WEEK 2: VULNERABILITY

Question 1

Why were the guidelines on Vulnerability introduced?

Answer 1

To support officers and staff to:

• Recognise individuals at risk of harm
• Better understand the vulnerabilities of all those they encounter, rather than thinking about risk in relation to individual forms of harm, such as child abuse or domestic violence in isolation. (Not just seeing one risk, looking deeper into the job and considering possible underlying issues)
• To interact with vulnerable people in a way that maximises opportunity for disclosure

Question 2

What do the guidelines for recognising and responding to vulnerability to consist of?

Answer 2

1) Clues - Officers should be alert to and understand clues that indicate vulnerability and understand why people may not disclose this. e.g lack of recognition of abuse, fear, bullying and coercion, perception of authority, feeling blamed.

2) Communication - Officers should develop and use advanced communication skills to build rapport to encourage individuals to be open about their potential risk or vulnerability. The key skills when doing so consists of :
a) building rapport
b) active listening
c) using a procedural just approach (being transparent, explaining why things are being done etc)
d) minimising bias judgement

3) Curiosity - Officers should exercise professional curiosity to identify and investigate vulnerability related risks so they can apply the appropriate response. Professional curiosity includes:
- exploring and understanding what is happening by asking questions and maintaining an open mind
-not necessarily more deeply .