Session : Safeguarding - Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults What is safeguarding ? Protecting children from maltreatment Preventing impairment of children’s health and development Ensuring that children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

Discussion Does anyone have an example of a child protection issue from their work that they would be willing to share

What should your organistion do about safeguarding and child protection? Recognise the importance of child protection and nurture an organisational culture of safeguarding and protection Be aware of National law and legislation Develop a policy and response procedures Train staff and put procedures into practice (including with partners & beneficiaries where appropriate) Have a responsible person and review policy and practice regularly

What should be included in a Child Protection Policy Context: State the reason for have a the policy – why it is necessary for your organistion Define abuse and state the different categories State your Code of Conduct and protection good practice State the response procedure in the case of suspected abuse State the procedures concerning staff, volunteers & board member’s recruitment, training, disciplinary proceedings and signed commitments. State how and when the policy and its implementation will be reviewed and monitored.

task name something that would be regarded as child abuse What constitutes maltreatment or child abuse? task name something that would be regarded as child abuse

Types of child abuse Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse According to the UNCRC a child is “every human being below the age of 18 years”. However, some countries state that children reach adulthood younger than 18. defined by World Report on Violence and Health resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust, or power.” WHO, 1999 & 2002) Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Neglect Exploitation

Examples of Physical abuse? Hitting, beating or kicking a child including with an object such as a stick or belt Burning a child with hot water, a cigarette, or an iron Holding a child under water Tying up a child Severely shaking a baby

Examples of emotional abuse? Threats of violence or abandonment Intentionally frightening a child or vulnerable adult Threatening to denine food or care they need Socially isolating an individual, failing to let them have visitors Intentionally misinterpreting harmful traditional practices Telling an individual that they are too much trouble Ignoring or excessively criticizing Unreasonably ordering an individual around; treating an individual like a servant

Examples of sexual abuse? Rape and sexual acts – such as touching a child’s genitals for sexual pleasure or other unnecessary reasons Forcing a child to touch someone sexually Putting objects or body parts inside the vagina, mouth or anus of a child for sexual pleasure or other unnecessary reason   Non-physical behaviours: Exposing a child to pornography Encouraging a child to perform sexual acts Exposing a person’s genitals to a child Performing sexual acts in a child’s presence Photographing a child in sexual poses Watching a child undress or use the bathroom Using computers, cell phones or social media outlets to make sexual overtures or expose a child 

Examples of neglect Failing to provide for a child’s basic needs such as food, clothing or shelter. Failing to adequately supervise a child,or provide for their safety. Failing to ensure a child receives an education. Failing to meet a child’s needs for nurture and stimulation Failing to provide appropriate health care, including dental care Refusal of care or ignoring medical recommendations.

Examples of exploitation Work or other activities for the benefit of others. This includes, but is not limited to, child labour. Child prostitution, trafficking of children for sexual abuse or other exploitation, Economic exploitation including begging Participation in pornography,

What are the Signs/Symptoms of abuse ? Depression, anxiety or unusual fears or a sudden loss of self-confidence. Withdrawal from friends or usual activities. Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity Changes in concentration and school performance

What should be included in a Child Protection Policy Context: State the reason for have a the policy – why it is necessary for your organistion Define abuse and state the different categories, and signs and symptoms State your Code of Conduct and protection good practice State the response procedure in the case of suspected abuse State the procedures concerning staff, volunteers & board member’s recruitment, training, disciplinary proceedings and signed commitments. State how and when the policy and its implementation will be reviewed and monitored.

Code of Conduct - Protection good practice Treat children and vulnerable adults with respect and recognise them as individuals. Value and take seriously their views and opinions. Help to develop their inherent potential, capacities and capabilities Involve them in decision-making whenever possible. Practice Staff, volunteers and board members should wherever possible avoid sole contact with children and / or vulnerable adults. Protect the identity and privacy of children by obtaining their verbal consent to use photographs/ video and changing their names in fundraising and educational materials. Never, under any circumstances, engage in actions or behaviour that could be construed as abusive, or condone such actions or behaviour.

Images – photography and video Images of children must not show them in states of undress or in inappropriate poses. Details attached to images and included in stories must not allow that child to be traced to his or her home or community. Make sure you have been given permission by children and their parents/carers to take their image and use their information

Response Procedure – if abuse is suspected ACT on your concerns. Do not turn a blind eye Remember the protection of children is the most important consideration. If you think they are in further danger of abuse, try to ensure their immediate safety Make a factual written record of what you have found out. Confidentially communicate your concerns without delay to the Lead Person in your organisation (or the Deputy if they are not available or the concern actually relates to the Lead). Ensure the concern is refered to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible, such as social care services, health services and the police. Follow up the referral in writing within 24 hours. Work with the Lead to ensure everything is recorded in a secured logbook with times, dates and signatures against each action. The guiding principle is that the safety of the child is always the most important

Staff, volunteers and board members Staff, volunteers & board members, whether existing or being newly recruited, will have there backgrounds checked for any previous child protection concerns. All staff will be trained in the protection of children and vulnerable adults to ensure they understand the four definitions of abuse and can initiate the Response Procedure. All staff, volunteers & board members will read the Protection Policy and sign that they have understood and will adhere to its contents including the Code of Conduct and Response Procedures.

What should you review / improve? What should your organistion do about safeguarding and child protection task Individually write down 1 thing you are already doing and anything you’re not doing but should be. What should you review / improve?

What should you review / improve? What should your organistion do about safeguarding and child protection task Individually write down 1 thing you are already doing and anything you’re not doing but should be. What should you review / improve?