child development
Why is it important to have a policy protecting children?
This is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children involved with a charity from harm. The essential inclusions for a child protection policy are outlined below: the welfare of the child is paramount; all children without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs; the policy is approved and endorsed by the board of trustees; who the policy applies to (i.e. all trustees, staff and volunteers); children and parents are informed of the policy and procedures as appropriate; all concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously by trustees, staff and volunteers and responded to appropriately - this may require a referral to children’s services and in emergencies, the Police; a commitment to safe recruitment, selection and vetting; reference to principles, legislation and guidance that underpin the policy; arrangements for policy and procedures review;
Reference to all associated policies and procedures which promote children’s safety and welfare e.g. with regards to: health and safety, anti-bullying, protection of children online, and photography.
Procedures and systems provide clear step-by-step guidance on what to do in different circumstances and they clarify roles and responsibilities. Systems for recording information and dealing with complaints are also needed to ensure implementation and compliance. Child protection procedures should be linked with the Local Safeguarding Children Board’s procedures or the All Wales Child Protection Procedures, as relevant.
The procedures and systems should include:
A named person (and deputy) with a clearly defined role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, appropriate to the level at which s/he operates.
A description of what child abuse is, and the procedures for how to respond to it where there are concerns
This is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children involved with a charity from harm. The essential inclusions for a child protection policy are outlined below: the welfare of the child is paramount; all children without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs; the policy is approved and endorsed by the board of trustees; who the policy applies to (i.e. all trustees, staff and volunteers); children and parents are informed of the policy and procedures as appropriate; all concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously by trustees, staff and volunteers and responded to appropriately - this may require a referral to children’s services and in emergencies, the Police; a commitment to safe recruitment, selection and vetting; reference to principles, legislation and guidance that underpin the policy; arrangements for policy and procedures review;
Reference to all associated policies and procedures which promote children’s safety and welfare e.g. with regards to: health and safety, anti-bullying, protection of children online, and photography.
Procedures and systems provide clear step-by-step guidance on what to do in different circumstances and they clarify roles and responsibilities. Systems for recording information and dealing with complaints are also needed to ensure implementation and compliance. Child protection procedures should be linked with the Local Safeguarding Children Board’s procedures or the All Wales Child Protection Procedures, as relevant.
The procedures and systems should include:
A named person (and deputy) with a clearly defined role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, appropriate to the level at which s/he operates.
A description of what child abuse is, and the procedures for how to respond to it where there are concerns