Introduction
Lichfield District Council (LDC) abides by the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is committed to safeguarding practice that reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice requirements.
All children and adults at risk of abuse and neglect have the right to live their lives to the fullest potential, to be protected, to have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy any activity, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
All children and adults at risk, regardless of disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, has an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
Definitions
Children for the purposes of this policy are those who are under 18 years old.
Adults at risk of abuse and neglect for the purpose of this policy are adults who have needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and as a result of those care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.