Seru Assessment Section 9

Summary

This script emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in transport services. It defines who is considered at risk and stresses the responsibility of drivers to protect passengers. It outlines steps to take when transporting unaccompanied children, signs of potential exploitation, and the necessity to report any concerns to operators or the police. The script also provides contact numbers for various support services.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ Safeguarding involves protecting children and adults at risk from harm and abuse.
• 👶 A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 and is considered vulnerable due to their dependence on adults.
• 🧑‍🦯 An adult at risk is anyone over 18 who needs extra care and support, potentially due to age, disability, or mental illness.
• 🚗 If transporting unaccompanied children, ensure the operator is aware and has information on the adult meeting the child.
• 🚨 As a driver, you may encounter children or adults at risk, including those being trafficked or exploited.
• 👀 Be vigilant for signs that a child or vulnerable person might be at risk, such as unusual travel patterns or signs of neglect.
• 📝 Keep detailed records of any incidents or concerns, including dates, times, and descriptions of individuals involved.
• 📞 Report any concerns about children or adults at risk to your operator and the police using non-emergency numbers.
• 🆘 In an emergency, dial 999. For non-emergencies, use 101 to report concerns to the police.
• 🔍 Other support options include Crime Stoppers, NSPCC, and the Modern Slavery Helpline for reporting anonymously.

Q & A

What does safeguarding mean in the context of the script?

Safeguarding in the context of the script refers to the actions taken to protect children and adults at risk from harm and abuse.

According to the law, what is the definition of a child?

A child, as per the law, is defined as a person under the age of 18.

Why are children considered vulnerable to harm and abuse?

Children are considered vulnerable due to their age, which makes them less able to protect themselves and more dependent on adults, thus making them susceptible to exploitation or abuse.

What is an adult at risk and why might they be at risk?

An adult at risk is someone over the age of 18 who requires extra care and support, and may be at risk of harm or abuse because they are unable to protect themselves, possibly due to age, disability, or mental illness.

What should a driver do if they are carrying an unaccompanied child in their vehicle?

A driver should ensure their operator is aware and that they know the name of the adult who will meet the child at the end of the journey, as this information should be provided by the operator.

What responsibilities does a driver have when transporting children or adults at risk?

A driver may have the responsibility to transport children or adults at risk and must be aware of signs of trafficking, exploitation, or abuse, ensuring their behavior is appropriate and professional at all times.

What should a driver do if they have concerns about a passenger's well-being?

If a driver has concerns about a passenger's well-being, they should report it to their operator and the police, noting any unusual signs or behaviors that may indicate the passenger is at risk.

What is County Lines and how does it relate to safeguarding?

County Lines refers to the practice where gangs and organized crime groups exploit children and young adults to sell drugs, often forcing them to travel across counties and using mobile phone lines for communication. This is directly related to safeguarding as it involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

What are some signs that a child or vulnerable person might be at risk?

Signs that a child or vulnerable person might be at risk include being picked up for suspicious activities, traveling to meet unknown individuals, showing signs of abuse or neglect, or appearing frightened or under the influence of substances.

What steps should be taken if a driver believes they have witnessed abuse or if a passenger has disclosed abuse?

If a driver believes they have witnessed abuse or if a passenger has disclosed abuse, they must report it to their operator and the police, providing as much detail as possible to aid in any potential investigation.

What are some additional support options for reporting concerns about children or adults at risk?

Additional support options for reporting concerns include Crime Stoppers, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), and the Modern Slavery Helpline, which offer anonymous reporting.