Child Protection Policy and Procedure

 

The “HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION GOOCHIKF SCUNTHORPE & HULL CLUBS IS DEADICATED TO PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIORMENT FOR ALL CHILDREN TO STUDY MARTIAL ARTS WITHOUT OUT FEAR OF OR FROM SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, NEGATIVE JUDGEMENT, OR PREDUDICE FROM ADULTS OR OTHERS”

 

Date policy produced:                                    01/07/2012                 

Produced by:                                             MR M.L. GOOCH (CHAIRMAN/FOUNDER/CHIEF INSTRUCTOR)     

Date policy due for review:                              01/07/2013

Reviewed by:                                                                MRS A BUTLER

Date Reviewed by Committee Members:                     01/08/2013

 

Contents (WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT)

 

• Statement of Intent

• National & Local Guidance

• Safeguarding & Promoting Welfare & Child Protection.

  4.1 Safeguarding & Promoting the Welfare of Children defined

  4.2 Child Protection

  4.3 Children in Need

  4.4 Significant Harm

• Who Abuses Children?

• What is Abuse & Neglect?

• Physical Abuse

• Sexual Abuse

• Emotional Abuse

• Recognition of harm

• Seeking Medical Attention

• Managing Disclosures of Abuse

• The Role of the Child Protection Co-ordinator

• Seeking Consent for a Referral

• Reporting Concerns or Allegations of Abuse

• Making a Referral

• Allegations Against Staff Members / Volunteers

• Staff & Volunteer Self Protection

• Code of Practice

• Recruitment & Selection

• Resources and Internet links

 

1. Preface

 

“Processes and procedures are never ends in themselves, but should always be used as a means of bringing about better outcomes for children. No guidance can, or should attempt to offer a detailed prescription for working with each child and family. Work with children and families where there are concerns about a child’s welfare is sensitive and difficult. Good practice calls for effective cooperation between different agencies and professionals: sensitive work with parents and carers in the best interests of the child; and the careful exercise of professional judgement and critical analysis of the available information” (Working Together to Safeguard Children – A Guide To Inter-Agency Working To Safeguard And Promote The Welfare Of Children-HM Government 1999).

 

2. Statement of Intent

 

The (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) recognises that protecting and safeguarding children and young people is a shared responsibility and depends upon effective joint working between agencies and professionals that have different roles and expertise. Individual children and young people, especially some of the most vulnerable children and those at greatest risk of social exclusion, will need coordinated help from health, education and children’s social care services. The voluntary sector and other agencies also have an important role in protecting and safeguarding children.

 

The (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) has a responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people they come into contact with. The need for guidelines and procedures is important to ensure that this is done with understanding and clarity.

 

• The (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) will aim to protect and safeguard children and young people by; Be vigilant and aware of how actions can be open to misinterpretation.

• Ensure they do not appear to show more interest in or favouritism to one child over another.

• Be particularly aware that physical contact, perhaps to develop an understanding of a particular technique can be misconstrued by an observer, or the student.

• Never swear, use or respond to sexual innuendo.

• Develop and use training methods that are appropriate whether children are training as part of a group or individually.

• Ensure that, as far as possible they are never alone when working with a child on a one to one basis. If for any reason this becomes unavoidable then a parent or guardian of the student should be informed that this has occurred, in order to safeguard the position of the Coach or official concerned.

• Children should not, except in an emergency, travel whether singly or in groups in the Coach’s car or to the Coach’s home. Under regular circumstances a child or children should only do so when the Coach is accompanied by a further responsible adult. The presence of other adults is the soundest protection against false accusations.

• Conduct all dealings with children in an open environment, in full view of others at all times, ensuring that behaviour can be observed.

• Ensure that during hours or trips away from the club, another adult is always present, and if the group comprises of girls and boys that both male and female adults are present. Two adults will always be present if it becomes necessary to visit a child’s room, and during the visit the door should always be left open.

• Report any concerns in respect of Child Protection (neglect, physical, emotional or sexual) in confidence, and without delay to the designated Child Protection Officer or other responsible person who will provide advice and recommend any necessary action.

• Ensure that in any case of an allegation, disclosure, or suspicion of child abuse, that no discussion of the case will take place with any other person, other than if appropriate the Police or other appropriate professional agency e/g., Social Services Department or the NSPCC, before the designated Child Protection Officer has been contacted.

• When reporting an allegation, disclosure, or suspicion you must record information, including all relevant details (including the nature of the allegation, background information on all parties involved, the period of time to which the allegation relates and the degree to which the information is known to be based in fact rather than opinion or hearsay).

• At no time make any comment to the media, and any requests to do so shall be referred to the designated Child Protection Officer.

• Ensuring that all staff / volunteers are carefully selected, trained and supervised (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS AIM TO  RECRUIT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES,HOWEVER ALL NEW POTENTIAL VOLUNTEERS AND HELPERS WILL BE CRB CHECKED).

• Having a Child Protection Policy and Procedure and regularly reviewing and updating this in line with national and local policy developments (BY USING THE INTERNET AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITES WHICH HAVE SPEFICIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO CHILD PROTECTION).

• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are familiar with the Child Protection Policy and Procedure (ALL STAFF & VOLUNTEERS AT HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION ARE MADE FULLY AWARE OF ALL PROCEEDURES REGARDING CHILD PROTECTION WITHIN OUR CLUB, THEY ARE ASKED LIKE ALL MEMBERS TO SIGN A SELF DISCLOSURE FORM, ATTEND REGULAR TRAINING OURSES RELATING TO CHILD PROTECTION RULES AND REGULATIONS IN A CLUB OR WORKING ENVIORMENT).

• Ensuring that staff / volunteers attend appropriate Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) Safeguarding Children: A shared responsibility Training (ALL ASSISTANT AND SENIOR CADET LEVEL INSTRUCTORS ARE EXSPECT TO ATTEND COURSES ON HEALTH AND SAFETY, FIRST AID, CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFE SPORTS PRACTICE COURSES ASWELL AS UNDERGO A CRB CHECK BEFORE THEY QUALIFY AS A INSTRUCTOR.

• Ensuring that the HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS has a designated Child Protection Co-ordinator and that all staff and volunteers are aware of the named person and process of reporting concerns to them.

• Assessing the risk that children and young people may encounter and taking steps to minimise and manage this (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUB HAVE A RISK ASSESSMENT POLICY IN WHICH OUR DESIGNATED OFFICIAL MR MIKE NEALL REGULARY DOES A RISK ASSESSMENT OF OUR PLACE OF TRAINING AND REGULAR RISK ASSESSMENTS WHEN WE ARE HOLDING EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB).

• Ensuring that the child protection policy and procedures are disseminated to parents (WE HAVE CREATED A ONE PAGE DOCUMENT KNOWN AS PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT IN WHICH WE INFORM THE PARENTS WE HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION POLICY IN PLACE AT OUR CLUB ASWELL AS A LIST OF OTHER POLICIES WE ALSO HAVE IN THE CLUBS WE RUN).

• Letting parents, carers, children and young people know how to report concerns about a child, young person, staff member or volunteer or complain about anything that they are not happy about ().IF THE ISSUE IS WITH THE DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER THE PERSON MAKING THE COMPLAINT AS A MEMBER OF THIS FOUNDATION CAN REPORT THIS MATTER DIRECTLY TO THE CHILD PROTECTION PANEL OR A EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER.

• Giving children, young people, parents and carers information about what the HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS does and what you can expect (PROVIDE NECEESSARY INFORMATION TO ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS AS AND WHEN ASKED FOR WE INFORM ALL MEMBERS OVER THE AGE OF 18 ABOUT OUR POLICIES AND ALL PARENTS OF STUDENT MEMBER UNDER THE AGE OF 10 OF OUR POLICIES IN PLACE.  FOR ALL OTHER STUDENTS, VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF MEMBER WE INFORM THEM FROM THE START OF TRAINING AT OUR CLUBS ABOUT THE POLICIES IN PLACE).

 

3. National and Local Guidance

 

This Child Protection Policy and Procedure should be read in conjunction with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) Guidelines and Procedures (accessible via:  http://www.proceduresonline.com/hull/scb/).

 In accordance with the Children Act 2004 it is a statutory responsibility for key agencies coming into contact with children and young people, to make arrangements to ensure that in discharging their functions, they have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (Section 11, Children Act 2004). Where private or voluntary organisations come into contact with or offer services to children they should, as a matter of good practice, take account of this guidance and follow it as far as possible.  

 

The following national guidance should also be referred to:

 

• The Children Act (1989)

• The Children Act (2004).

• Every Child Matters

• Working Together To Safeguard Children: A Guide to Inter-Agency Working To Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children (HM Government 2010).

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Criminal Justice & Court Services Act 2000

• The Protection of Children Act 1999

• The Sexual Offences Act 2003

• What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused (Department of Health, Home Office, Department for Education & Skills, the Lord Chancellor’s Department, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister & the Department for Culture, Media & Sport 2006)

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• AMA Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People (2007)

• Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers. HM Government (2006)

 

 

 The "HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION" and its Clubs have the following Policies in place.

 

• Health & Safety Policy, Risk Assessments

• Recruitment & Selection of Staff / Volunteers

• Complaints & Disciplinary Policy

• Codes of Conduct

• Diversity & Equality Policy

• Staff Induction / Development / Supervision Policy

• Confidentiality & Information Sharing

• Anti-bullying Policy

 

4. Safeguarding & Promoting Welfare & Child Protection

 

4.1 Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children are defined as:

 

• protecting children from maltreatment.

• preventing impairment of children’s health or development;

• ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and undertaking that role so as to enable those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.

 

4.2 Child Protection

 

Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. Effective child protection is essential to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. However, all agencies should aim to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of children so that the need for action to protect children from harm is reduced (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 35, paragraphs 1.23/1.24).

 

4.3 Children in Need

 

Children who are defined as ‘in need’, under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, are those whose vulnerability is such that they are unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development, or their health or development will be significantly impaired, without the provision of services. This includes those children with a disability. Local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 35, paragraph 1.25).

 

4.4 Significant Harm

 

Some children are in need because they are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm. The concept of significant harm is the threshold that justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interests of the child, and gives the Local Authority a duty to make enquiries to decide whether they should take action to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 35, paragraph 1.26).

 

5. Who Abuses Children?

 

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 for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 37, paragraph 1.32).

 

6. What is Abuse and Neglect?

 

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Child refers to anyone under the age of 18. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm.

 

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 fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 38, paragraph 1.33).

 

EMOTIONAL ABUSE:

 

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment 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 include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), 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 maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 38, paragraph 1.34).

 

SEXUAL ABUSE:

 

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males.  Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 38, paragraph 1.35).

 

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. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

 

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);

• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;

• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or

• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

  It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 39, paragraph 1.36)

 

This is not an exhaustive list and it must be recognised that it is not the role of staff / volunteers to make an assessment of whether children or young people have suffered harm. Staff / volunteers / child protection co-ordinator do have a duty to report any concerns about harm in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Children Board, Guidelines and Procedures.

 

7. Recognition of harm

 

The harm or possible harm of a child may come to your attention in a number of possible ways;

 

• Information given by the child, his/ her friends, a family member or close associate.

• The child’s behaviour may become different from the usual, be significantly different from the behaviour of their peers, be bizarre or unusual or may involve ‘acting out’ a harmful situation in play.

• An injury which arouses suspicion because;

• It does not make sense when compared with the explanation given.

• The explanations differ depending on who is giving them (e.g., differing explanations from the parent / carer and child).

• The child appears anxious and evasive when asked about the injury.

• Suspicion being raised when a number of factors occur over time, for example, the child fails to progress and thrive in contrast to his/her peers.

• Contact with individuals who pose a ‘risk to children’ (‘Guidance on Offences Against Children’, Home Office Circular 16/2005). This replaces the term ‘Schedule One Offender’ and relates to an individual that that has been identified as presenting a risk or potential risk of harm to children. This can be someone who has been convicted of an offence listed in Schedule One of the Children and Young Person’s Act 1933 (Sexual Offences Act 2003), or someone who has been identified as continuing to present a risk to children.

• The parent’s behaviour before the birth of a child may indicate the likelihood of significant harm to an unborn child, for example substance misuse, or, previous children removed from their carers.

• Substance misuse – the potential for a child to be harmed as a result of the excessive use of alcohol, illegal and controlled drugs, solvents or related substances may occur during a young person’s life. The use of drugs or other substances by parents or carers does not in itself indicate child neglect or abuse, and there is no assumption that a child living in such circumstances will automatically be considered under the child protection procedures. It is important to assess how parental substance use impacts upon the children or young people in the family.

 

Mental Health

 

• Mental illness in a parent or carer does not necessarily have an adverse affect on the child or young person but it is important to assess its implications for any children involved in the family. The adverse affects of parental mental illness on the child are less likely when parental problems are mild, last for a short period of time, are not associated with family disharmony, and where there is another parent or family member who can respond to the child’s needs and offer protection. Where mental illness is accompanied by problem alcohol use, domestic violence or associated with poverty and social isolation, children are particularly vulnerable. The potential impact of a parental mental illness and the child’s ability to cope with it is related to age, gender and individual personality (Working Together, HM Government 2010: pages 265-269).

 

Domestic Violence

 

Domestic Violence is defined by the Home Office (2009) as ‘Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality’ (HM Government 2010: page 262, paragraph 9.17). Domestic violence affects both adults and children in the family. Children and young people can suffer directly and indirectly if they live in a household where there is domestic violence. It is likely to have a damaging effect on the health and development of children. The amendment made in section 120 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 to the Children Act 1989 clarifies the meaning of harm to include, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. This can include children witnessing violence in the home. Domestic violence has an impact in a number of ways:

 

• It can pose a threat to the physical well being of an unborn child, if a mother is kicked or punched.

• Children may suffer injuries as a result of being caught up in violent episodes.

• Children become distressed by witnessing the physical and emotional suffering of a parent.

• The physical and psychological abuse suffered by the adult victim can have a negative impact upon their ability to look after their children.

• The impact of domestic violence is exacerbated when the violence is combined with problematic alcohol or drug use.

• People working with children should also be alert to the frequent inter-relationship between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of children (Working Together, HM Government 2010: pages 262-265). 

 

BULLYING

 

• Bullying – This can be defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. It can take many forms, but the three main types are physical (e.g., hitting, kicking, theft), verbal (e.g., racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling) and emotional (e.g., isolating an individual from activities and social acceptance of their peer group). The damage inflicted by bullying (including bullying via the internet) can frequently be underestimated. Bullying can be through the use of electronic communication, e.g., text or social network sites, and is commonly known as cyberbullying. Bullying can cause considerable distress, to the extent that it can affect health and development and at the extreme significant harm.  All settings in which children are provided with services or are living away from home should have in place rigorously enforced anti-bullying strategies (Working Together, HM Government 2010: pages 305-307).

 

GANG ACTIVITY

 

• Gang Activity – Children and young people who become involved in gangs are at risk of violent crime and as a result of this involvement are deemed vulnerable.  Agencies and professionals have a responsibility to safeguard these children and young people and to prevent further harm both to the young person and other potential victims. Risks associated with gang activity include access to weapons (including firearms), retaliatory violence and territorial violence with other gangs.  Other risks include increased likelihood of involvement in knife crime, sexual violence and substance misuse (Working Together, HM Government 2010: page 192, paragraph 6.5).

 

The guidance Safeguarding children and young people who may be affected by gang activity 2010(b) advises that agencies should follow the referral process in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010 when they have concerns about a child’s safety and welfare.  In relation to those children and young people who may be affected by gang activity concerns may be raised that a child or young person is:

 

• not involved in gangs but vulnerable to, or at risk of, becoming involved in a gang

• non-gang-involved and at risk of harm from gang members

• gang-involved and at risk of harm through their own gang-related activities (HM Government 2010(b): page 22, paragraph 68).

 

8. Seeking Medical Attention

 

If a child has a physical injury and there are concerns about abuse;

 

• If Emergency medical attention is required then this should be sought immediately by phoning for an ambulance. You should then follow the procedures for referring a child protection concern to Local Authority Children’s Social Care.

 

9. Managing Disclosures of Abuse

 

If a child discloses abuse it is important that, as far as possible, the following basic principles are adhered to;

 

• Listen to what the child has to say with an open mind.

• Do not ask probing or leading questions designed to get the child to reveal more.

• Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events.

• Make note of the discussion, taking care to record the timing, setting and people present, as well as what was said.

• Do not ask children to write a statement.

• Never promise the child that what they have told you can be kept secret. Explain that you have responsibility to report what the child has said to someone else.

• THE CHILD PROTECTION CO-ORDINATOR MUST BE INFORMED IMMEDIATELY.

 

10. The Role of the Child Protection Co-ordinator / Designated safeguarding leader

 

Where there are concerns about the welfare of any child or young person all staff / volunteers have a duty to share those concerns with the designated Child Protection Co-ordinator.

 

 

The Child Protection Co-ordinator is responsible for:

 

 

• Monitoring and recording concerns about the well being of a child or young person.

• Making referrals to the Local Authority Children’s Services.

• Liaising with other agencies.

• Arranging training for staff / volunteers.

 

After receiving a referral the Child Protection Co-ordinator will act on behalf of the (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) in referring concerns or allegations of harm to Local Authority Central Duty Team or the Police Public Protection Unit.

 

If the Child Protection Co-ordinator is in any doubt about making a referral it is important to note that advice can be sought from Local Authority Central Duty Team. The name of the child and family should be kept confidential at this stage and will be requested if the enquiry proceeds to a referral.

 

The Child Protection Co-ordinator may share limited information on a need to know basis amongst the staff / management but respecting the need for confidentiality.

 

It is not the role of the Child Protection Co-ordinator to undertake an investigation into the concerns or allegation of harm.  It is the role of the Child Protection Co-ordinator to collate and clarify details of the concern or allegation and to provide this information to the Local Authority Central Duty Team, or Integrated Services Team if Children’s Social Care is already involved, whose duty it is to make enquiries in accordance with Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.

 

11. Seeking Consent for a Referral

 

Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2010) states that professional’s should seek in general to discuss any concerns with the family (including the child where appropriate) and where possible seek their agreement to making referrals to the Local Authority Central Duty Team. This should only be done where such discussion and agreement seeking will not place the child at an increased risk of significant harm.

 

It should be noted that parents, carers or child may not agree to information being shared, but this should not prevent referrals where child protection concerns persist. The reasons for dispensing with consent from the parents, carer or child should be clearly recorded.

 

In cases where an allegation has been made against a family member living in the same household as the child and it is your view that discussing the matter with the parent would place the child at risk of harm, or where discussing it may place a member of staff / volunteer at risk, consent does not have to be sought prior to the referral being made.

 

If you are unsure about whether to seek parental consent prior to a referral being made then seek advice from the duty social worker at the Local Authority Central Duty Team. 

 

12 Reporting Concerns or Allegations of Abuse

 

(HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS HAS A SPECIFIC REPORTING STRUCTURE IN WHICH ANY ALLEGATION OF ABUSE IS FIRST REPORTED TO THE DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER, WHO WILL INFORM THE LOCAL AUTHORITEIS IF IT A CASE OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OR ANY OF THE ABOVE ABUSE SIGN HAVE TAKEN PLACE, OUR USUAL ROUTE IS TO REPORT IT TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY AND IF THEY DEEM IT NESSCARY A FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS WARRANTED, WHICH IS USUALLY DONE BY THE POLICE OR APPROPRIATE SOCIAL SERVICES TEAM) A member of staff or volunteer must report any concerns or allegation of harm immediately to the designated Child Protection Co-ordinator. In the absence of the Child Protection Co-ordinator the matter should be reported to the person identified as their deputy (MRS AMANDA HICKLING). In the event of neither of these individuals being available the matter should be reported through the line management. In the unlikely event of management not being available the matter should be reported directly to the appropriate Local Authority Child Care Team or Police Public Unit. In the case of it being out of hours the Emergency Duty Team should be contacted (MR M GOOCH OR MRS AMANDA HICKLING 14 LANGTOFT GROVE,HULL HU6 8LB, 01482 801361 OR EMAIL GOOCHKUNGFU@HOTMAIL.COM).

 

13.  Making a Referral

 

Referrals of all children in need, including those where there are child protection concerns will be made to;

 

Hull Or Scunthorpe - To Children’s Social Care – Central Duty Team or Police Public Protection Unit

East Riding and North Lincolnshire – By telephoning the Call Centre/Children’s Social Care or Police Public Protection Team

Out of hours – To the relevant Emergency Duty Team

All referrals made by telephone need to be followed up in writing within 48 hours.

 

The Child Protection Co-ordinator should make the referral as appropriate. The referrer should be prepared, where possible, to give the following information;

 

• The nature of your concerns / allegation.

• Whether the child will need immediate action to ensure their safety.

• Are the parents aware of the concerns? Has consent for the referral been sought? If not, the reasons for this?

• Factual information about the child and family, including other siblings.

• The nature of your involvement with the family.

• Other professionals involved with the family.

• The source of your referral, is it based on your own assessment of the needs of the child, a reported allegation or disclosure, or has the concern been reported to you by another person, if so who?

• Child’s current whereabouts and whe when they were last seen

• If you consider the child suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm, who is the source of that harm and their current whereabouts?

 

14. Allegations against staff members / volunteers

 

If any member of staff or volunteer has concerns about the behaviour or conduct of another individual working within the group or organisation including:

 

• Behaving in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child;

• Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child or

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• Adults about whom there are concerns should be treated fairly and honestly and should be provided with support

• It is the responsibility of all adults to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.  This responsibility extends to a duty of care for those adults employed, commissioned or contracted to work with children and young people.

 

In the case that the concern or allegation relates to the Designated Officer, their line management should be contacted (MR M GOOCH OR MRS AMANDA HICKLING 14 LANGTOFT GROVE, HULL HU6 8LB, 01482 801361 OR EMAIL GOOCHKUNGFU@HOTMAIL.COM).   If the immediate line manager / or other members of the management structure is implicated in the concerns or allegations or the Designated Officer is not available then the matter should be reported directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer.    If suspension of the alleged abuser is required the designated officer should discuss this with the LADO to consider the timing.

 

In cases where there is an immediate risk to any child or young person, the information must be passed to Local Authority Children’s Social Care or the Police, as soon as possible.

 

Staff & Volunteer Self Protection

 

• Adherence to guidelines on self protection for staff and volunteers working with children and young people can avoid vulnerable situations where false allegations can be made.

• Recommended guidelines for reporting suspicions for a disclosure of child abuse

 

1. If you suspect, but are unsure that a child within your group is being subjected to abuse, you should discuss your concerns with the clubs Senior Coach and Child Protection Officer, who have overall responsibility for the club and the welfare of its junior and infant members. 

 

2. Your suspicions should be discussed and a decision reached.

 

3. Act promptly but sensibly, remember the interests of the child are of central importance.

 

4. Make every Effort to avoid being a alarmist.

 

5. In cases of serious physical or sexual abuse a sensible course of action is to contact the child’s school teacher (if parents are suspected) who may have concerns of their own which your contact may help clarify.

 

6. Anyone who has suspicions of or information relating to cases of serious physical or sexual abuse has a duty of care to report their concern and it is imperative that a report is made, urgently, to a professional agency.  Dependent on the severity of the abuse this means a direct approach to the Police, your Local Authority’s Social Services Department or the NSPCC.

 

7.  Regardless of the nature of the abuse or its severity, the adult making any report should observe the following procedures and ensure that the information being reported:

 

• Is relevant.

• Is accurate.

• Is Up to date.

• Is presented in the context of your roles and responsibilities.

• Distinguishing between direct observation, that are gained fromreliable sources and ‘opinion’.

• Is presented to an appropriate individual or agency.

 

8. Following the making of the report to a professional agency the adult report to a professional agency the adult reporting the alleged abuse should further ensure that:

 

• Any written information must be kept in safe storage.

• Keep things confidential

• Share information at all times with Local authority and Outside agency’s when serious cases of physical abuse or sexual misconduct have been alleged/occurred.

• A report should be made to the Club or association concerned.Along with their own Child Protection Officer,’ If that officer has not already been informed of the alleged or suspected child abuse.
   

  These could include:

 

• To avoid situations where a staff member or volunteer is on their own with a child.

• In the event of an injury to a child, accidental or not, ensure that it is recorded and witnessed by another adult in the organisations accident book (IN CHIEF INSTRUCTOR BAG ).

• Keep written records of any allegations a child makes against staff and volunteers and report in line with the Child Protection Policy.

• If a child or young person touches a staff member or volunteer inappropriately record what happened immediately and inform the child protection coordinator.

• Adhere to the HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS policy on behaviour management (PLEASE REFER TO OUR STUDENT,ADULT,VOLUNTEER,HELPER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND SUB COMMITTEE CODE OF CONDUCTS).

 

16. Code of Practice

 

(HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) Staff / Volunteers / children should always;

 

• Take all allegations, suspicions or concerns about abuse that a young person makes seriously (including those made against staff) and report them through the procedures.

• Provide an opportunity and environment for children to talk to others about concerns they may have.

• Provide an environment that encourages children and adults to feel comfortable and confident in challenging attitudes and behaviours that may discriminate others.

• Risk assess situations and activities to ensure all potential dangers have been identified.

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

 

Staff / volunteers / children should not;

 

• Permit or accept abusive or discriminatory behaviour.

• Engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact.

• Use inappropriate or insulting language.

• Show favouritism to anyone.

• Undermine or criticise others.

• Give personal money.

• Use social networks for personal communication with children and young people for whom they are responsible.

 

These are suggestions; there may be other factors that you consider more appropriate to the group or organisation. When drawing up the codes of practice, it is important to involve staff/volunteers and children in the process.

 

Recruitment & Selection

 

• It is important when recruiting paid staff and volunteers to adhere to the organisations recruitment policy. This will ensure potential staff and volunteers are screened for their suitability to work with children and young people. 

   

  (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS recruitment policy is as follows:)

   

• All paid staff and volunteers with access to children and young people or sensitive information relating to children will be required to undertake an enhanced CRB check.

• Staff and volunteers working directly with children or with access to sensitive information will be required to complete LSCB Safeguarding Children: A shared responsibility training. Their training needs will be reviewed in supervision.

• All staff and volunteers will be required to read the Child Protection Policy. This will be reviewed to ensure up to date knowledge.

• All staff and volunteers to complete an application form, including details of previous employment, details of any conviction for criminal offences (including spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974), agreement for a enhanced CRB check, permission to contact two referees, including their current or most recent employer (which should be taken up).

• The potential staff member or volunteer will be interviewed for their suitability for the post (by chief instructor mitch gooch and two executive members of the child protection panel, If deemed suitable for job, a CRN Check will be performed and if everything is okay this person will be given a opportunity to work with our team once they have had a fully enchanced crb check and references have been provided and contacted.).

• Staff and volunteers will be subject to a probationary period (3 – 6 months) during which they will be supervised and monthly meetings will take place with their manager / supervisor to identify any concerns, training and support needs (our clubs probationary period for all new volunteers is 1 year).

• Staff and volunteers will have a period of induction where they will complete any induction training (Dealing with vulnerable adults,child protection policy review and courses, Working with children in Sports) and access internal policies.

• Increased safeguards were introduced through the creation of two barred lists (regulated and controlled) to replace the POCA, POVA and List 99.  These lists are maintained by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).  A person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups. If (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with those groups they will also be breaking the law. If there is an indecent where a member of staff or volunteer has to be dismissed because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult, or would have been if they had not left, (HIDDEN FIST MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATION AND ITS CLUBS) will notify the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Information on how to do this can be found at: http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/

 

Contacts

 

Hull Children’s Social Care (Local Authority) 

Central Duty Team                                                         (01482) 448879

Emergency Duty Team                                                    (01482) 788080

Child Protection Administrator                                          (01482) 790933

Local Authority Designated Officer                                    (01482) 790933

Police Public Protection Unit                                              101

Hull Safeguarding Children Board                                      (01482) 846082

www.hullsafeguardingchildren.org

East Riding of Yorkshire
Children’s Social Care (Local Authority)

The Golden number                                                          (01482) 395500

Children’s Services                                                           (01482) 396840

Emergency Duty Team                                                     (01482) 880826

Child Protection Administrator                                             (01482) 396472

East Riding Safeguarding Children Board                       (01482)396998/9

Local Authority Designated Officer                                     (01482) 396999

Police Public Protection Team                                             101

 

Resources and Internet links

 

This section acts as a guide, rather than an exhaustive list.  Its aim is to provide you with some useful resources and links.

 

• HM Government (2010) Department of Children Schools and Families. Internet link: http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00305-2010

• HM Government (2007) Internet link: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/resources-and-practice/IG00042/

• HSCB (2010) Hull Safeguarding Children Board. NB - This document is currently under revision – Please visit Hull Safeguarding Children Board on the following internet link: http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=221,75119&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

• DfES (2006) Internet link: www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/resources-and-practice/IG00182/

• DoH (2005) . Internet link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4126161

• Cleaver, H., Nicholson, D., Tarr, S. and Cleaver, D. (2007) London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

• Cleaver, H., Unell, I. and Aldgate, A. (2010) London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

• HM Government (2010b) .Internet link: http://publications.everychildmatters.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productiondetails&PageMode=publications&ProdcutId=DCSF-00064-2010

• DCSF (2009) . Internet link:http://publications.education.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/Safe_from_Bullying-Youth_Activities.pdf

• DSCF (2009) Internet link:http://publications.education.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00242-2009

• DSCF (2007) Internet link: http://www.safesocialnetworking.com/img/safety/Cyberbullying_2.pdf

• Get Safe Online: awareness and advice. Internet link: www.getsafeonline.org

• CEOP Website - Think U Know: awareness and advice. Internet link: http://wwwthinkuknow.co.uk/

• Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU); www.thecpsu.org.uk/

• Safe Network: www.safenetwork.org.uk

• HM Government (2006) Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/DCSF-00807-2008

 

 

 

 

End of the

Child Protection Policy and Procedure