BRECKLANDCOUNCIL

CHILDPROTECTIONPOLICY

GUIDANCEANDPROCEDURES

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Q:Idon’tdirectlyworkwithchildren,sodoesthisPolicyaffectme?A:YesitDoes!!

ThispolicyappliestoallsituationswithintheCouncil’soperation,whichcouldpotentiallyinvolvechildrenoryoungpeople,fromyoungchildrenrunningaroundinareceptionareatohomevisitswherechildrenoryoungpeoplearepresent,

Therefore,althoughyourworkmaynotdirectlyimpactonorrelatetochildrenoryoungpeople,youhavearesponsibilitytorecogniseandrespondtochildprotectionsituationsandconcernsappropriatelyandmustbeawareofthispolicyanditsprocedures.

ThispolicyaffectseveryBrecklandCouncilstaffmember,electedmember,volunteerandanyoneworkingonbehalfofand/orrepresentingtheCouncil.

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Contents

1.Introduction5
2.ChildProtectionPolicy5
3.WhatisChildAbuse?6
3.1TheMainFormsofAbuse6
4.RecognisingChildAbuse8
4.1SignsandIndicators8
4.2ImportantRule10
5.RespondingtoConcernsandAllegations10
5.1ImportantRule10
5.2ResponsibilitiesofSeniorManagers11
5.3ResponseSituations11
5.4BasicResponseProcedure12
5.5SpecificResponseProcedures13
5.6Confidentiality15
5.7PhotographyandPornography15

6.GoodPracticeforStaff,ElectedMembersandVolunteers16

6.1TheCareofChildrenandYoungPeople16

6.2Guidelinesforanybodyworkingwithyoungpeople.16

7.GoodPracticeforBrecklandCouncil17

7.1TheCareoftheOrganisation17

7.2UseofContractors17

7.3RecruitmentandSelectionofStaffandVolunteers18

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Appendices

AppendixA–LegislationandGuidanceAppendixB–UsefulContacts

AppendixC–ChildProtectionIncidentReportingFormAppendixD–ConsentForm

AppendixE–ConsentFormfortheuseofCamerasandotherImageRecordersAppendixF–AccidentRecordingForm

AppendixG-Declaration

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1.Introduction

Childrenandyoungpeoplehavetherighttobesafeintheservicesprovidedforthemandactivitiestheychoosetoparticipatein.

Thereisaconsiderablebodyoflegislation,governmentguidanceandstandardsdesignedtoensurethatchildrenareprotectedfromharm(seeAppendixA).Theseinclude‘TheChildrenAct1989’,‘TheChildrenAct2004’,‘EveryChildMatters’andthe‘WorkingTogethertoSafeguardChildren’documentbytheDepartmentofHealth.

LordLamingintheVictoriaClimbieInquiryReportstated“Thesupportandprotectionofchildrencannotbeachievedbyasingleagency.Everyservicehastoplayitspart.Allstaffmusthaveplaceduponthemtheclearexpectationthattheirprimaryresponsibilityistothechildandhisorherfamily.”Section11oftheChildrenAct2004placesadutyonkeypersonsandbodiestomakearrangementstoensurethatindischargingtheirfunctions,theyhaveregardtotheneedtosafeguardandpromotethewelfareofchildren.Asanorganisationwithreasonabilityforchildrenandyoungpeopleacrossitsservices,BrecklandCouncilhasbothamoralandlegalobligationtoensureadutyofcare.

BrecklandCounciliscommittedtoensuringthatallchildrenandyoungpeopleareprotectedandkeptsafefromharmwhilstengagedinservicesorganisedandsupportedbytheCouncil.

Thecouncilisnotaninvestigativeorinterventionagencyforchildprotection.However,becausesomestaffareinregularcontactwithchildrenand‘youngpeopletheyareinapositiontoobserveoutwardsignsofabuseandcanandshouldalertotherswhensuchsignsareobserved.TheCouncilhasaresponsibilitytorefersuspectedcasesofabusetoNorfolkCountyCouncilSocialServicesDepartmentandorthePolice.

2.ChildProtectionPolicy

TheChildProtectionPolicyisdesignedtosafeguardchildrenandyoungpeoplefrompotentialabuseaswellasprotectBrecklandCouncil,itsstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersfromfalseallegationsofabuse.

BrecklandCouncilrecognisesthat:

•Thetermchildrenoryoungpeopleisusedtorefertoanyoneundertheageof18years.

•Thetermparentisusedasagenerictermtorepresentparents,carersandguardians.

•Thetermstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersisusedtorefertoanyoneworkingonbehalfofand/orrepresentingtheCouncil.

•Allchildrenandyoungpeopleirrespectiveoftheirage,class,religion,culture,disability,gender,ethnicityorsexualpreferencehavetherighttoprotectionfromabuse.

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3.WhatisChildAbuse?

Abuseistheneglectofachildoryoungpersonbyinflictingharm,orbyfailingtoacttopreventharm.Thereisevidencethatchildrenandyoungpeoplehavebeenabusedinafamilyorinaninstitutional(e.g.school,carehome)orsocialsetting;bythoseknowntothemormorerarely,byastranger.

3.1TheMainForms ofAbuse

Itisgenerallyacceptedthattherearefourmainformsofabuse.ThefollowingdefinitionsarebasedonthosefromWorkingTogethertoSafeguardChildren(DepartmentofHealth,HomeOffice,DepartmentofEducationandEmployment,1999)(NationalAssemblyforWales2000);Co-operatingtoSafeguardChildren(2002)(NorthernIreland);ProtectingChildren–ASharedResponsibility(ScottishExecutive1998).

3.1.1PhysicalAbuse

Hitting,shaking,throwing,poisoning,burningorscalding,drowning,suffocatingorotherwisecausingphysicalharmtoachildoryoungpersonareexamplesofphysicalabuse.

Physicalharmisalsocausedwhenaparentorcarerfeignsthesymptomsof,ordeliberatelycausesillhealthtoachildoryoungpersonwhomtheyarelookingafter.Thesituationiscommonlydescribedasfactitiousillness,fabricatedorinducedillnessinchildrenor‘MunchausenSyndromebyProxy’afterthepersonwhofirstidentifiedthissituation. Apersonmightdothisbecausetheyenjoyorneedtheattentiontheygetthroughhavingasickchildoryoungperson.

Physicalabuse,aswellasbeingaresultofadeliberateact,canalsobecausedthroughanomissionorthefailuretoacttoprotect.

3.1.2EmotionalAbuse

Emotionalabuseisthepersistentemotionalilltreatmentofachildoryoungpersonsuchastocausesevereandpersistentadverseeffectsonthechildoryoungperson’semotionaldevelopment.Itinvolvesmakingachildoryoungpersonfeelorbelievesthattheyareworthlessorunloved,inadequateorvaluedonlyinsofarastheymeettheneedsofanotherperson.

Itmayfeatureageordevelopmentallyinappropriateexpectationsbeingimposedonchildrenoryoungpeople.Itmayalsoinvolvecausingchildrenoryoungpeopletofrequentlyfeelfrightenedorindanger,ortheexploitationorcorruptionofachildoryoungperson.

Somelevelofemotionalabuseisinvolvedinalltypesofilltreatmentofachildoryoungperson,thoughitmayoccuralone.

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3.1.3SexualAbuse

Sexualabuseinvolvesforcingorenticingachildoryoungpersontotakepartinsexualactivities,whetherornotthechildoryoungpersonisawareof,orconsentsto,whatishappening.Theactivitiesmayinvolvephysicalcontact,suchasfondling.

Sexualabusealsoincludesnon-contactactivities,suchasinvolvingchildrenoryoungpeopleinlookingat,orintheproductionof,pornographicmaterialorwatchingsexualactivities,orencouragingchildrenoryoungpeopletobehaveinsexuallyinappropriateways.

Boysandgirlscanbesexuallyabusedbymalesand/orfemales,byadultsandbyotheryoungpeople.Thisincludespeoplefromalldifferentwalksoflife.

3.1.4Neglect

Neglectisthepersistentfailuretomeetachildoryoungperson’sbasicphysicaland/orpsychologicalneeds,likelytoresultintheseriousimpairmentofthechildoryoungperson’shealthordevelopment,forexampleaparentorcarerfailingtoprovideadequatefood,shelterandclothing,leavingayoungchildhomealoneorthefailuretoensurethatachildoryoungpersongetsappropriatemedicalcareortreatment.Itmayalsoincludeneglectof,orunresponsivenessto,achildoryoungpersonsbasicemotionalneeds.

3.1.5Diagram3a–Mainforms ofAbuse

Itisacceptedthatinallformsofabusethereareelementsofemotionalabuseandthatsomechildrenoryoungpeoplearesubjectedtomorethanoneformofabuseatanyonetime.

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3.16Bullying

Itisimportanttorecognisethatinsomecasesofabuse,itmaynotalwaysbeanadultabusingayoungperson.Ayoungpersoncanabuseanotheryoungperson,forexampleinthecaseofbullying.Bullyingmaybeseenasdeliberatelyhurtfulbehaviour,usuallyrepeatedoveraperiodoftime,whereitisdifficultforthosebulliedtodefendthemselves.

Althoughanyonecanbethetargetofbullying,victimsaretypicallyshy,sensitiveandperhapsanxiousorinsecure.Sometimestheyaresingledoutforphysicalreasons,beingoverweight,physicallysmall,havingadisabilityorbelongingtoadifferentrace,faithorculture.

Bullyingcaninclude:

•Physical:e.g.hitting,kickingandtheft

•Verbal:e.g.name-calling,constantteasing,sarcasm,racistorhomophobictaunts,threats,graffitiandgesturesorbeingexcludedbytheirpeers.

•Emotional:e.g.tormenting,ridiculing,humiliatingandignoring

•Sexual:e.g.unwantedphysicalcontactorabusivecomments.

Thedamageinflictedbybullyingcanfrequentlybeunderestimated.Itcancauseconsiderabledistresstochildren,totheextentthatitaffectstheirhealthanddevelopmentor,attheextreme,causesthemsignificantharm(includingself-harm).Thereareanumberofsignsthatmayindicatethatayoungpersonisbeingbullied:

•Behaviouralchangessuchasreducedconcentrationand/orbecomingwithdrawn,clingy,depressed,tearful,emotionallyupanddown,reluctancetogotoschooletc.

•Adropoffinperformanceatschoolorstandardofplay

•Physicalsignssuchasstomach-aches,headaches,difficultyinsleeping,bed-wetting,scratchingandbruising,damagedclothesandbingeingforexampleonfood,cigarettesoralcohol.

•Ashortageofmoneyorfrequentlossofpossessions.

4.RecognisingChildAbuse

Recognisingchildabuseisnoteasy,andisnottheresponsibilityofCouncilstaff,electedmembersorvolunteerstodecidewhetherornotchildabusehastakenplaceoritachildoryoungpersonisatsignificantrisk.Councilstaffs,electedmembersandvolunteershowever,dohavearesponsibilitytoactiftheyhaveaconcern.

4.1SignsandIndicators

Everychildandyoungpersonisuniqueanditisdifficulttopredicthowtheirbehaviourwillchangeasaresultoftheirexperienceofabuse.Listedbelowaresomephysicalsigns andbehaviouralindicatorsthatmaybecommonlyseeninchildrenandyoungpeoplewhoareabused,butremembertheymayonlybeanindicationandnotconfirmationthatabuseistakingplace.

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4.1.1PhysicalAbuse

PHYSICALABUSE
PhysicalSigns / BehaviouralIndicators
Y / Unexplainedbruising,marksor / Y / Fearofparentsbeingapproached
injuriesonanypartofthebody / foranexplanation
Y / Bruiseswhichreflecthandmarks / Y / Aggressivebehaviourorsevere
orfingertips(fromslappingor / temperoutbursts
pinching) / Y / Flinchingwhenapproachedor
Y / Cigaretteburns / touched
Y / Bitemarks / Y / Reluctancetogetchanged,for
Y / Brokenbones / examplewearinglongsleevesinhot
Y / Scalds / weather
Y / Depression
Y / Withdrawnbehaviour
Y / Runningawayfromhome

4.1.2EmotionalAbuse

EMOTIONALABUSE
PhysicalSigns / BehaviouralIndicators
Y Afailuretothriveorgrow
YSuddenspeechdisorders
Y Development delay, eitherintermsofphysicaloremotionalprogress / Y Neuroticbehaviour,e.g.hairtwisting,rocking.
Y Beingunabletoplay
Y Fear ofmakingmistakes
Y Selfharm
Y Fear ofparentbeingapproachedregardingtheirbehaviour

4.1.3SexualAbuse

SEXUALABUSE
PhysicalSigns / BehaviouralIndicators
Y / Painoritchinginthegenital/anal / Y / Suddenorunexplainedchangesin
areas / behaviour,e.g.becomingaggressive
Y / Bruisingorbleedingnear / orwithdrawn
genital/analareas / Y / Fearofbeingleftwithaspecific
Y / Sexuallytransmitteddisease / personorgroupofpeople
Y / Vaginaldischargeorinfection / Y / Havingnightmares
Y / Stomachpains / Y / Runningawayfromhome
Y / Discomfortwhenwalkingorsitting / Y / Sexualknowledgewhichisbeyond
down / theirageordevelopmentage
Y / Pregnancy / Y / Sexualdrawingsorlanguage
Y / Bedwetting
Y / Sayingtheyhavesecretsthey
cannottellanyoneabout
Y / Selfharmormutilation,sometimes
leadingtosuicideattempts
Y / Eatingproblemssuchasovereating
oranorexia

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4.1.4Neglect

NEGLECT
PhysicalSigns / BehaviouralIndicators
Y Constanthunger,sometimesstealingfoodfromothers
Y Constantlydirtyor‘smelly’
Y Lossofweight,orbeing constantlyunderweight
Y Inappropriatedressfortheconditions / Y Complainingofbeingtiredallthetime
Y Notrequestingmedicalassistanceand/orfailingtoattendappointments
Y Havingfewfriends
Y Mentioningtheir beingleftaloneorunsupervised

Theabovelistsarenotexhaustiveordefinitivebutareaguide.

4.2ImportantRule

Itisimportanttorememberthatmanychildrenandyoungpeoplewillexhibitsomeofthesesignsandindicatorsatsometime,andthepresenceofoneormoreshouldnotbetakenasproofthatabuseisoccurring.

Theremaywellbeotherreasonsforchangesinbehavioursuchasdeath,orthebirthofanewbabyinthefamily,relationshipproblemsbetweenparents/carers,etc.

5.RespondingtoConcernsandAllegations

Theseproceduresinformallstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersofwhatactionstheyshouldtakeiftheyhaveconcernsorencounteracaseofallegedorsuspectedchildabuse,i.e.responseactions.TheproceduresapplytoallBrecklandCouncilstaff,electedmembersandvolunteers.

5.1ImportantRule

Itisimportantthatallstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersareawarethatthefirstpersonthathasconcernsorencountersacaseofallegedorsuspectedabuseisnotresponsiblefordecidingwhetherornotabusehasoccurred.However,staff,electedmembersandvolunteersdohaveadutyofcaretothechildrenoryoungpeopleandshouldreportanysuspicions.

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5.2ResponsibilitiesofSeniorManagers(ChiefExecutive,OperationsManagersandServiceManagers)

Staff,electedmembersandvolunteersmust(see5.4and5.5),informorreportanyconcernsorcasesofallegedorsuspectedabusedirectlytotheirServiceManagerorintheirabsencedirectlytoanOperationsManager.WhereadelaywouldplacethechildatseriousriskofharmthentheNorfolkCountyCouncilSocialServicesandorthePoliceshouldbeinformedimmediately.

WhereanelectedmemberneedstoinformorreportanyconcernsorcasesofallegedorsuspectedabusetheyshoulddothisdirectlytoanOperationsManagerortheChiefExecutive.

TheresponsibilityfortheimplantationoftheCouncils’ChildProtectionPolicyrestswiththeChiefExecutivewhorequiresallOperationManagersandService ManagerstoimplementthepolicyandensurethattheguidanceandproceduresaresuitableforhowtheCouncilanditscontractorsworkwithchildrenandyoungpeople.AllOperationsManagersandServiceManagersareauthorisedtoreceivereportsandactuponissuesrelatingtochildprotectiononhisbehalf.

TherelevantcontactnumbersforPoliceandChildren’sServicesareinthebackoftheseguidelines.

5.3ResponseSituations

Ingeneralthereare3situationsthatstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersmayneedtorespondtoaconcernorcaseofallegedorsuspectedabuse:

1.Respondingtoachildoryoungpersondisclosingabuse,i.e.theymakeanallegationofabuse

2.Respondingtoallegationsorconcernsaboutamemberofstaff,electedmember,volunteerorpersonactingonbehalfoftheCouncil.

3.Respondingtoallegationsorconcernsaboutanyotherperson,i.e.parent,carer,otherserviceuser.

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5.4BasicResponseProcedure

Diagram5aillustratesthebasicresponseprocedure/actionsthatshouldbefollowedfortheaboveresponsesituations.

Diagram5a

Basicresponseprocedure/actions

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5.5SpecificResponseProcedures

Thefollowingproceduresshouldbefollowedineachsituation.

5.5.1Respondingtoachildoryoungpersonmakinganallegationofabuse

Abusedchildrenandyoungpeoplewillonlytellpeopletheytrustandwithwhomtheyfeelsafe.Bylisteningandtakingseriouslywhatthechildoryoungpersonissaying, youarealreadyhelpingthesituation.Thefollowingpointsareaguidetohelpyourespondappropriately.

StayCalm.

  • Listencarefullytowhatissaid.
  • Findanappropriateearlyopportunitytoexplainthatitislikelythattheinformationwillneedtobesharedwithothers–donotpromisetokeepsecrets.
  • Allowthechildoryoungpersontocontinueattheirownpace.
  • Askquestionsforclarificationonly,andatalltimesavoidaskingquestionsthatsuggestaparticularanswer.
  • Reassurethechildoryoungpersonthattheyhavedonetherightthingintellingyou.
  • Tellthemwhatyouwilldonextandwithwhomtheinformationwillbeshared.
  • RecordinwritingonaChildProtectionIncidentReportingForm(seeAppendixC)allthedetailsthatyouareawareofandwhatwassaidusingthechildoryoungperson’sownwords,assoonaspossible.Inyourrecordyoushouldinclude:
  • Thedateandtime
  • Thechildoryoungpersonsname,addressanddateofbirth
  • Thenatureoftheallegation
  • Adescriptionofanyvisibleinjuries
  • Yourobservations–e.g.adescriptionofthechildoryoungperson’sbehaviourandphysicalandemotionalstate.
  • Exactlywhatthechildoryoungpersonsaidandwhatyousaid.Recordthechildoryoungpersonsaccountofwhathashappenedascloseaspossible.
  • Anyactionyoutook asaresultofyourconcernse.g.who youspoketoandresultingactions.Includenames,addressesandtelephonenumbers.
  • Signanddatewhatyouhaverecorded.
  • ReporttoandinformyourlinemanagerorinthecaseofelectedmembersdirectlytoanOperationsManagerortheChiefExecutive.
  • Seniormanagerseeksadvicefromanotherseniormanagerifappropriate.
  • Seniormanagerinformsrelevantpersons,i.e.SocialServicesand/orthePoliceifappropriate.Thisshouldbedoneinitiallybyphonetoalertanamedpersonthataformwillbesentthrough,thentheformshouldbesentviaemailorfaxandareceiptof transmissionkeptonfile.
  • IfconfirmationofreceiptofthereportingformCisnotreceivedwithin2hoursthenthismustbefollowedupuntilconfirmationofreceiptoftheformhasbeenreceived.
  • Anaudittrailofallcorrespondenceshouldbekept.
  • Insituationswhereyourregularmanagersarenotavailable,reportittoanyServiceManagerorOperationsManager.

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5.5.2Respondingtoallegationsorconcernsagainstamemberofstaff,electedMemberorvolunteer

  • Taketheallegationorconcernseriously.
  • Consideranyallegationorconcerntobepotentiallydangeroustothechildoryoungperson.
  • RecordinwritingonaChildProtectionIncidentReportingForm(seeAppendixC)allthedetailsthatyouareawareofassoonaspossible.
  • Reporttoandinformyourlinemanagerinthecasewhereyourimmediatelinemanagerisinvolved,reportdirectlytoanOperationsManager.Inthecaseofelectedmembersdirectlytoanoperationsmanagerorthechiefexecutive.
  • Seniormanagerseeksadvicefromanotherseniormanagerifappropriate.
  • Seniormanagerinformsrelevantpersons,i.e.SocialServicesand/orthePoliceifappropriate.Thisshouldbedoneinitiallybyphonetoalertanamedpersonthataformwillbesentthrough,thentheformshouldbesentviaemailorfaxandareceiptoftransmissionkeptonfile.
  • IfconfirmationofreceiptofthereportingformCisnotreceivedwithin2hoursthenthismustbefollowedupuntilconfirmationofreceiptoftheformhasbeenreceived.
  • Anaudittrailofallcorrespondenceshouldbekept.
  • Insituationswhereyourregularmanagersarenotavailable,reportittoanyServiceManagerorOperationsManager.
  • WhereappropriatetheCouncildisciplinaryprocesswillbeinvoked.

5.5.3Respondingtoallegationsorconcernsagainstanyotherperson,i.e.parent,carer,serviceuser

  • Taketheallegationorconcernseriously.
  • Consideranyallegationorconcerntobepotentiallydangeroustothechildoryoungperson.
  • RecordinwritingonaChildProtectionIncidentReportingForm(seeAppendixC)allthedetailsthatyouareawareofassoonaspossible.
  • Reporttoandinformyourlinemanagerorinthecaseofelectedmembersdirectlytoanoperationsmanagerorthechiefexecutive.
  • Seniormanagersseekadvicefromanotherseniormanagerifappropriate.
  • Seniormanagerinformsrelevantpersons,i.e.SocialServicesand/orthePoliceifappropriate.Thisshouldbedoneinitiallybyphonetoalertanamedpersonthataformwillbesentthrough,thentheformshouldbesentviaemailorfaxandareceiptoftransmissionkeptonfile.
  • IfconfirmationofreceiptofthereportingformCisnotreceivedwithin2hoursthenthismustbefollowedupuntilconfirmationofreceiptoftheformhasbeenreceived.
  • Anaudittrailofallcorrespondenceshouldbekept.
  • Insituationswhereyourregularmanagersarenotavailable,reportittoanyServiceManagerorOperationsManager.

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5.6Confidentiality

Everyeffortshouldbemadetoensurethatconfidentialityismaintainedforallconcerned.Informationshouldbehandledanddisseminatedonaneedtoknowbasisonly,i.e.SeniorManagers,SocialServicesandthePolice.

Itisextremelyimportantthatallegationsorconcernsarenotdiscussed,asanybreachofconfidentialitycouldbedamagingtothechildoryoungperson,theirfamilyandanychildprotectioninvestigationsthatmayfollow.

Informingtheparentsofachildoryoungpersonyoumayhaveconcernsaboutneedsto bedealtwithinasensitivewayandmustonlybedoneafterconsultationwiththePoliceorSocialServices.

Anyindividualundersupervisionhavetherighttobenotifiedaboutthecauseforconcern.ThisshouldbedonebySocialServicesandthePolice.Itisimportantthetimingofthisdoesnotprejudicetheinvestigation.

Ifenquiriesarisefromthepublic(includingparents)oranybranchofthemedia,itisvitalthatallstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersarebriefedsothattheydonotmakeanycommentsregardingthesituation.Staff,electedmembersandvolunteersshouldbeinformedwhotherelevantdesignatedCouncilspokespersonwillbe,andallenquiriesdirectedthroughthem.Individualmembersofstaff,electedmembersandvolunteersmustdirectallenquiriestotheCouncilspokespersonandmakenocomment.

5.7PhotographyandPornography

Thereisincreasingevidencethatsomepeoplehaveusedchildrenandyoungpeople’sactivitiesandevents,asanopportunitytotakeinappropriatephotographs,mobilephonepicturesorvideofootageofchildrenandyoungpeople.Staff,electedmembersandvolunteersshouldbevigilantatalltimesandanypersonoperatingcameras,videosorotherimagerecordingequipmentwithinBrecklandCouncilservicesandateventsoractivitieswhichinvolvechildrenandyoungpeopleshouldbeapproachedandaskedtocompleteaConsentFormfortheuseofCamerasandotherImageRecorders,includingmobilephones(SeeAppendixE).

WhencommissioningprofessionalphotographersorinvitingpresstocoverCouncilservices,eventsandactivitiesyoumustensurethatyoumaketheCouncilsexpectationsclearinrelationtochildprotection.

  • Checkcredentialsofanyphotographersandorganisationsused.
  • Ensureidentificationiswornatalltimes,iftheydonothavetheirown–provideit.
  • Donotallowunsupervisedaccesstochildrenoryoungpeopleoronetoonephotographic sessions.
  • Donotallowphotographicsessionsoutsideoftheactivitiesorservices,oratachildoryoungpersonshome.
  • ParentsmustbeinformedthatphotographsoftheirchildoryoungpersonmaybetakenduringCouncilservices,activitiesorevents,andparentalconsentformsneedtobesignedagreeingtothis.Thismustincludeinformationabouthowandwherethesephotographswillbeused(seeAppendixD).

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  • Itisrecommendedthatthenamesofchildrenoryoungpeopleshouldnotbeusedinphotographsorvideofootage,whereanamecanbeattributedtoanindividualandwithoutwiththeexpresspermissionofthechildoryoungpersonsparent.

6.GoodPracticeforStaff,ElectedMembersandVolunteers

6.1ThecareofChildrenandYoungPeople

Itispossibletolimitthesituationswhereabuseofchildrenandyoungpeoplemayoccur,bypromotinggoodpracticetoallstaff,electedmembers,volunteersandothersworkingonbehalfoftheCouncil.

Thefollowingbasicguidelineswillhelpsafeguardchildrenandyoungpeople,staff, electedmembers,volunteers,BrecklandCouncilandotherconcernedorganisations.Theguidelinesaimtopromotepositivepracticeandareexamplesofcare,whichshouldbetakenbystaff,electedmembersandvolunteerswhileworkingwithchildrenandyoungpeople.

6.2Guidelinesforanybodyworkingwithyoungpeople.

Goodpracticeforanybodyworkingwithyoungpeople.

  • Alwaysbepubliclyopenwhenworkingwithchildrenandyoungpeople.Avoidsituationswhereamemberofstaff,electedmemberorvolunteerandanindividualchildoryoungpersonarealoneunobserved.
  • Childrenoryoungpeopleshouldneverbeleftunattended.
  • Ifanyformofphysicalcontactisrequireditshouldbeprovidedopenlyandaccordingtoappropriateguidelines,i.e.Thenationalgoverningbody’sguidelinesforthatparticularsportoractivity,detailscanbefoundfromChildProtectioninSport.
  • Ifsupervisioninchangingroomsorsimilarenvironmentsisrequired,ensurestaffworkinpairsandneverenteroppositesexchangingrooms.
  • Withmixedgroups,supervisionshouldbebyamaleandfemalememberofstaff,wherepossible.
  • Staff,electedmembersandvolunteersmustplacethewellbeingandsafetyofthechildoryoungpersonabovethedevelopmentofperformance.
  • Staff,electedmembersandvolunteersmustfeelconfidenttoreportconcernsorworriesaboutthebehaviourofotherstaffmembers,electedmembers,volunteersorothersactingonbehalfoftheCouncil,totheappropriatepersoninauthority.
  • Managersandparentsmustbeinformedofallincidentsandaccidentsattheearliestopportunity.Thiscanbedonebytelephoneorwritingdependingonthesituation.AllincidentsandaccidentsmustberecordedonFormF.
  • Ifachildoryoungpersonisaccidentallyinjuredastheresultofastaffmember,electedmemberorvolunteersactions,seemsdistressedinanyway,appearstobesexuallyarousedbyyouractions,misunderstandsormisinterpretssomethingyouhavedone,alwaysreportsuchincidentsassoonaspossibletoanothercolleagueandmakeawrittenreport.
  • IfachildoryoungpersonarrivesatanactivityorserviceshowinganysignsorsymptomsofabusethatgiveyoucauseforconcernyoumustactappropriatelyandfollowtheproceduresinSection5.

Itisnotgoodpracticeforpeopleworkingwithyoungpeopleto:

  • Spendunreasonableamountsoftimealonewithanindividualchildoryoungpersonawayfromothers.
  • Takeachildoryoungpersonaloneonacarjourney,howevershort.

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  • Arrangetomeetchildrenoryoungpeopleoutsideanorganisedactivityorservice.

Ifthesesituationsareunavoidable,theyshouldonlyoccurwithfullprior/knowledgeandconsentfromyourlinemanagerandthechildoryoungperson’sparents/carer.

Anybodyworkingwithyoungpeopleshouldnever:

  • Takechildrenoryoungpeopletoyourhomewheretheywillbealonewithyou.
  • Engageinroughphysicalgamesincludinghorseplay.
  • Engageinsexuallyprovocativegames
  • Alloworengageininappropriatetouchingofanyform.
  • Allowchildrenoryoungpeopletouseinappropriatelanguageunchallenged,oruseityourself.
  • Makesexuallysuggestivecommentsaboutortoachildoryoungperson,eveninfun.
  • Letanyallegationachildoryoungpersonmakesbeignoredorgounrecorded.
  • Dothingsofapersonalnatureforchildrenandyoungpeoplethattheycandoforthemselves,e.g.assistwithchanging.

oNB.Itmaysometimesbenecessarytodothingsofapersonalnatureforchildrenoryoungpeople,particularlyiftheyareveryyoungordisabled.Thesetasksshouldonlybecarriedoutwiththefullunderstandingandconsentoftheparents.Inanemergencysituationthatrequiresthistypeofhelp,youshouldendeavourtohavesomeonepresentandfullyinformtheparentsassoonasitisreasonablypossible.Insuchsituationsitisimportantthatyouensurethatallthepeopleinvolvedaresensitivetothechildoryoungpersonandundertakepersonalcaretaskswithutmostdiscretion.

  • Shareabedroomwithachildoryoungperson.
  • Enterareasdesignatedonlyfortheoppositesex.
  • Usetheinternettoaccesschildpornographysites(seeBrecklandCouncilEmailandInternetPolicyandGuidance).

Ifyouobserveanybodyengaginginanyoftheseactions,itshouldbereportedasper5.5.2

7.GoodPracticeforBrecklandCouncil

7.1TheCareoftheOrganisation

AnyonehasthepotentialtoabusechildrenoryoungpeopleinsomewayanditisimportantthatallreasonablestepsaretakenbyBrecklandCounciltoensurethatunsuitablepeoplearepreventedfromworkingwithchildrenandyoungpeople.

7.2UseofContractors(includingorganisationsfundedbyoractingonbehalfofBrecklandCouncil)

TheCouncilwillensurethatanycontractororsub-contractor(includingconsultants)engagedorfundedbytheCouncilinareaswhereworkersarelikelytocomeintocontactwithchildren,shouldhaveitsownChildProtectionPolicywhichisequivalenttotheBrecklandCouncilpolicy.

  • Ifacontractorhasitsownpolicy,theOfficerresponsibleforthecontract,willobtainacopyandcheckthatitisequivalenttotheCouncils.InthecaseofanyambiguitiesordifferencestheCouncilwillrequirethatthecontractorgivesitswrittenagreementtocomplywiththeCouncil’spolicybeforeacceptanceofanyofferorbeforeenteringintoanyagreement.

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  • Thecontractormusthaveanamedchildprotectionofficer.
  • ContractorsmustinformtheCouncilofthenamesofanystaffdisciplinedforbreachoftheirchildprotectionpolicy.
  • Thecontractor’sfailuretocomplywiththispolicycouldamounttoabreachofcontractwithincontractorsub-contracttermsandconditions.
  • InthecaseofaseriousfailureorrepeatedfailurestocomplywiththepolicytheCouncilmayterminateitscontractoragreementwiththecontractor.
  • Contracttohavefinancialpenaltyifchildprotectionpolicyisbreached.

7.3RecruitmentandSelectionofStaffandVolunteers(whereworkingorhavingcontactwithchildrenisarequirementofthejob)

  • Itisimportantthatallstaffandvolunteersworkingorhavingcontactwithchildrenandyoungpeople,whethertheyarefulltime,paidorunpaid,havethesamerecruitmentandselectionproceduresappliedtothemandthatweascertainasmuchinformationaspossible.
  • TheCouncilwilladoptandmaintainappropriaterecruitmentprocedures.InallcaseswhereCouncilemployeesorthoseactingonbehalfoftheCouncilwillhavedirectcontactwithchildrenoryoungpeopletheywillbe:

•SubjecttoenhancedCriminalRecordsBureaucheck

•Beaskedtoprovideonerefereefromwheretheyhaveworkedwithchildrenpreviously,whocancommentontheirsuitabilitytoworkdirectlywithchildrenandyoungpeople.

  • ItistheresponsibilityoftheManagerconcerned,aspartoftherecruitmentprocess,toinformtheHRdepartmentifthepostrequiresdirectcontactwithchildrenoryoungpeople.
  • Aspartoftheinductionprocessbymanagers,staffandvolunteerswillbetakenthroughthechildprotectionpolicyandguidelinesandwherenecessaryfurthertrainingprovided.
  • TheHRdepartmentincooperationwithServiceManagerswillestablisharegisterofpostswhichrequireCRBcheckingandensurethatchecksarerepeatedeverythreeyears.
  • Wherevolunteersorworkplacementstudentsareinfulltimeeducation,CRBcheckingcanbereplacedbyawrittenstatementfromtheHeadTeacherconfirmingthestudentssuitabilitytoworkwithchildrenandyoungpeople.
  • Wheresessionalstaffareusedforalimitedperiod,theCouncilwillaccepttransferredCRBdisclosuresfromanotherorganisation,provideditwascarriedoutwithintheprevious18months.Areferenceconfirmingtheirsuitabilitytoworkwithchildrenandyoungpeoplemustalsobeobtainedfromapreviousemployer.

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AppendixA

  • TheChildrenAct1989

19890041 en1.htm

  • TheChildrenAct2004
  • HumanRightsAct1998

•TheDataProtectionAct1984and1998

•TheProtectionofChildrenAct1999

•CriminalJusticeandCourtServicesAct2000

•SexualOffences(Amendments)Act2000

•HealthandSafetyatWorkAct1974

•CriminalRecordsBureau(CRIB)

•WorkingTogethertoSafeguardChildren(DepartmentofHealth)

•Multi-AgencyChildProtectionProcedures(AreaChildProtectionCommittee)

•EveryChildMatters(DepartmentforEducationandSkills)

•FirstCheck0NSPCC

Astepbystepguidefororganisationstosafeguardchildren,implementachildprotectionpolicy,procedureandcodeofpractice.

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AppendixB

•NorfolkChildren’sServices

24HourChildren’sServicesSocialCare–08448008014

•NorfolkConstabulary(Police)

PoliceChildProtection:01603276313(familyprotectionunit)MAINNUMBERCHILDPROTECTION24HOURS08448008014

•NSPCC

ChildProtectionHelpline08088005000

Tel:02078252500

NationalCentre,42CurtainRoad,LondonEC2A3NH

•ChildlineUK

Freepost1111,LondonN10BRTel:08001111

•SAFEGuardingChildrenPartnership(Localcontactforadviceandtraining)ThePineapple,63Bracondale,NorwichNR12EE

Tel:01603222288

•CriminalRecordsBureau(CRB)POBox110,LiverpoolL693EF Tel:08709090811

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ChildProtectionIncident ReportingForm

Allinformationwillbetreatedinstrictconfidence

AppendixC

Date:

Time:

Venue

NameofChild:

Age:

DateofBirth:

Address:

Postcode:

TelephoneNumber:

NextofKin:

Address(ifdifferentfromabove):

Areyoureportingyourownconcernsorpassingonthoseofsomeoneelse?Givedetails:

Briefdescriptionofwhathaspromptedtheconcerns:includedates,timesetc.ofanyspecificincidents:

Anyphysical,behaviouralorIndirectsigns?

Haveyouspokentothechild?Ifso,whatwassaid?

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Haveyouspokentotheparent(s)?Ifso,whatwassaid?

Hasanybodybeenallegedtobetheabuser?Ifso,givedetails?

Haveyouconsultedanybody?Givedetails

Yourname:

Position:

Towhomreported:

DateofReporting:

Signature:

Date:

ThisformshouldnowbegiventoaSeniorManager/linemanagerbyhand,youshouldinformthemverballyofthecontentsandaskthemtosignanddatethereceiptslip.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ReceiptSlip

ToberetainedbytheOfficermakingthereport.

Yourname:Position:InitialsofChild

DateofReporting

NameofManager

SignatureofManager

AppendixD

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ConsentForm

Allinformationwillbetreatedinstrictconfidence

Pleaseuseblockcapitalsandprintclearly

Event/Activity:

Date:

NameofChild:

Age:

DateofBirth:

HomeAddress:

Postcode:

HomeTelephoneNumber:

MobileTelephoneNumber:

MedicalConditions:(ifany)e.g.asthmas,diabetes,allergies:

Iconfirmthatmyson/daughterisingoodhealthandIgiveconsentformyson/daughtertoparticipateintheaboveevent/activity.

Iconsenttoanyemergencytreatmentrequiredbymyson/daughterduringthecourseoftheevent/activity.

Igiveconsentformyson/daughtertobephotographedduringthecourseoftheaboveevent/activityandIconsenttothephotographsbeingusedbyBrecklandCouncilforbonafidepromotionalpurposes. ThisalsoincludestheuseontheWorldWideWeb(internet).

TheinformationyouprovidewillbeusedinaccordancewiththeDataProtectionAct1998,toensurethesafetyofallparticipantsandmaybesharedwithotherpeople/organisationsinvolvedinthedeliveryoftheaboveevent/activity,ifappropriate. BysigningthisformyouareconsentingtotheCouncilusingtheinformation,whichyouhavesuppliedinthemannerstatedabove.

NameofParent/Guardian:

Signature:

Date:

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ConsentFormfortheuseofCamerasAndotherImageRecorders

AppendixE

Venue/Area: ...... / Ref No: ......
Description of Equipment:......
......
Surname:...... Forenames:......
Address: ......
......
...... Postcode:......
Telephone No:...... / MobileTelephoneNo:......
Fax No:...... / Email Address:......
Name(s)ofthesubjects(s)
1...... 5......
2...... 6......
3...... 7......
4...... 8......
Relationshipofthephotographerandsubject(s)......
......
Reasonfortakingphotographsand/orusestheimagesarebeing,orareintendedtobeputto(i.e.familyrecord/advertising etc)
......
......
Ideclarethattheinformationprovidedistrueandcorrectandthattheimageswillonlybeusedforthepurposesstated.
Signed:...... Date: ......
Authorised by: ...... Date: ......
Position held:......

UndertheDataProtectionAct1998theinformationthatyouhaveprovidedwillbeusedonlyforthepurposesofmonitoringcameraandimagerecorderuseandwillbedestroyedattheendofayear.

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AccidentRecordingForm

Allinformationwillbetreatedinstrictconfidence

Thisformshouldbecopiedandacopygiventotheparent/Guardian

Date:

Time:

Venue

NameofChild:

Age:

DateofBirth:

Address:

Postcode:

TelephoneNumber:

ParentGuardian:

WhatHappened?:

NatureofInjury(stateleftorrightlimbetc):

SketchofInjuredBodyAre,IndicatePositionofInjury:

TreatmentGiven/Actiontaken.

AttendedbyaDoctororothermedicalprofessional(givedetails):

Name,Addressandtelephonenumberofwitness.

SignedSigned

Injuredperson,ifpossibleStaffmember

Parent/Guardian

DateDate

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BrecklandCouncilisfullycommittedtosafeguardingthewellbeingofchildrenandyoungpeoplebyprotectingthem,fromneglect,physical,sexualandemotionalharm.

WorkingasanemployeeorvolunteerofBrecklandCouncilorasanelectedmemberitisimportantthatyouhavetakentimetothoroughlyreadthisChildProtectionPolicyandProcedures.

Bybeingmadeawareofthepolicyitisourintentiontoensurethatallareproactiveinprovidingasafeandsecureenvironmentforthechildrenandyoungpeopleinourcare.

------

Declaration:

IhavereadandunderstoodBrecklandCouncil’sChildProtectionPolicyandProceduresandIaccepttheprinciplestherein.

Signed:...... Date:......

Name: ......

(Pleaseprint)

Position in Organisation:......

Thiswillbekeptinyourpersonnelfile

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