Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Abuse and Neglect - HEA1062

Safeguarding adults at risk requires a clear understanding of the social, legal, and behavioural factors that shape vulnerability, protection, and professional responsibility. This micro‑credential is motivated by the need to connect evidence‑based frameworks with the realities of frontline practice. Drawing on contemporary policy, case analysis, and multidisciplinary perspectives, the module examines how abuse and neglect arise, how risk is identified, and how effective interventions are designed. A strong grounding in safeguarding principles enables learners to distinguish between different forms of harm, recognise early indicators, and understand the statutory obligations that govern professional action. Building on this foundation, the module introduces learners to the key processes that guide assessment, reporting, and collaborative response, examining how real‑world cases unfold and how informed decision‑making supports the protection and empowerment of adults at risk.

On successful completion of this micro-credential, learners will be able to:

• Examine and understand the complexity of the theoretical and practice foundations of adult safeguarding and abuse types.
• Critically debate prevention and intervention in adult safeguarding through a joint learning and socio-ecological approach.
• Consider international advances in adult safeguarding and current practice, challenges and dilemmas in case management using key enquiries and case reviews.
• Review emerging Irish policy and proposed legislation related to adult safeguarding. 
• Critically navigate issues related to intersectionality, capacity, empowerment, and advocacy within a person-centred, trauma-informed approach.
• Critically explore human rights-based frameworks within adult safeguarding practice and how these support good practice.

The module is suitable for anyone who works with adults at risk. It is topic-focused rather than discipline-focused. Students must be working with adults at risk within a professional or voluntary capacity during the module. Students are advised to seek support from their manager/organisation to complete the programme.

Applicants will typically hold a Level 8 Honours Degree (NFQ) with a H2.2 or equivalent. Students without a level 8 degree with relevant work/life experience may apply through Recognised Prior Learning: https://www.dcu.ie/recognition-prior-learning
All non-Irish qualifications are subject to review by the International Office. 

The module will be delivered part-time over twelve weeks from September 2026 in a blended learning format with scheduled contact hours (2 days in DCU and six x 2-hour Zoom classes). Please note 100% attendance is required on the contact days. If applicants cannot commit to all the face-to-face sessions, then please do not apply.