Safeguarding Policy

Protecting the welfare and rights of every child and young person in our care.

At Green Leaf Homes, the safety, well-being, and rights of children and young people are our highest priority. We are fully committed to providing a secure, supportive, and protective environment where young people aged 16–21 can grow, thrive, and feel safe from harm.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We believe that:

  • Every child and young person has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — all staff, carers, and professionals working with us must remain vigilant and proactive.

  • Our safeguarding practices must be child-centered, transparent, and compliant with UK legislation and statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

Our Safeguarding Approach

We maintain a robust safeguarding culture by:

  • Rigorous Staff Vetting: All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, references, and safeguarding training prior to employment.

  • Ongoing Training: Staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates to recognise signs of abuse and respond appropriately.

  • Clear Reporting Procedures: Any concern—no matter how small—is reported to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and recorded in line with local safeguarding board protocols.

  • Partnership Working: We work closely with local authorities, social workers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to ensure coordinated and timely action.

  • Young Person-Centred Practice: We listen to the voices of young people, respect their rights, and involve them in decisions that affect their safety and wellbeing.

What We Safeguard Against

We are vigilant in identifying and responding to all forms of harm, including:

  • Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse

  • Neglect or abandonment

  • Bullying (including cyberbullying)

  • Exploitation (including sexual and criminal exploitation)

  • Domestic abuse

  • Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

  • Radicalization and extremism

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

While we respect privacy, we do not promise confidentiality where a young person’s safety is at risk. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis, following GDPR and safeguarding laws, to protect the individual and others.

Reporting a Concern

If you are a young person, family member, or professional and have concerns about someone in our care, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately through the contact details provided on our website.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to legislative updates or safeguarding incidents to ensure continuous improvement.