Learning from Adult Practice Reviews (APRs)

Abstract Adult Practice Reviews (APRs) provide a vital opportunity to learn from cases where adults at risk have experienced significant harm or death, identifying systemic strengths and weaknesses within safeguarding practice. Commissioned by the National Independent Safeguarding Board (NISB) Wales, this 2025 thematic review analysed 25 APRs covering incidents from 2016–2022, with the aim of… Read More

Jumping hurdles and appearing above the parapet: Navigating interagency working to support people experiencing self-neglect

Abstract Self-neglect presents distinctive challenges and can have high stakes for individuals’ self-care, health and wellbeing. It often requires extensive collaboration, which can involve some, or all, of: Social Care, Health, Fire & Rescue, Housing, Environmental Protection, the police and voluntary sector organisations, among others. Several Safeguarding Adults Reviews attest to the logistical, interprofessional and… Read More

Safeguarding People Living with Dementia

Abstract Research has shown that dementia makes adults more susceptible to abuse and neglect.  The Care Act 2014 provides local authorities and other agencies in England with duties to safeguard adults from such abuse with partnership being a key principle.  However, little is known about social care and health professionals’ views and practices on partnership… Read More

Discriminatory Abuse: Using Stories and Narratives to Explore Professional Responses

Abstract Discriminatory abuse refers to forms of harassment that target a person’s protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.  It is an under-reported category of abuse and little is known about how practitioners approach this work.  This presentation will… Read More

Creating and Managing a Parent Advocacy Programme

Abstract: Parents who have experienced the child welfare system are working as peer-to-peer advocates, helping other parents negotiate child welfare. Parents are also working as activists to change child welfare policies, progammes and systems. This presentation focuses on how to create and manage a parent advocacy programme that supports parents, helps families and improves child… Read More

Missing and Lost: Missing Children, Social Harm and Structural Violence

Summary: In this webinar Dr Paul Andell will discuss the phenomenon of children going missing from care, situating these experiences within wider frameworks of structural violence, social harm, and institutional neglect. Drawing on personal reflections, policy analysis, case studies, and recent qualitative research, the presenter suggests that episodes of missing children are not isolated events but symptoms of systemic… Read More

Falling through the net – prevention and protection: The exploitation of learning disabled and neurodivergent children and young people.

Summary: The exploitation of learning disabled and neurodivergent children and young people is a concern given the higher rates of abuse and exploitation experienced by children with special educational needs and disabilities. This presentation will consider the needs of these children and their parents for help and support. Based on a study published in 2024… Read More

“They’re not seeing young people as victims of exploitation”: Multi-agency responses to the criminal exploitation of children in Wales 

Summary: Despite the UK’s robust child protection policies and approaches to modern slavery, there is no specific legislation or statutory guidance to address the criminal exploitation of children. Rather, it is considered under existing provisions under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Yet, frontline workers seldom suspect British children of being victims of modern slavery. It… Read More