated local manager has responsibility for implementing it.
• Staff are aware of their responsibility to protect vulnerable adults at risk and know how to recognise signs of harm.
• Risk assessments ensure the safety and best interests of vulnerable adults at risk.
• Staff engage with all relevant agencies to make sure vulnerable adults at risk are appropriately cared for and supported.
• Vulnerable adults at risk can access a range of support services and staff encourage them to involve their family or friends in their care.
• Vulnerable adults at risk are held in an environment where they can easily access the support they need and a purposeful regime.
• Vulnerable adults at risk are not held in segregation unless in exceptional circumstances and justified in writing by a senior manager.
• Individual care plans are developed to manage the assessed needs of a vulnerable adult at risk.
• Consistent case managers are allocated to all vulnerable adults at risk and are responsible for the oversight of their care plans between reviews.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Staff immediately take appropriate action to protect vulnerable adults at risk from harm.
• Staff understand and follow procedures for responding to concerns about the safety of a vulnerable adult at risk. Any concerns about a vulnerable adult at risk are shared with the local authority adult safeguarding board without delay, and a record of that referral and outcome is retained.
• Vulnerable adults at risk who allege abuse or mistreatment are offered the assistance of an independent advocate at all stages of their complaint.
• Visitors and families know how to raise concerns directly to the local authority adult safeguarding board if they think a vulnerable adult at risk is being, or has been, mistreated while in custody.
• Staff follow up the outcome of referrals quickly. If they are dissatisfied with the response from the local authority adult safeguarding board, they escalate their concerns appropriately and without delay.
• Investigations into allegations or suspicions of harm are shared with the appropriate agencies and are handled fairly, quickly and in accordance with statutory guidance. Vulnerable adults at risk are supported and protected. Support is given to the person making the allegation.
• Vulnerable adults at risk or any other detainees, staff or visitors who allege harm are given a written response which sets out the action that has been, or will be, taken.
• The establishment has effective links with local authorities and other safeguarding agencies.
• Alleged criminal acts are investigated in the same way as outside of detention.