Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for working with children and adults who have care and support needs.
TA Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Charity No:1157375
CONTENTS/PAGE
1 CHURCH DETAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 MISSION STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 POLICY STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5 AREAS OF POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6 DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.1 Abuse and Neglect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.2 Physical Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.3 Emotional Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.4 Sexual Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.5 Neglect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.6 Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.7a Radicalisation to Terrorism – The Prevent Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.7b Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.7c Faith abuse v Spiritual Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.7d Self Harm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7 RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING TO ABUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7.1 Physical signs of abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7.2 Indicators of possible sexual abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7.3 Emotional signs of abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8 WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT ABUSE MAY HAVE OCCURRED . . . . . . . . . . . 12
9 ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR NEGLECT . . . . . . . . . . . 13
10 ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE . . . . . . . . . . 14
11 HOW TO RESPOND TO A CHILD WANTING TO TALK ABOUT ABUSE . . . . . . . . . . . 14
11.1 General Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
11.2 Helpful Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
11.3 Concluding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
12 WHAT TO DO ONCE A CHILD HAS TALKED TO YOU ABOUT ABUSE . . . . . . . . 16
BODY MAP GUIDANCE . . . . . . . . . 16
13 WORKING WITH OFFENDERS . . . . . . . . . 17
14 HELPING VICTIMS OF ABUSE . . . . . . . . . 18
15 APPOINTMENT OF WORKERS . . . . . . . . . 18
16 BROADMOOR ESCAPE . . . . . . . . 19
17 GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE . . . . . . . . 19
17.1 Practical child supervision issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
17.2 Children from the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
17.3 Visiting children at home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
17.4 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
17.5 Guidelines for discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
17.6 Working with disruptive children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
17.7 Use of physical restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
18 POLICY RELATING TO THE USE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS INFORMATION . . . . .... 25
18.1 Equal Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
18.2 Disclosure Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1 CHURCH DETAILS
The Brook Church (Bagshot) ,The Square, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5AY
Tel: 01276 479316
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Charity No:1157375
Email : office@brookchurch.uk
Website: www.brookchurch.uk
Senior Leader Name: Chris Conry
Senior Leader Contact Telephone: 07854 821832
Senior Leader Email: christopherconry@hotmail.com
Safeguarding Coordinator Name: Sue Conry
Safeguarding Coordinator Contact Telephone: 07817 531413
Safeguarding Coordinator Email: suemconry@msn.com
Commission Safeguarding Officer: Miles Jarvis
Commission Safeguarding Officer Telephone: 01202 612130
The Church is part of the New Frontiers family of churches/ Commission.
2 DEFINITIONS
Leadership This includes The Lead Elder, Elders, Leadership
Team Team, Child Protection Co-ordinator and Deputy Child
Protection Co-ordinator, who work together in the
management and execution of this policy.
Child/children/
young people A person under the age of 18
Youth A person aged between school years 7-13
DBS Disclosure and Barring Service
Vulnerable adult Any adult aged 18 or over who, due to disability, mental function, age, illness or traumatic circumstances may not be able to take care or protect themselves against the risk of significant harm, abuse, bullying, harassment, mistreatment or exploitation.
Worker Any staff member or volunteer working with children or young people.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.
Safeguarding means:
protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
preventing harm to children’s health or development
ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.
Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child.
(Taken from NSPCC Website)
3 MISSION STATEMENT
The Brook Church recognises that children and young people are an integral part of today’s church. They have as much to give as to receive. The Church aims to provide a safe and secure environment within which children and young people will be treated with respect and dignity, as we nurture them in developing a right relationship with God.
4 POLICY STATEMENT
The Leadership Team:
take seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the church’s care;
is committed to listening to, relating effectively to and valuing children and young people whilst ensuring their protection within church activities;
is committed to encouraging and supporting carers and parents;
ensures that children and youth workers are responsibly appointed and given support and training;
has detailed guidelines and procedures relating to child abuse suspicions or allegations and ensures that these procedures are known and followed by all children and youth workers.
5 AREAS OF POLICY
The Leadership Team recognises that some children and young people today are the victims of neglect, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Accordingly, the Leadership Team has adopted the policy contained in this document (hereafter “the policy”). The policy sets out agreed guidelines relating to the following areas: -
responding to allegations of abuse, including those made against leaders or members the church;
appointing children and youth workers;
supervision of activities and practice issues;
helping victims of abuse;
working with offenders.
The C-SPA (Children’s single point of Access) provides residents and people who work with children in Surrey with direct information, advice and guidance about where and how to find the appropriate support for children and families.
Availability: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 0300 470 9100
Out of hours phone: 01483 517898 to speak to our emergency duty team.
Email: emails are dealt with during normal office hours
For concerns for a child or young person: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk
For concerns for an adult: ascmash@surreycc.gov.uk
Thirtyone:eight helpline 0303 003 1111
6 DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE
6.1 Abuse and Neglect
Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger.
It should be recognized that the list below is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more indicators is not in itself proof that abuse is actually taking place.
6.2 Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after. This situation is commonly described using terms such as factitious illness by proxy, Munchausen syndrome by proxy and Fabricated Induced Illness by Carers.
6.3 Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature expectations being imposed on children that are inappropriate for their age or for their particular stage of development. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
6.4 Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape or buggery) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
6.5 Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
6.6 Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
The term modern slavery applies to those who are:
Forced to work through mental or physical threat.
Owned or controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse.
Dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as ‘property’.
Physically constrained or have restrictions placed on his/her freedom.
Modern slavery involves many forms of coercion and exploitation; individuals and groups are often ‘trafficked’ in sex trades, working gangs or as part of illegal immigrant groups. in the uk, modern slavery includes:
Domestic servitude – where an individual is forced and coerced to undertake domestic chores or care work, but their freedom is restricted, they work long hours for little or no pay.
Forced labour – individuals work long hours for little or no pay, in poor conditions with restricted freedoms; there are often threats made to them or their families and their lives are completely controlled by the ‘employer’.
Bonded labour – individuals are forced to work in order to pay-off a ‘debt’, being unable to leave until the ever-increasing ‘debt’ is paid off, their ‘employer’ controls where they live, where they go, sometimes what they wear.
Criminal exploitation – individuals are forced into criminal activities such as shop-lifting, drug dealing, benefit fraud in order to produce financial gain for the controller.
Sexual exploitation – this includes forced prostitution, forced sexual acts or pornography, abuse of children. 33% of human trafficking victims are subject to sexual exploitation.
Other exploitation – may involve the controller forcing an individual into acts against their will, e.g. marriage, adoption, organ removal/donation.
Human trafficking involves the recruitment, harbouring or transporting of people into a situation of exploitation and slavery, where they are forced and coerced to work against their will. It is itself a process of enslaving people.
There is no typical victim of slavery – victims are men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities and nationalities. However, the charity Unseen – which supports victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, report that it is more prevalent among the most vulnerable groups of society. Poverty, limited opportunities at home, lack of education, unstable social and political conditions, economic imbalances and war are some of the key drivers that contribute to someone’s vulnerability in becoming a victim of modern slavery.
The control and exploitation involved in modern slavery may be ‘hidden’ from view, behind respectable doors, in well-known neighbourhoods or within established companies. Victims of modern slavery are often reluctant to disclose their situation or report their abuse – through fear of violence and harm to them or their families. Christian faith organisations should be aware that modern slavery may be happening in their communities or even within their membership; to be prepared to report situations which may be overly controlling or appear to be exploiting individuals; to have the means to offer pastoral support and guidance, to help individuals with their situation and in reporting to statutory agencies.
The National Referral Mechanism has been put in place to identify and support victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. The UK Independent Anti-slavery commissioner identified that faith groups often have knowledge and insight into their local communities and can play an active role in the identification of cases of modern slavery.
Christian faith organisations should be prepared to report any suspected cases of human trafficking or modern slavery, through to the National Referral Mechanism, via the police or local authority.
Useful Contacts
There is a Modern Slavery National Helpline (0800 0121700) or website: www. modernslaveryhelpline.org/ which can give advice and help to organisations and/or individuals and enable reporting of suspected cases of modern slavery or human trafficking.
The Police - 101, or in an emergency 999
Crimestoppers – Anonymously (+44) 0800 555 111
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit - National Crime Agency (+44) 0844 778 2406 (24 hour advice and support) www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk
The Salvation Army UK - (+44) 0300 303 8151(24 hour referral line) www.salvationarmy.org.uk
NSPCC Child Trafficking Advice Centre - (+44) 0808 800 5000 Email: help@nspcc.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/ctail/ctail_wda84866.html#how
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority Responsible for investigating labour exploitation and modern slavery offences. – (+44) 0115 959 7052 (Intelligence team) Email: intelligence@gla.gsi.gov.uk www.gla.gov.uk
(This has been taken from ‘Safeguarding Adults Guidance for Christian Faith Organisations’ written by The National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice at Bournemouth University.)
6.7 Organised Abuse
Organised or multiple abuse may be defined as abuse involving one or more abuser and a number of related or non-related abused children and young people. The abusers concerned may be acting in concert to abuse children, sometimes acting in isolation, or may be using an institutional framework or position of authority to recruit children for abuse.
Organised and multiple abuse occur both as part of a network across a family or community, and within institutions such as residential homes or schools. (A child may suffer more than one category of abuse).
6.7a Radicalisation to Terrorism – The Prevent Strategy
Radicalisation is a process which involves people adopting extreme political, social, or religious ideals; their views often go against the accepted norms of society and can lead to extremist behaviours. The Department for Education (2017) described radicalisation as having two stages: changes of attitude, which begins to develop extremist views, influenced by background social factors, individuals’ experiences, influences of others, individual’s need for belonging, value, status; changes of behaviours, with extremist views leading to violent actions often influenced by social, emotional or experiential factors.
The Prevent agenda recognises that a wide range of people across communities, cultures and society may be at risk of radicalisation. Christian faith organisations have a key role in the identification and support of those at risk of radicalisation, who may need protection from the influences of radical groups, the power of radical ideologies and the motivations which lead to extremist actions.
• The Government’s national counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST), has four areas of work:
• Pursue: to stop terrorist attacks.
• Prevent: to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
• Protect: to strengthen our protection against a terrorist attack.
• Prepare: to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack.
Prevent is an important element of safeguarding adults at risk, to support those individuals who are at risk of being radicalised. Whilst the focus is on the significant threat posed by international terrorism, it is also concerned with reducing threats of radicalisation from extremist living within our communities, e.g. extreme political views, animal rights activists and extreme social justice groups. Christian faith organisations should be prepared to work with other agencies, to reduce the opportunities for extremist activity within their communities, offer alternative ways for individuals to meet their psychological needs and encourage actions which support their social justice causes in non-violent ways.
The Prevent Strategy has three objectives:
• Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat from this.
• Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, through advice and support.
• Work with sectors and institutions to reduce the risks of radicalisation.
The leaders will ensure that leaders, workers and members are aware of the Prevent Strategy.
(This has been taken from ‘Safeguarding Adults Guidance for Christian Faith Organisations’ written by The National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice at Bournemouth University.)
6.7b Grooming
Grooming is "a process by which a person prepares a child, significant adults and the environment for the abuse of the child" (Craven, 2006). Grooming can happen anywhere, including:
online
in organisations
in public spaces (also known as street grooming)
(McAlinden, 2012).
Children and young people can be groomed by a stranger or by someone they know – such as a family member, friend or professional. The age gap between a child and their groomer can be relatively small (NSPCC and O2, 2016).
Signs a child is being groomed include:
sudden changes in behaviour
going missing from home or school
secretive use of technology
having unexplained gifts
alcohol and/or drug misuse
having a much older ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’
developing sexual health problems
mental health problems
(Rigg and Phippen, 2016).
Signs of grooming can easily be mistaken for 'normal' teenage behaviour but you may notice unexplained changes in behaviour or personality or inappropriate sexual behaviour for their age.
(Information taken from NSPCC Website)
6.7c Faith abuse V Spiritual Abuse
Faith that allows you to abuse a child such as beating demons out.
Spiritual Abuse – using spiritual resources such as prayer and scripture to control a person.
Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence.
6.7d Self Harm
Abuse has much to do with exerting power and control through threats, bribes and/or deception. One way a child or young person may try to find comfort and regain control over their life is through self-harm. This can take the form of cutting, scratching, burning, drinking heavily or using drugs. They might decide not to eat or, conversely, overeat or binge.
7 RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING TO ABUSE
The following signs may or may not be indicators that abuse has taken place, but the possibility should be considered
7.1 Physical signs of abuse
• Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them
• Injuries which occur to the body in places which are not normally exposed to falls rough games, etc.
• Injuries which have not received medical attention
• Neglect – under nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, stealing or gorging food, untreated illnesses, inadequate care, etc.
• Reluctance to change for, or participate in, games or swimming
• Repeated urinary infections or unexplained tummy pains
• Bruises, bites, burns, fractures etc. which do not have an accidental explanation
• Cuts/scratches/substance abuse
7.2 Indicators of possible sexual abuse
• A child or young person describes what sounds like an abusive act involving him/herself.
• Child with excessive preoccupation with sexual matters and detailed knowledge of adult sexual behaviour, or who regularly engages in age-inappropriate sexual play
• Sexual activity through words, play or drawing
• Child who is sexually provocative or seductive with adults
• Inappropriate bed-sharing arrangements at home
• Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with overt or veiled sexual connotations
• Eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia
7.3 Emotional signs of abuse
• Unexplained changes or regression in mood or behaviour, particularly where a child withdraws or becomes clinging, depressed, aggressive or extremely anxious.
• Nervousness or extreme watchfulness.
• Obsessions or phobias.
• Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration.
• Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults.
• Attention-seeking behavior.
• Persistent tiredness.
• Running away, stealing or lying.
8 WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT ABUSE MAY HAVE OCCURRED
DO NOT DELAY
DO NOT ACT ALONE
DO NOT START TO INVESTIGATE
DO NOT CONTACT THE ALLEGED ABUSERS
DO NOT DISCUSS WITH FRIENDS
1. You must report concerns as soon as possible to the Co-ordinator – Sue Conry, telephone 01252 875801 or 07817 531413 - who is nominated by the Leadership Team to act on their behalf in referring allegations or suspicions of neglect or abuse to the statutory authorities. The lead elder will be informed that concerns have been raised, or in his absence another leader will be informed. She may also be required by conditions of the Church Insurance Policy to inform the Insurance Company. In the absence of the Co-ordinator the matter should be brought to the attention of the Deputy Co-ordinator.
2. If the suspicions in any way involve the Co-ordinator then the report should be made to the Deputy Co-ordinator – Mrs Tina Winter, telephone 01276 475524 or 07913 104803
3. If the suspicions in any way implicate both the Co-ordinator and the Deputy Co-ordinator, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPA) on: 0300 470 9100 – Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.Outside of these hours, call on 01483 517898 to speak to the emergency duty team. In an emergency where you are concerned for the child’s immediate safety you should call Surrey Police on 999.
________________________________________
The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) responds to initial enquiries about children, young people and adults.
The MASH is based at Guildford Police Station and combines Children’s Service social workers, Adult’s Service social workers, and health and police staff.
If you have a concern about a child, young person or adult, please contact the Surrey MASH:
• Phone: 0300 470 9100
• Email: mash@surreycc.gov.uk
Thirtyone:eight helpline – 0303 003 1111
4. Suspicions will not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above.
5. It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make direct referrals to the Multi-agency safeguarding hub, although it is hoped that members of the church will use the procedure detailed above. If, however, you feel that the Co-ordinator or Deputy has not responded appropriately to your concerns, then it is open to you to contact the relevant organisation direct. We hope by making this statement that we demonstrate the commitment of the church to effective child protection.
9 ALLEGATIONS OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR NEGLECT
If a child has a physical injury or symptom of neglect, the Co-ordinator will:
In cases of deliberate injury or where concerned about the child’s safety, contact Surrey Children’s Single point of Access for advice. The church in these circumstances should not inform the parents.
Where emergency medical attention is necessary it will be sought immediately. The Co-ordinator will inform the doctor of any suspicions of abuse.
In other circumstances speak with the parent/carer and suggest that medical help/attention is sought for the child. The doctor (or health visitor) will then initiate further action, if necessary
If appropriate the parent/carer will be encouraged to seek help from the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, if appropriate, the church Co-ordinator will offer to go with them. If they still fail to act, the Co-ordinator will, in cases of real concern, contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for advice.
Where the Co-ordinator is unsure whether or not to refer a case to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), then advice from thirtyone:eight will be sought and followed. thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing in case this is needed for reference purposes in the future.
10 ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Co-ordinator will: -
Contact Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPA). The Co-ordinator will NOT speak to the parent (or anyone else). In the case of an adult the Co-ordinator will contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
If, for any reason, the Co-ordinator is unsure whether or not to follow the above, then advice from thirtyone:eight will be sought and followed. Thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing in case this is needed for reference purposes in the future.
Under no circumstances will the Co-ordinator attempt to carry out any investigation into the allegation or suspicions of sexual abuse. The role of the Co-ordinator is to collect and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and to provide this information to the Social Services Department, whose task it is to investigate the matter.
Whilst allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse will normally be reported to the Co-ordinator, the absence of the Co-ordinator or Deputy should not delay referral to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Exceptionally, should there be any disagreement between the person in receipt of the allegation or suspicion and the Co-ordinator or Deputy as to the appropriateness of a referral to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), that person retains a responsibility as a member of the public to report serious matters to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), and should do so without hesitation.
The Leadership Team will support the Co-ordinator or Deputy in their role, and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.
11 HOW TO RESPOND TO A CHILD WANTING TO TALK ABOUT ABUSE
It is not easy to give precise guidance, but the following may help: -
• 11.1 General points
• Show acknowledgement of what the child says (however unlikely the story may sound)
• Keep calm, be reassuring and supportive. Look at the child directly. Be honest
• Tell the child you will need to let someone else know – don’t promise confidentiality
• affirm that even when a child has broken a rule, they are not to blame for the abuse
• Be aware that the child may have been threatened or bribed not to tell
• Never push for information. If the child decides not to tell you after all, then accept that and let them know that you are always ready to listen.
• As soon as possible, write down in the child’s words, what has been shared. Date and time this.
• 11.2 Helpful responses
• Reassure the child or young person that they have done the right thing in telling you.
• Acknowledge to them that it must have been really hard for them to tell you.
• Tell them that you are glad they have told you, that it’s not their fault and that you will help them.
Things not to say
• Why didn’t you tell anyone before?
• I can’t believe it!
• Are you sure this is true?
• Why? How? When? Who? Where?
• Never make false promises
• Never make statements such as “I am shocked, don’t tell anyone else”
11.3 Concluding
• Again reassure the child that they were right to tell you and show acceptance
• Let the child know what you are going to do next and that you will let them know what happens (you might have to consider referring to Social Services or the Police to prevent a child or young person returning home if you consider them to be seriously at risk of further abuse)
• Contact the co-ordinator responsible for co-ordinating child protection concerns. The local authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) should be contacted directly as appropriate. Any referral should be made within 24 hours.
• Consider your own feelings and seek pastoral support if needed
Make notes as soon as possible (preferably within one hour of the child talking to you), writing down exactly what the child said and when she/he said it, what you said in reply and what was happening immediately beforehand (e.g. a description of the activity). Record dates and times of these events and of when you made the record. Keep all hand written notes, even if subsequently typed. Such records should be kept safely for an indefinite period.
12 WHAT TO DO ONCE A CHILD HAS TALKED TO YOU ABOUT ABUSE
Make notes as soon as possible (preferably within an hour of being told), writing down exactly what the child said, write what you said in reply to the child, when he/she said it and what was happening immediately beforehand (e.g. description of activity). Record dates and times of these events and when you made the record. Record who was present during the disclosure. If you have noticed injuries on the child, document these on a body map, showing where the injury was noticed. Date and sign the record. Keep all hand-written notes securely, even if these have been typed subsequently.
Body Map Guidance
(Body Maps can be found on the notice board by the side entrance)
Body Maps should be used to document and illustrate visible signs of harm and physical injuries.
Always use a pen (never a pencil) and do not use correction fluid or any other eraser.
Do not remove clothing for the purpose of the examination unless the injury site is freely available because of treatment.
*At no time should an individual take photographic evidence of any injuries or marks to a child’s person, the body map should be used. Any concerns should be reported and recorded without delay to the appropriate safeguarding services, e.g. Social Care direct or child’s social worker if already an open case to social care.
When you notice an injury to a child, try to record the following information in respect of each mark identified e.g. red areas, swelling, bruising, cuts, lacerations and wounds, scalds and burns:
• Exact site of injury on the body, e.g. upper outer arm/left cheek.
• Size of injury - in appropriate centimetres or inches.
• Approximate shape of injury, e.g. round/square or straight line.
• Colour of injury - if more than one colour, say so.
• Is the skin broken?
• Is there any swelling at the site of the injury, or elsewhere?
• Is there a scab/any blistering/any bleeding?
• Is the injury clean or is there grit/fluff etc.?
• Is mobility restricted as a result of the injury?
• Does the site of the injury feel hot?
• Does the child feel hot?
• Does the child feel pain?
• Has the child’s body shape changed/are they holding themselves differently?
Importantly the date and time of the recording must be stated as well as the name and designation of the person making the record. Add any further comments as required.
• Report your discussion as soon as possible to the Co-ordinator. If the latter is implicated, report to the Deputy Co-ordinator. If both are implicated, report to ThirtyOne:Eight or to Social Services if preferred.
• You should not discuss your suspicions or allegations with anyone other than those nominated in the above point.
• Once a child has talked about abuse you or the Co-ordinator should consider whether or not it is safe for a child to return home to a potentially abusive situation. On rare occasions it might be necessary to take immediate action to contact Social Services and/or police to discuss putting into effect safety measures for the child so that they do not return home. In an emergency situation when you are unable to reach the appropriate person in the church you may have to take this step.
• After you have informed the appropriate person, you no longer have direct responsibility for dealing with the situation. The Child Protection Co-ordinator, Social Services and/or police may want to interview you in the course of an investigation.
• It can be distressing to hear of child abuse for perhaps the first time and you may need support and reassurance yourself. The Child Protection Co-ordinator will make sure that the right person offers this to you. You should not share your information with anyone else. Confidentiality should be respected for the sake of the child and the family.
• Your care and prayers will be invaluable to the child and the family in what may prove to be a difficult and disruptive time for everyone.
13 WORKING WITH OFFENDERS
Where someone attending the church is known to have abused children, then whilst extending friendship to the individual, the priority of the church will be the protection of the children in its care. Two named persons decided by the leadership team will meet with the individual and discuss boundaries that the person will be expected to keep.
These boundaries will be defined in a contract of covenant that will include the following:
r Not being alone with a child in the church building or any other church setting.
r Not sitting in church in the vicinity of unsupervised children and young people.
r Not entering certain parts of the building where children’s activities are in progress.
r Declining offers of hospitality from church members where there are children present in the home.
r Refusing any request for babysitting from an unsuspecting parent.
r Accepting that certain people will need to be told of their circumstances in order for them to protect the children/young people for whom they care.
r Accepting that contact will need to be made with their probation officer, who will meet with church leaders as and when necessary.
r Understanding that if conditions agreed and signed in the contract are not kept they may be barred from attending church, and in such circumstances the church leadership may choose to contact the statutory agencies.
r Understanding that the contract will be reviewed regularly for an indefinite period.
The contract will be signed and dated by the offender and by the church representatives.
14 HELPING VICTIMS OF ABUSE
As a church we are committed to supporting victims of abuse,
and encouraging them in their faith.
15 APPOINTMENT OF WORKERS
Employing Children’s and Young People’s Workers
The church is committed to safe recruitment and when seeking to employ a worker who will be involved with children and young people therefore:-
1. A clear role profile and job specification will be developed
2. When advertising a role which involves working with children or young people or adults at risk we will make it clear that any appointment is subject to a DBS check
3. All applicants will be asked to complete an application form and include the names of two referees
4. Short listing of applicants will be carried out by at least two people, including the line manager directly overseeing the role being recruited for
5. Interviews will be carried out by at least two people, usually the line manager and the chair of trustees
6. References, a self disclosure form and an enhanced DBS check must be completed satisfactorily before the appointed person starts in their role. The DBS check will be rechecked every 3 years
7. Appointment to the role will be confirmed if the applicant is successful and an agreement will be signed confirming that the new worker has read the Brook Church’s Safeguarding Policy and is willing to adhere to it.
8. The new appointee will be attached to a more experienced worker for a period of three months. Their appointment will then be reviewed.
9. Group leaders will provide the support for their workers and opportunities given for the work to be discussed, issues aired and prayer support given.
10. Training in safeguarding will be arranged for the worker as soon as is practicable
11. Workers will be given a contract on appointment.
16 BROADMOOR ESCAPE
Should a Broadmoor Escape happen (the siren sounds) it is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure that the children get home safely. This should happen in one of the following ways:
r Collected by parent or friend;
r Go home in twos and threes, telephoning the leader to confirm that they have returned home safely;
r Taken home by the leader
17 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
• 17.1 Practical child supervision issues
• All children and young people should be treated with dignity and respect by a worker, which is shown by the worker’s attitude, language and actions.
• The Leadership Team should as far as possible ensure safe access to, and use of, its facilities and activities. There should be an adult presence in any isolated approach areas on Church property and lighting, both external and internal should be adequate.
• As far as possible all small-group activities should take place in an open environment. This may involve sharing space, leaving doors ajar, or using rooms with glass panelled doors.
• The ratio of adults to children should always be adequate to ensure safety. Activities should be planned to include more than the minimum adult requirement to account for the unexpected shortfall. The minimum number of adults required for certain age groups are:
Indoor activities
Adults : Children
0 to 2 years 1:3
2 to 3 years 1:4
4 to 8 years 1:6
9 to 12 years 1:8
13 to 18 years 1:10
Outdoor activities
0 to 2 years 1:3
2 to 3 years 1:4
4 to 7 years 1:6
8 to 12 years 2:15
13 to 18 years 2:20
• Mixed gender groups of older gender children should always be planned to have both male and female workers to enable children to relate to workers of the same gender. Counselling matters of a confidential nature should be conducted by an adult of the same gender as the child or young person.
• Workers should only be alone with a child in exceptional circumstances. In a counselling situation with a young person, where privacy and confidentiality are essential, you should make sure another adult knows the interview is taking place. Another adult should be in the building and the child should know this.
• If a worker is seeing a child or young person individually off-site for any reason (befriending or discipling etc.), this should be with the knowledge of the group leader and with parental consent. The young person must either be the same gender as the worker or of someone accompanying them. If possible such meetings should be in public places or another adult should be present or close by. No young person should be invited to a worker’s home alone unless this has been agreed with the child or young person’s parents or carers.
• No person under 16 years of age should be left in charge of any children of any age. Children and young people attending a group should never be left alone at any time.
• A register of children or young people attending any church clubs or activities should be kept. All children should be signed in and out, those children under the age of five should be signed in and out by the parent or guardian bringing and collecting them. Times of departure will be noted if the individual does not attend the whole session. A register will be kept of the helpers present for that session and any others in the building at that time (e.g. a plumber).
• A logbook will be kept for all activities for children and young people. In this workers can record unusual events, including fights and action taken with each leader recording what they witnessed. The logbook is kept separate from the accident book
• A First Aid box should be accessible at all children and youth activities. A qualified First Aider should be available at all activities for children and young people, and that person must administer any First Aid. Minor First Aid should be given either in public or in a room with the door ajar. If First Aid requires privacy, two adults should be present. All instances of First Aid should be recorded in the accident book, and the entry signed by parents.
17.2 Children from the street
Sometimes children playing outside or wandering the streets with no adult supervision will join in church organised activities without the knowledge of their parents. If this occurs: -
• On arrival, welcome the children and record some factual information about them in the register, e.g. name, age, where they live, telephone number;
• Enquire if the child’s parents are aware of where they are, and whether they are expected to return home at any particular time. If they are and this is before the end of the group, the child should be encouraged to return home, suggesting that their parent might be willing for them to come to the group the following week. Alternatively telephone to check with parents that it is OK for them to stay;
• Link the child with another child to introduce the visitor to the group and any routines;
• On leaving give the child a leaflet about the group with contact telephone numbers;
• Without quizzing the child, find out whether the child has any special needs, e.g. is the child on any medication, so that you can respond in an emergency.
17.3 Visiting children at home
Children’s workers and leaders may need to visit children and their
families at home from time to time. The parents may or may not be
church attendees. If this occurs: -
• Inform your leader or another worker of the proposed visit;
• Never go into a child’s home if the parent is absent;
• Keep a record of the visit, noting date and purpose;
• If the parent/carer is absent when you call, leave some means of identification/ explanation that can be handed to them if the child is at home alone/with other children
• Provide information about your group to the parent/carer – to include contact telephone numbers.
17.4 Boundaries
• All physical contact, which could be considered sexually suggestive, should be avoided.
• Workers should avoid any comments or remarks, which can be construed as sexually suggestive even in ‘fun’ and should avoid being drawn into any such conversation if a young person initiates it.
• As a church we undertake to follow the principles found in the Abuse of Trust guidance issued by the Home Office. It will therefore be unacceptable for those people in a position of trust to engage in any behaviour which might allow a sexual relationship to develop whilst ever the relationship of trust continues.
• The privacy of children should be respected in a way befitting their age when they are showering, toileting etc. Where appropriate, ask the child if help is required. If personal care to a child is required (e.g. changing a child who has been sick) this should be done in a way in which the privacy of the child can be maintained while ensuring that there is no undue intimacy. If possible more than one adult should be involved or it should be ensured that another adult is within earshot. Sometimes it may be more appropriate to take a child home or call the parents if a high level of physical intimacy is involved in the care needed, e.g. changing nappies.
• Workers should never engage in intrusive touching of a child in any form. Any physical contact with a child should be in public and should be related to the child’s needs, should be appropriate to the age of the child and should normally be initiated by the child.
• Arrangements for transporting children need to be with the knowledge of the group leader and should be with parental approval.
• The only adults allowed into a children or youth activity should be the workers assigned to that activity. Other adults should not have free access. If they need to be there for a specific reason, ensure they are noted in the logbook with the time they came and left.
• Workers should not allow or engage in any scapegoating, ridiculing or verbally rejecting a child or young person or make discriminatory remarks of any kind. At all times children should be presented with a positive, and affirming role model.
17.5 Guidelines for discipline
• Discipline is the education of a person’s character. It includes nurturing, training, instruction, chastisement, verbal rebuke, teaching and encouragement. It brings security, produces character, prepares for life, is evidence of love and is God’s heart. (Hebrews 12:5-12 and Proverbs 22:6)
• Ask God for wisdom, discernment and understanding and pray for and with the child.
• Work on each individual child’s positives. Do not compare them with one another, but encourage and build them up, giving them responsibility for simple tasks.
• Build healthy relationships with children and be a good role model, setting a good example. You can’t expect children to observe ground rules if you break them yourself.
• Take care to give quieter and well-behaved children attention and don’t allow some children to take all your time and energy.
• Be consistent in what you say and ensure that other team members know what you have said – this avoids manipulation.
• Look honestly at your programme – if children are bored, they misbehave. Is the programme at fault?
• NEVER smack or hit a child and avoid shouting – change voice tone if necessary.
• Discipline out of love NEVER anger. (Call on support from other leaders if you feel you may deal with the situation unwisely in your anger.)
• Lay down ground rules (e.g. no swearing, racism or calling each other names, a respect for property) and make sure the children understand what action will be taken if not kept.
• Each child is unique, special and individual, and each child needs a different method of being dealt with. We need to ask why the child is behaving that way.
• Separate children who have a tendency to be disruptive when together. Give them a chance, warn them and only separate if they are disruptive as a last resort.
• Have the child sit right in front of you or get a helper to sit next to the child.
• Be pro-active and encourage helpers to be pro-active and not wait to be told to deal with a situation.
• Take the child aside and talk to them, challenge them to change, whilst encouraging them on their strengths.
• Warn a child that you will speak to their parents and do so if necessary. Warn them, send them outside the room (care re supervision), back into the service or ban them for a week (never a total ban without reference to your leader and ensure parents are advised in cases of banning).
• Pray before you meet and talk over the session before you leave.
17.6 Working with disruptive children
If a child’s behaviour is disruptive, an attempt should be made to speak
to the individual to: -
• Request that the behaviour stops;
• Find out the cause(s) of upset;
• Warn the child that they will be asked to leave if the behaviour continues;
• Warn the child that continued disruptive behaviour might result in longer-term exclusion from the activity.
o If a child/young person is harming him/herself or another person or property, other children/young people should be escorted, to vacate the place/area where the disruption is occurring. At the same time, and with a second worker present, request the child/young person to STOP.
17.7 Use of physical restraint
It may be necessary to physically restrain a child if they are putting themselves in danger (e.g. a small child tries to run out of the building) or if others are in danger (e.g. a fight).
• Use as a last resort only, to protect the safety of the child and/or others and warn them that physical restraint will be used unless they desist from their behaviour.
• Talk to the child to try to persuade them to do what you are asking. If you need to restrain them continue talking, e.g. “I am making sure that you are calm”, “I am restraining you so that you do not run away”, “I am restraining you so that you do not hurt someone else”, “I want you to calm down and come with me”, “If you don’t stop I may have to call the police”.
• Ensure the child will not misinterpret your actions by talking to them as above, by keeping in mind the relative genders of yourself and the child, and by calling another adult to be present where possible.
• Restrain or hold a child only by the arms or shoulders, with the least force, for the shortest possible time. Restraint should be gradually relaxed to allow the child to regain self-control.
• Try to avoid damage to clothing, jewellery, etc.
• Consider your own safety. If you feel you, or someone else, would be at risk due to a child’s behaviour and you cannot restrain the child safely, remove yourself and anyone else to a safe place as soon as possible.
• When the child is calm, try to talk through the issues with them.
In all cases…
As soon as possible (i.e. once the situation is resolved or immediately after the activity) all workers involved should record details of: -
r What activity was taking place;
r What might have caused the disruptive behaviour;
r The child’s/young person’s behaviour;
r What you said and how you responded;
r Others present who might have witnessed the event.
Inform the group leader as soon as possible and give them a copy of the record made. The worker should keep another copy and another kept with the activities logbook. Inform the parents. If the parents are on the premises at the time of the incident call them to the activity and let them know what has happened.
18 POLICY RELATING TO THE USE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS INFORMATION
18.1 Equal Opportunities
1. We are committed to providing a vital, practical response to the needs of those we serve, regardless of race, religion, lifestyle, sex, sexuality, physical/mental disability, offending background or any other factor.
2. As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, we undertake to comply fully with the DBS Code of Practice and to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.
3. We actively promote equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications, experience and commitment to the values of The Brook Church.
4. A Disclosure is only requested after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. For those positions where a disclosure is required, all applications forms, job adverts, and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that a Disclosure will be requested in the event of the individual being offered a position.
5. Where a Disclosure is to form part of the recruitment process, we encourage all applicants called for interview to provide details of any criminal record at an early stage in the application process. We request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover to the recruiter and we guarantee that this information will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of a recruitment process.
6. Unless the nature of the position allows us to ask questions about your entire criminal record, we only ask about ‘unspent’, convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
7. We ensure that all those in the organisation who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance of circumstances of offences. We will also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
8. At interview, or in separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment or voluntary work.
9. We make every subject of a DBS Disclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice and make a copy available on request.
10. We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a disclosure with the person seeking a position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences.
18.2 Secure Storage, Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information
• General Principles. As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help assess the suitability of applicants for a position of trust, we comply fully with the DBS Code of Practice regarding the correct handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of disclosures and disclosure information. We also comply fully with our obligations under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation pertaining to the safe handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of disclosure information and have a written policy on these matters, which is available to all those who wish to see it on request.
• Storage and access. Disclosure information is never kept on an applicant’s file and is always kept separately and securely, in lockable, non-portable, storage containers with access strictly controlled and limited to those who are entitled to see it as part of their duties.
• Handling. In accordance with Section 124 of the Police Act 1997, Disclosure information is only passed to those who are authorised to receive it in the course of their duties. We maintain a record of all those to whom Disclosures or Disclosure Information has been revealed and we recognise that it is a criminal offence to pass this information to anyone who is not entitled to receive it.
• Usage. Disclosure information is only used for the specific purpose for which it was requested and for which the applicant’s full consent has been given.
• Retention. Once a recruitment (or other relevant) decision has been made, we do not keep Disclosure information for any longer than is absolutely necessary. This is generally for a period of up to six months, to allow for the consideration and resolution of any disputes or complaints. If, in very exceptional circumstance, it is considered necessary to keep Disclosure information for any longer than six months, we will consult the Thirtyone eight Disclosure Unit, who in turn will discuss this with the DBS and will give full consideration to the Data Protection and Human Rights individual subject access requirements before doing so. Throughout this time the usual conditions regarding safe storage and strictly controlled access will prevail.
• Disposal. Once the retention period has elapsed, we will ensure that any Disclosure information is immediately suitably destroyed by secure means, i.e. shredding, pulping or burning. While awaiting destruction, Disclosure information will not be kept in any insecure receptacle (e.g. waste bin or confidential waste sack). We will not keep any photocopy or other image of the disclosure or any copy or representation of the disclosure. However, notwithstanding the above, we may keep a record of the date of the issue of a disclosure, the name of the subject, the type of disclosure requested, the position for which the disclosure was requested, the unique reference number of the disclosure and the details of the recruitment decision taken.
• Our relationship with Thirtyone:eight as an umbrella organisation. We accept that the Thirtyone eight Disclosure Unit, as our umbrella organisation, has a responsibility to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that we comply with all the requirements made upon us in the DBS Code of Practice, this and other policy statements, and in other DBS procedures and processes. We undertake to keep Thirty one eight informed of any changes in our organisation, personnel or practices which could materially affect our ability to work within these expectations.