⚠️Safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children/young people and all vulnerable adults whom it serves in accordance with the multi-agency policies and procedures agreed under the auspices of the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board and the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Boards.

All MHST staff attend HPFT mandatory training, including Safeguarding Level 3, as a minimum requirement for practice. All staff provide evidence of their up-to-date DBS check. In the first instance, the practitioner should report any safeguarding concerns to their supervisor to determine next steps, followed by informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within their setting. Schools/colleges have a duty to act upon this information. Where the disclosure is made to an EMHP they will then inform their Team Leader, or the CAMHS Clinicians if the Team Leader is unavailable. The MHST team member who identified the safeguarding issue must record all details and any actions taken on PCMIS, triggering an electronic alert for senior staff to respond to.

If any safeguarding concerns are identified at any stage of the process, the practitioner should inform the DSL/MHL at the school/college and the MHST Team Leader/supervisor. Both school/college & Trust Safeguarding policies should be followed. The GP should be informed via letter of any safeguarding concerns and referrals made (template on PCMIS). Any other agencies involved in the young person’s care must also be notified. All letter templates are on PCMIS in the letters section of each case. Refer to safeguarding processes guidance including safeguarding processes out of school hours/term time.

Safety and risk management plans

Safety and risk management plans are to be completed by practitioners when risk or safeguarding concerns are identified, and all information is documented on the service user’s electronic patient record (EPR). Appropriate steps are taken to share information with relevant protective persons or agencies in the best interests of the child/family. Letters to the GP to inform of Safeguarding concerns are also available on PCMIS to be prepopulated. The DSL at school/college should be informed on the day and any establishment appropriate paperwork should be completed by the worker. Supervisors and Team Leaders are informed of risk/safeguarding concerns and concerns are prioritised in CMS and CSS supervision.