At Lighthouse Pathways, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is central to everything we do.
We provide ADHD, autism and neurodevelopmental services for children, young people and families. We understand that some children and young people may be more vulnerable to harm, including bullying, neglect, exploitation, online risks, emotional distress, self-harm or abuse.
We also recognise that neurodivergent children and young people may need additional support to feel safe, understood and heard. This may include children and young people with ADHD, autism, communication differences, sensory needs, anxiety, school distress or other mental health needs.
Our Commitment
Lighthouse Pathways is committed to:
- protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect, exploitation and avoidable harm
- listening to children and young people and taking their concerns seriously
- acting promptly where a safeguarding concern is identified
- working with parents, carers, schools, GPs, CAMHS, Children's Social Care, MASH, the police and other agencies where appropriate
- making reasonable adjustments for children and young people with ADHD, autism, communication differences, learning needs or sensory needs
- ensuring our staff and clinicians understand their safeguarding responsibilities
- reviewing and learning from safeguarding concerns, incidents and feedback
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All Lighthouse Pathways staff, clinicians and contractors are expected to report safeguarding concerns promptly.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead
Lighthouse Pathways has a Designated Safeguarding Lead for Children and Young People.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees safeguarding arrangements, supports staff and clinicians, advises on safeguarding concerns, and works with external agencies where required.
What Safeguarding Means
Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from harm and promoting their welfare.
This may include concerns about:
- physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse
- neglect
- domestic abuse
- online grooming or exploitation
- bullying or cyberbullying
- child sexual exploitation
- child criminal exploitation
- self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- modern slavery or trafficking
- female genital mutilation
- radicalisation or extremism
- concerns about the conduct of a person working with children
Safeguarding in Remote Appointments
As a remote service, we take additional steps to support safe care during telephone, video and online contact.
This normally includes:
- confirming the child or young person's identity and current location
- checking who is present during a remote appointment
- asking whether the child or young person is able to speak freely
- offering reasonable adjustments where needed
- giving children and young people time and space to communicate
- recording and escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately
All clinical contact must take place through approved Lighthouse Pathways systems.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We respect confidentiality and privacy. However, confidentiality is not absolute where a child or young person may be at risk of harm.
If we believe a child or young person is at risk, we may need to share relevant information with appropriate safeguarding agencies. This may include Children's Social Care, MASH, the police, a GP, CAMHS, a school or another relevant professional.
Where possible, we will explain what information is being shared and why. However, we may share information without consent where this is necessary to protect a child or young person from harm.
If You Are Worried About a Child or Young Person
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you have a safeguarding concern relating to a child or young person using Lighthouse Pathways services, please contact us and mark your message as Safeguarding Concern.
- Email: feedback@lighthousepathways.co.uk
- Telephone: 0207 101 5930
Please include as much factual information as possible, including the child or young person's name, date of birth, your concern, and whether there is any immediate risk.
Full Safeguarding Policy
This page is a summary of our safeguarding approach for patients, parents, carers and professionals.
A full copy of our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy is available on request. To request a copy, please contact: feedback@lighthousepathways.co.uk
