Safeguarding and young people
We assess and support children and young people, so keeping them safe comes first. This page explains who is responsible, how consent works, and what to do if you’re worried.
Who this page is for: parents and carers, young people, and professionals.
CHECK: Hans’s drafted safeguarding policy and concern form, to check this page against (questionnaire 2.8)
Who is our safeguarding lead?
Hans Naicker, our Clinical Lead, is Oakwell’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. You can contact him on 07496 159 590 or at info@oakwellmentalhealth.co.uk.
Who can give consent for a child?
For a child under 16, consent comes from a parent or someone else with parental responsibility. CHECK: how Oakwell works with separated parents (§22.6)
Can 16 and 17-year-olds consent for themselves?
Young people aged 16 and 17 are generally presumed able to consent to their own assessment. We encourage family involvement and record consent.
What happens at home visits for under-18s?
For under-16s, a parent or carer is present at home visits; 16 and 17-year-olds are offered the choice. CHECK: any further chaperone arrangements (§22.6)
Who pays for mentorship for under-18s?
CHECK: who contracts and pays for 16 and 17-year-olds on the Goal Coaching Mentorship Programme (§22.6, D2.6)
What checks do our clinicians have?
All clinicians hold enhanced DBS checks. CHECK: do all staff working with children hold an enhanced DBS check including the children’s barred list? (§22.6, D2.6)
What if we’re worried about a child’s safety?
If we’re concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, we follow our safeguarding policy. That can mean sharing information with children’s social care or the police, even without consent, when it’s needed to keep them safe. CHECK: confirm against Hans’s safeguarding policy
How can I raise a concern?
Contact Hans Naicker on 07496 159 590 or at info@oakwellmentalhealth.co.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
CHECK: each local council’s children’s services contact, verified (data/local-support.json)
If you’re under 16, please ask a parent or carer to get in touch with us.
If you’re unhappy with how we’ve handled something, our complaints page explains what to do.