TAMWORTH CORNERSTONE HOUSING ASSOCIATION

 

 CHILD PROTECTION/VULNERABLE ADULTS

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

 

 

Where the term 'child' or 'children' is used it should be understood to refer to all young people up to the age of 18 and vulnerable adults to the age of 25.

 

SECTION A: THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

 

 

1.0          WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE MAY HAVE OCCURRED

 

1.1          Responsibilities

 

                  All staff must report any concerns as soon as possible to First Response by phone or if busy using e-mail address asking for a return call (do not pass on sensitive information via e-mail).  It may be that First Response at this stage will not ask you to take any further action at this time however if there are any further incidents these must also be reported to First Response immediately they take place.

 

There are 3 criteria to be aware of in deciding to call First Response:

á          Potential conduct of harm.

á          Potential Criminal Offence

á          Inappropriate behaviour by staff member

 

A First Response file should be raised and any information including details (if applicable)

of the call to First Response are to be recorded. 

 

                  If the suspicions in any way involve a member of staff, volunteer or mentor then LADO must be informed within 24 hours, and a report placed in LADO file with a follow up phone call to Safeguarding Officer and Chair of the Committee.

 

                  You should not discuss your suspicions with any one other than those noted above, including anyone related to the child.

 

1.2          Role of the Safeguarding Officer (SO)

 

                  Once you have referred to the Safeguarding Officer (Sheila Wall) they will act on behalf of TCHA in her absence (Neena Heath).  Care must be taken by the SO to ensure that they neither under-react nor over-react.  If they are in doubt they must seek advice from First Response within 24 hours.

 

 

First Response  0800 1313 126 (Monday to Friday)

First Response 01785 354030 (out of hours)

e-mail:  firstr@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Staffordshire Police 0300 123 4455

 

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre

Website:  www.thinkuknow.co.uk

 

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)

Paul Davies Tel: 01785 854019

Mobile out of hours contact Tel: 07773 791075

 

Vulnerable Adults

Contact Social Care and Health

Tel: 0845 604 2719

 

 

For children, parents would normally be the first point of reference but if they are not in a position to allay legitimate anxieties, the matter should be taken up with the First response.  If the SO is in any doubt then First Response/Police are to be contacted.

 

                  The staff member will inform the SO of any concerns, who has responsibility for the people and work of TCHA Housing/ Learning and Skills.  Information may be shared on a limited need-to-know basis amongst the TCHA Management Team and Committee as judged by the Safeguarding Officer.

 

                  Under no circumstances will the SO attempt to carry out any investigation into the allegations or suspicions of neglect or abuse, neither will they discuss the concerns with anyone else.  The role of the SO is to collect and clarify precise details of the allegation or suspicion and this information may be provided to the statutory authorities, whose task it is to investigate the matter under Section 47 of the Children's Act 1989.

 

 

1.3          Volunteers and Staff

 

                  If possible, after a disclosure has been made write down the following details and give to the SO:

                 

                  i).  Child's name

                  ii).  Address

                  iii).  Date of Birth

                  iv).  Where parents/carers can be contacted

                  v).  Information about the circumstances or injuries which cause concern

                  vi).  Any explanation or comment the child may have made

 

1.4          Physical Injury

 

                  Where emergency medical attention is necessary then this should, of course, be sought immediately by telephoning for an ambulance.  The hospital will automatically make a referral to Social Services if they feel there is a case of neglect or abuse.

 

                  Whilst allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse will normally be reported to the SO, in the absence of the SO a delay should not occur before referral to First Response.

 

                  Exceptionally, should there be any disagreement between the person in receipt of the allegation or suspicion and the SO as to the appropriateness of a referral to First Response.  In this circumstance the person retains the responsibility as a member of the public to report serious matters to First Response, and should do so without hesitation.

 

1.5          Seeking advice

 

                  Where the SO is unsure whether or not to refer a case, seek advice from First Response.

First Response will state procedure to follow.

 

1.6          Collected information

 

                  All information collected will be logged either as an incident,  First Response file or LADO file and kept securely, even if no further action is taken.

 

2.0          HOW TO REACT WHEN A CHILD WANTS TO TALK ABOUT ABUSE

 

                  It is not easy to give guidance but the following may be of help.

 

2.1          General Points

 

                  Accept what the child says (however unlikely the story might sound).

                  Keep calm.

                  Look at the child directly.

                  Be honest.

                  Let them know you will need to tell someone else - don't promise confidentiality,

                  Be aware that the child may have been threatened.

                  Never push for information.

                  Do not suggest what may have happened.

                  The incident may have happened some time/years ago but it should be taken seriously.

 

2.2          Who abuses Children

 

                  Very rarely a stranger.

                  Often someone, who knows the child, e.g. parent, carer, sibling, relative or friend of the family.

                  Sometimes someone in authority such as a teacher, youth leader, children's worker or a key worker.

                  Sometimes paedophiles and others set out to join organisations to obtain access to children.

 

2.3          Helpful things to say or show

 

                  I believe you (or show acceptance of what the child says)

                  I am glad you have told me.

                  It's not your fault.

                  I will help you.

 

2.4          Avoid Saying

 

                  Why didnÕt 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'.

 

2.5          Concluding the Discussion

 

                  Again, reassure the child that they were right to tell you and that you believe them.  Let the child know what you are going to do next and let them know what happens.  The person to whom the child/young person has made a disclosure may be involved in any further case conferences with the Social Services so that TCHA is able to continue supporting the child.

 

2.6          What to do once a Child has talked to you about Abuse

 

                  Immediately refer to the SO & First Response who will take you through the procedure to follow.  If allegation against a member of staff, notify LADO immediately & follow procedure given.  See Section 4.7 below.   LADO/First Response make the decision of how each case is handled and not the organisation.  No-one is suspended as LADO investigate while the organisation continues as normal.   Please refer back to Section 3.

                  Make notes as soon as possible (preferably within one hour of the conversation), writing down exactly what the child/young person said and 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.  Keep all hand written notes even if subsequently typed up.

2.7          Accusations against a member of staff

If the Service User makes an accusation against a member of staff particularly if this is considered to be sexual abuse then the staff member who received the reported incident from the service user should report this to the Safeguarding Officer. The Safeguarding Officer will immediately review the accusations and report them to the Chair of the Management Committee.

                  LADO must also be informed within 24 hours.

 

 

SECTION B: THE APPOINTMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF HOUSING/TRAINING STAFF

 

 

3.0          APPOINTMENT OF HOUSING/TRAINING STAFF

 

3.1          Signing the Policy Document

 

                  All prospective workers will be asked to read this policy and sign an induction form, a copy of which is in the personnel file.  These forms are to be held at TCHA.

 

3.2          Application Forms

 

                  All new staff and volunteers are asked to sign an application form giving details of:

 

Two written references will be taken up and kept on file at TCHA.

 

3.3          First Interview

 

                  The Careers Advisor and Services Director will interview any potential workers, finding out about past experience and attitudes.

 

3.4          Probationary Period

 

                  All new staff and volunteers will complete a six month probationary period during which time they will complete a training course with a senior worker acting as mentor.

 

3.5          Appraisal Review

 

                  After the six months probation the new worker will be interviewed again and a decision will be made whether they are able to join the team on a full contract.

 

                  Because of the concerns of child abuse, and in particular child sexual abuse, it is important that all adults involved in working with children have guidelines for self protection to avoid instances of false allegations against them.  Although it is rare that someone is falsely accused, IT CAN HAPPEN.  The following steps help to minimise this possibility.

 

                  Be proactive - if at all possible try to ensure that no worker has to be on their own with individual children/young person.

                  In the event of any injury to a child, accidental or otherwise ensure that it is recorded and witnessed by another adult in the Accident Book.

                  Keep written records of any false allegations a child/young person makes against you.

                  Inform another team member if it becomes clear that a child appears to have a dislike for you.

                  Get another adult to witness the allegation if possible.

                  If a child/young person touches a worker in an inappropriate place or manner, record what happened immediately and ensure that another worker is informed immediately.  This also applies to sexual humour or inappropriate conversation.  Inform First Response.

 

SECTION C:  PRACTICAL ISSUES CONCERNING TCHA HOUSING

 

4.0          INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDREN

 

                  TCHA seeks to provide secure accommodation for young people who need support and are seeking life skills training towards employment and independent living.  We work with young people aged 14 - 25 years, from a variety of backgrounds and experiences providing 24 hour support, using the Key worker system and seek to offer a range of choices both in training, career selection and future housing.

                  The Christian ethos of the charity enables individuals and teams to achieve their desire to go out into the community and make positive and lasting changes in society, which are to the benefit of all concerned.

 

                  4.1  Good Practise for our Children's Workers

 

                  As far as possible do not be alone with a child/young person where your activity cannot be seen.  This may mean leaving adjoining doors open.  If this is not possible (for example a counselling situation) another adult should be on the premises, aware that the meeting is taking place.  The child/young person should know that the adult is there and who he or she is.

 

                  4.2  Respecting Young People

 

                  Treat all children and young people with respect and dignity befitting their age; watch language, tone of voice, and where you put your body.

 

                  4.3  Correct Conduct

 

                  Do not engage in any of the following:

á          Invading the privacy of children/young person.

á          Rough, physical or sexually provocative games.

á          Making sexually suggestive comments about or to a child/young person, even in fun.

á          Inappropriate and intrusive touching of any form.

á          Any scape-goating, ridiculing or rejecting a child/young person.

 

                  4.4  Disciplining

 

á          Learn to control and discipline children/young people without using physical punishment.

á          Do not let children/young people involve you in excessive attention-seeking that is overtly sexual or physical in nature.  Seek advice from your Line manager if you have any concerns about a child/young person in this respect.

 

                  4.5  Acceptable Conduct

 

á          Do not invite a child/young person to your home alone, invite a group or make certain others are there.

á          Do not give lifts in your car to children/young person on their own other than for short journeys.  If you are alone ask them to sit in the passenger seat.

á          Do not share sleeping accommodation with children/young person if you take them away.

á          If you see another worker or any other adult acting in ways that might be misconstrued, be prepared to speak to them or to your SO.  SO may deem it necessary to gain advice from LADO.

á          We need to guide children in behaviour, being firm, loving and consistent.  Do not shout in anger or put a child down.  Explain clearly how you want them to behave.

á          Agreed ground rules, no swearing, no racist remarks.  Talk to a child away from the group and not in front of everyone.

á          Reject the behaviour, not the child/young person; give encouragement to each child/young person, noticing his/her good points and commenting on it.  Give positive eye contact to encourage a child/young person.

 

5. 0        TEAM DYNAMICS

 

                  5.1  Working Together

 

                  It is essential that workers encourage and support each other.  Team Meetings will be held to discuss the behaviour of children/young people.  It may be helpful to keep a written record of issues discussed and decisions made.

 

                  Concern about the behaviour of anyone working with children should be referred to the SO immediately/ LADO (particularly if its weekend staff & 24hr rule).  LADO must be informed of any further developments.  Anyone with concerns about the Services Director should in the same way bring it directly to the attention of LADO.

            LADO must also be informed within 24 hours.

 

6.0          STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

6.1          TCHA has a responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to their care.  The need for written guidelines is important in ensuring that this is done with understanding and clarity.

 

6.2          In its work with children TCHA is committed to:

 

                  i).  Listening to, relate effectively to and value children whilst ensuring their protection within its activities.

 

                  ii).  Encourage and support contact with parents and previous carers.

 

                  iii).  Ensure that Housing / Learning and Skills Staff are given support and training as necessary.

 

Sexual and Emotional Abuse.  Accordingly, TCHA has based this policy upon the one outlined in the document entitled 'Protecting Children and Appointing Children's Workers', formulated by PCCA Church's Child Protection and Advisory Service.

 

The policy sets out agreed guidelines relating to the following areas:

Recognising and responding to abuse.

What to do if suspected abuse occurs.

Appointing children's workers.

Practical issues.

 

6.3          TCHA recognises the need to build constructive links with childcare agencies.  Accordingly, we liaise with Social Services and they are familiar with our work.

 

7.0          INDICATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE

 

The following may be indications of child abuse, but they should not be taken in isolation.

 

7.1          Physical Signs

 

                  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 appear to have received no medical attention.  Bruises, bites, burns, fractures, etc, which do not have an accidental explanation.  Cutting, slashing and in certain circumstances drug abuse.

 

7.2          Indicators of Possible Sexual Abuse

 

                  Any allegation made by a child concerning sexual abuse.  A child with excessive pre-occupation with sexual matters.  Severe sleep disturbances with fears, phobias, vivid dreams or nightmares, sometimes with overt or veiled sexual connotations.

 

7.3       Psychological abuse

                  Changes or regression in mood and behaviour, particularly where a service user withdraws   or becomes demanding. Also depression/aggression.

                  Nervousness/frozen watchfulness.

                  Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or older people.

                  Attention seeking behaviour.

                  Running away/stealing/lying.

                  It is important that the above are not taken as indicating that abuse has taken place, but the

                  possibility should be considered far more than in the past.

 

7.4      Financial abuse.

All charges for the services offered will be widely published.

Each service user will be charged the same weekly eligible contribution towards electricity, community charge etc and this is reviewed annually.

Training is given in money management and budgeting inline with our Life Skills training programme.

Service users are encouraged to be open about debts during the preparation of their Personal Development Plan. Debt management programmes are available.

Service users are asked to report any pressures from other service users or outside people regarding finance so this may be appropriately dealt with.

 

7.5          Material abuse.

Each room/flat offered will be to an equal standard and the fixtures, fittings etc provided are as per the published listing for that Project.

Where a new service user arrives with very little then extra help is given with bedding and sometimes clothes.

 

7.6          Discriminatory abuse.

No service user or anyone applying for accommodation and support will be discriminated against. Please see our Equal Opportunities Policy.

All our decisions relating to the services offered will be in accordance with the appropriate policy and procedure.

 

7.7       Acts of neglect or omission.

The services we offer are well documented and each service user will be treated fairly and in accordance with the Charities guidelines through its policies and procedures.

Complaints and Appeal procedures are detailed in the service users Welcome Pack and talked through during the induction process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This policy was agreed and approved by The TCHA Board of Directors

 

on behalf of Tamworth Cornerstone Housing Association

 

was reviewed  ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ..

 

next review due ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ

 

 

reviewed by NH and MC on 9.12.10