Organisation Name: Diverse Living Devon
Lead Practitioner: Sian Spencer
Role: Neurodivergent Life Support Mentor
Date Created: 27th February 2026
Review Date: 27th February 2027

1. Purpose
Diverse Living Devon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The purpose of this policy is to:
Protect children and young people who receive support through individual sessions and the Family Connection Restore programme.
Provide clear guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Ensure concerns are managed appropriately, lawfully and without delay.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All individual sessions
Family programmes
Workshops or group work
Online and in-person support
This service provides family support, education and coaching. It is not a substitute for mental health treatment or crisis services.
3. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:
The Children Act 1989 & 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (where relevant)
The Care Act 2014 (for vulnerable adults)

4. Definitions of Abuse
Abuse may include, but is not limited to:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Domestic abuse exposure
Exploitation
Online harm
Self-harm or suicidal risk
Safeguarding concerns may arise from:
Disclosure
Observation
Behaviour changes
Parental report
Professional concern
Diverse Living Devon Ltd

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Concerns may include:
Unexplained injuries
Significant changes in behaviour
Fearful or withdrawn presentation
Disclosure of harm
Expressions of suicidal thoughts
Ongoing domestic conflict posing risk
Indicators of neglect
All concerns will be taken seriously.

6. Responding to a Disclosure
If a child or young person discloses harm:
Remain calm and listen carefully.
Do not promise confidentiality.
Reassure them they have done the right thing.
Avoid leading questions.
Record the information factually as soon as possible.
Explain that you may need to share information to keep them safe.

7. Confidentiality & Information Sharing
Confidentiality will be respected wherever possible.
However, confidentiality cannot be maintained if:
A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm
There is risk of harm to others
A criminal offence has been disclosed
Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis with appropriate authorities.

8. Referral Procedure
If a safeguarding concern arises:
Immediate Danger
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
Non-Immediate Concern
Contact:
Local Children’s Social Care (Devon County Council if local)
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
NSPCC (0808 800 5000) for advice if unsure
All referrals will be documented with:
Date and time
Nature of concern
Factual observations
Action taken
Outcome
Diverse Living Devon Ltd

9. Record Keeping
All safeguarding records will:
Be factual and objective
Avoid opinion or speculation
Be stored securely in line with GDPR
Be retained in accordance with data protection guidelines

10. Professional Boundaries
Diverse Living Devon provides structured support and mentoring.
This service does not:
Provide crisis intervention
Replace CAMHS or emergency mental health services
Provide therapy for severe trauma
Where concerns fall outside scope, appropriate referrals will be made.

11. Safer Practice
To maintain safe practice:
Clear session agreements are in place
Intake forms include safeguarding screening
Boundaries are clearly communicated
Professional insurance is maintained
Reflective supervision is sought when needed