creating safer space module a safeguarding children and child protection foundation training...

Creating Safer Space Module A

Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Foundation Training

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 11

Introduction

As Christians we are charged to love and care for each other.This is particularly true where the most vulnerable members of our community are concerned.

(The Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy)

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 22

Aim of this training

• To enable participants to deal confidently and appropriately in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in the church context.

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 33

Outline of the training session

• Introduction and ground rules• Setting the scene• What children need• What is abuse?• Values and judgements• Your role in safeguarding• Making referrals• Guidelines

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 44

Introduction of

Participants

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 55

Ground Rules

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 66

Ground Rules

• Mobile phones off or on silent mode• Confidentiality• Timekeeping• Give everyone the chance to speak / not to

speak• Respectful of difference of opinions / levels of

knowledge and experience• Challenge / Encourage healthy debate• Respect for diversity

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 77

What do we mean by Safeguarding and Child

Protection ?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 88

SAFEGUARDING• 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.

HM Government ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ Glossary plus Section 1.18 and 1.19

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 99

CHILD PROTECTION

Child Protection is part of safeguarding and promoting welfare.

This refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering,or are at risk of suffering significant harm.

HM Government ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ Glossary plus Section1.20,1.21 and chapter 5

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1010

SETTING THE SCENE

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1111

Children Act 1989

The Children Act 1989 places a duty on Local Authorities to promote and safeguard the welfare of children in need in their area

• The Child’s Welfare is Paramount

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1212

Provisions in the Children Act 2004

• The creation of children’s trusts and the duty to co-operate

• The setting up of Local Safeguarding Boards ( LSCBs )

• The duty on all agencies to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1313

Local Child Protection Procedures

• Procedures for all authorities/ boroughs produced by the Local Safeguarding Children Board incorporating ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’

• Note specific responsibilities to liaise with and train faith communities

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1414

Methodist History on Safeguarding – Brief Overview

• 1993 Safe From Harm – Home Office guidance

• 1994 Safeguarding Children and Young People – first Methodist guidance

• 1998 a decision that all local preachers should complete a self-declaration (Form B) [Standing Order 010 amended]

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1515

Methodist Overview of Safeguarding:

• 2003 Methodist Church ‘Safeguarding’ edition.

A policy for good practice in the care of children and young people.

This includes: -o All Circuits to have a safeguarding representativeo All those working with children and young people to

be recruited following procedures

- i.e. ‘safer recruitment’, including a criminal record check (CRB/ Disclosure Scotland as relevant)

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1616

What Do Children Need To Reach Their Full Potential?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1717

Every Child Matters

• Stay Safe

• Be Healthy

• Enjoy and Achieve

• Make a Positive Contribution

• Achieve Economic Well Being

= SHAPE

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1818

What is Abuse?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 1919

Statistics

• 1 in 4 children experienced one or more forms of physical violence during childhood.

• 1in 16 children experience serious absence of care at home during childhood.

• 1 in 6 children aged under 16 experienced sexual abuse during childhood.

• 1 in 16 children experienced frequent and severe emotional maltreatment during childhood.

(adapted from NSPCC statistics 2007)

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2020

Categories of Child Abuse

• PHYSICAL ABUSE

• SEXUAL ABUSE

• EMOTIONAL ABUSE

• NEGLECT

• Spiritual Abuse

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2121

Group Work

Quiz - Is This Abuse?• What does this category of abuse involve?

• How would you recognise this abuse?

The signs and symptoms?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2222

Possible Sources of Stress for Families

• Social exclusion / isolation

• Drug/alcohol abuse

• Mental illness of a carer / parent

• Parental learning disability

• Disability

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2323

Domestic Abuse

Prolonged or regular exposure to domestic abuse can seriously affect a child’s development and emotional well being,despite the victim’s attempts to protect their child including the unborn child.

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2424

Your Role In Safeguarding Children

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2525

Scenarios

Referring to the Quiz scenarios:

1. What concerns would you have?

2. Is there likely to be harm?

3. Who should you discuss this with?

4. Is a referral to specialist Children’s Services / child protection police unit likely to be necessary?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2626

How to respond to suspicions of abuse

What to do if …

Points taken from Safeguarding Children and Young People A quick reference guide for those working within The

Methodist Church

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2727

You suspect abuse ….

• Are you concerned about a child or young person’s immediate welfare physical, emotional, sexual or do you suspect neglect?

• Do not delay,consult the person to whom you are responsible.

• Advise your minister/ supervisor of your actions.

• If you choose you can contact the Child Protection Police or Specialist Children’s Services (formerly Social Services)

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2828

An allegation is made about another person or yourself …

• Make notes,record dates,times and events.Sign them and keep a copy

• Report it to the person to whom you are responsible and your minister

• Only tell those who need to know – you must consult with someone

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 2929

A child or young person wishes to disclose they have been abused …

• NEVER promise to keep a secret. Do not promise confidentiality – tell them we need to share this.

• React calmly; be aware of non verbal messages

• Listen ,keep listening ,do not ask leading questions or investigate. Avoid making comments or judgements

• Reassure the child they have done the right thing by telling you. Assure them they are not to blame.

• Write up using the child/ young person’s words

• Tell them what you are going to do and that they will be told what happens next.

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 3030

Consent

Obtain consent wherever possible from the parents.

Exceptions to obtaining consent are: • If it might place the child or young person at

risk of significant harm e.g. physical abuse.

• If you are at risk.

• Sexual abuse.

• Fabricated or induced illness

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 3232

What Stops Children Being Protected ?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 3333

Group Work

• Why children may not tell?

• Why adults may not hear or tell?

• Why professionals may not act?

• Why church’s may not hear / act?

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 3434

Your Contacts• The person to whom you are responsible• Your minister• Circuit Safeguarding Officer• District Taking Care/ Safeguarding Group

Write these numbers in your notes or on the back of the Safeguarding short pocket guide now.

It is important you discuss any concerns you have with someone in responsibility or with expertise.

You should never feel that you should cope alone with these concerns.

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 3535

Evaluation+

Certificates

Thank you for coming!

The End

Creating Safer Space Module ACreating Safer Space Module A 3636