Commentary on Sections Section 135 – Functions and procedures of Safeguarding Boards
381.Subsection (1) sets out the objectives of a Safeguarding Children Board. These are to protect children in its area who are experiencing or are at risk of abuse, neglect or other harm and to prevent children in its area from becoming at risk of abuse, neglect or other harm. “Abuse”, “harm” and “neglect” are defined in section 197(1).
382.Subsection (2) sets out the objectives of a Safeguarding Adults Board. These are to protect adults in its area who have needs for care and support and who are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect, and also to prevent adults with needs for care and support from becoming at risk of abuse or neglect.
383.A Safeguarding Board is under a duty to achieve its objectives by coordinating and ensuring the effectiveness of the contributions made by each partner. Regulations must make further provision regarding the functions of the Safeguarding Boards including how children or adults can be involved in its work. A Safeguarding Board may co-operate with another Safeguarding Board and may act jointly with other Safeguarding Boards. A Safeguarding Children Board and a Safeguarding Adults Board may form a joint Board.