CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

We work in accordance with The Children Act 1989 and Lincolnshire Area Child Protection Committee Code of Practice.

GROUND RULES

1)       The welfare of the children attending this group is paramount.

2)       All known abusers will be excluded.

3)       All staff and volunteers who work with children will be checked through the Criminal Records Bureau procedure. They will be subject to a probationary period and their appointment will not be confirmed until the Group is confident they can be safely entrusted with children.

4)       All staff and volunteers will be aware of child protection procedures.

5)       All staff and volunteers should be aware of possible signs of child abuse and encouraged to undergo child protection training.

6)       The person with responsibility for child protection issues within the group is GARETH EVISON.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All child protection concerns will be strictly confidential. Family

information can only be disclosed with the express permission of the

family unless it is considered that, for the protection of a child,

information should be shared with the appropriate authority.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED FOR A CHILD’S

WELFARE

1)       Whenever worrying changes are observed in a child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance, a specific and confidential record will be set up. This record will include the child’s name, address, age, times and dated observations. The report will objectively describe the child’s behaviour and appearance without comment or interpretation, where possible the child’s exact words spoken, the date, time and signature of the recorder. If possible another member of staff should witness the observation.

2)       Discuss the situation with the named person for Child Protection issues who will be responsible for making a referral to Social Services, Police or NSPCC.

3)       If still concerned, advice can always be sought from Social Services/Lincolnshire Area Child Protection Committee by contacting : -

          Social Services (Lincoln)           01522 532244

          “Out of Hours” service             01529 413366

          NSPCC                                    08088 005000

4)       Next steps could include a Child Protection Conference, placing a child on the Child Protection Register, a written Child Protection Plan, the appointment of a Key Worker, ongoing reviews, possible legal action. Where investigations are ongoing, the Group will endeavour to continue to welcome the child and their parents into the Group

WHERE A VOLUNTEER/MEMBER OF STAFF IS ACCUSED OF

CHILD ABUSE

The person concerned will be interviewed immediately by the person in

charge of the Group. The person accused may choose to attend the

interview accompanied by a friend or advisor. They will be informed of

the allegation and immediately suspended whilst an investigation is

carried out. Investigations will be conducted with the help of the Area

Child Protection Committee and in accordance with its procedures.

Confidential records of the proceedings will be kept.

This policy was adopted at a meeting held on 14/4/2005

Signed on behalf of the Group by    …………………………………….

Position held                                     …………………………………….