In our changing society, it has become necessary to constantly review the welfare and protection of children. With this in mind the government, in conjunction with all the leading Welfare and Social Services agencies came together with Ofsted to produce and implement the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

What is the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006?

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 is designed to implement new and more stringent ways in which to carry out checks on those individuals who wish to work with children, the elderly or people who are classed as being in positions of vulnerability. The act gives employees new powers - in conjunction with those bodies who oversee the checking of potential new employees - to help confirm the safety and reliability of those individuals who wish to work with those who fall under the auspices of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act. The act also looks at how bodies such as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) carry out their tasks which include providing basic and enhanced disclosures for potential employees and employers and deals with how the system can run more efficiently and with tighter restrictions than are currently in place.

What is Child Protection?

Child Protection is the means by which any organisation or individual is charged with the safety of children under their care or within their scope of activity.

These groups include:

  • Teachers
  • Social Workers
  • Care Workers
  • Doctors
  • Health Visitors

Of course this is not an exhaustive list but merely seeks to cover those groups who come into contact with children on a more regular basis - other than the children's parents.

These organisations are already obliged by law to inform the authorities of any suspicions they have in relation to the welfare and safety of any child who comes into contact with them. If an individual suspects sexual abuse, physical or emotional cruelty, maltreatment or instances of risk then they should inform the correct authorities that a thorough and proper investigation can take place.

The changes in legislation are designed to ensure that if such a suspicion is raised that it is acted upon in good time and with the full co-operation of all the relevant bodies. This ensures that all agencies involved in any such investigation are fully conversant with each individual case and are also in a position to act in the best interests of any child or vulnerable person that may be in need of help.

If you suspect - or are in any doubt - as to the safety and well being of anyone who might fall into the category of a vulnerable personal then in the first instance you should make contact with your nearest government agency and ask their advice.

Likewise there are community groups who can offer friendly and informal advice as to how to proceed if you feel you are being witness to - or know someone - who is in need of assistance from the authorities.

As in all of these cases however it is important to be fully aware of the facts and therefore consulting with someone in a professional capacity is probably the best course of action in the first instance.