- The ADHD and Autism Clinic recognises that all persons have the right to live their lives free from violence and abuse. We have a duty under the Human Rights Act (1998) to intervene proportionately to protect the rights of citizens.
- The Children’s Act 1989 states that the welfare of children and young people is paramount. This includes their right to be safeguarded against all forms of abuse. Our safeguarding duties towards adults are set out in the Care Act 2014.
- We take the safeguarding of our patients seriously. Our legal duties extend to responding to any concerns about the neglect, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of any children (under the age of 18) connected to our patients.
- The ADHD and Autism Clinic recognise that confidentially is an important part of your therapeutic relationship; however, where there is a risk of abuse or neglect, the Data Protection Act 2018 enables the lawful sharing of information.
- Emergency or life-threatening situations may warrant sharing relevant information with the relevant emergency services without consent.
- The law does not prevent sharing of sensitive, personal information within organisations. If the information is confidential, but there is a safeguarding concern, sharing it may be justified.
- If you, a family member, a carer, or your patient representative disclose a risk of abuse (current or historical) to staff, a record of the disclosure will be made, and the information will be shared with the Safeguarding Lead, Dr Andrew Iles, to ensure that proportionate action is taken to respond to the disclosed risk.
- Where abuse is seen as ‘historical’, The ADHD and Autism Clinic recognises that the alleged perpetrator may still pose a risk to others. We will encourage you to provide details of those at risk and the alleged perpetrators; however, unless we are provided with information that enables us to identify the perpetrator(s), we may not be able to initiate a safeguarding response. If you are willing to provide such details, we may be able to use the information to help prevent further abuse to you, or others.
