Child Protection Policy

This policy says what Watford Mencap will do to protect children from abuse. It says how Watford Mencap will report concerns and allegations of abuse.

It shows a commitment to protecting and safeguarding children against potential harm or actual harm. It fully accepts and promotes the principle enshrined in the Children Act 1989 that the welfare of the child is paramount.

The policy also demonstrates a commitment to working with statutory bodies, voluntary agencies and other faith communities to promote the safety and welfare of children and acting promptly whenever a concern is raised about a child or about the behaviour of an adult. Watford Mencap will work with the appropriate statutory bodies when an investigation into child abuse is necessary.

Introduction

We will endeavour to safeguard children and young people by:

Valuing them, listening to respecting them
Adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
Recruiting staff and volunteers safely ensuring all necessary checks are made
Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers
Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers though supervision, support and training.
Reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

Watford Mencap will endeavour to safeguard the children who are members or who attend activities we organise or facilitate by following the procedure if a concern is raised about a child’s welfare.

The definition of a child for the purpose of this document is anyone under the age of 18 years.

Important Contacts

Watford Mencap has an appointed individual who is responsible for dealing with any safeguarding concerns. In their absence, a deputy will always be available for workers to consult with.

The Designated Safeguarding leads for Child Protection within Watford Mencap are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Ruth Murray

Work telephone number:

01923 713620

Emergency contact no:

07939 098401

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Nilesh Vadhwana

Work telephone number:

01923 713620

Mobile number:

07384 511703

Emergency Number:

07931 889559

Other Key Contacts:

The Gateway at Hertfordshire CC

0300 123 4043 (including out of hours)

Police (CAIU)

0845 33 00 222

(or in an emergency 999)

NSPCC

0808 800 5000

NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line

0800 028 0285

Further useful contacts are listed on page 15

Responsibilities of individuals in implementing this policy and procedure

All members of Watford Mencap are to:

Understand and apply this policy and procedure in their activities;
Identify opportunities and undertake appropriate training to support them in their role;
Act appropriately at all times and be able to challenge inappropriate behaviour in others;
Be able to recognise harm; and
Know how to report any concerns in a timely and appropriate way.

In addition, senior members of the organisation are to:

Encourage all staff and volunteers to understand this policy and procedure
Offer opportunities to undertake appropriate safeguarding training and refresher training
Ensure that the policy and procedure is adhered to and to undertake regular compliance audits
Ensure that a whistle blowing policy is developed, agreed and communicated with all staff and volunteers

The role and responsibilities of the Designated lead(s) are:

To ensure that all staff are aware of what they should do and who they should go to if they are concerned that a child/young person maybe subject to abuse or neglect.
Ensure that any concerns about a child/young person are acted on, clearly recorded, referred on where necessary and, followed up to ensure the issues are addressed.
The Designated lead(s) will record any reported incidents in relation to a child/young person or breach of Safeguarding policies and procedures. This will be kept in a secure place and its contents will be confidential.

Outcomes for Children and their Families

In developing this Policy Watford Mencap intends that it will promote the welfare of children and young people attending and taking part in activities.

Children and young people and their parents / carers can be assured that Watford Mencap takes their welfare seriously and wants them to enjoy the activities in a safe and secure environment.

Every adult who works with or on behalf of Watford Mencap is aware of the contents of this policy and understands what the reporting procedures are if there are any activities that may be unsafe or may present a risk of harm, or if the child or young person (or their parent(s) / carer(s)) makes a disclosure of abuse or an allegation against an adult working with them. Such disclosures or allegations will be taken very seriously to ensure that the child is protected.

All adults working for or with Watford Mencap will have been appropriately recruited and Enhanced DBSs will be applied for and references taken up in line with the Recruitment and Selection Policy. Their induction into the organisation will include basic child protection training and a briefing on this policy.

Policy Statement

In implementing this child protection /safeguarding policy Watford Mencap will

Ensure that all workers understand their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation by including training on Child Protection in their induction and in subsequent training that is undertaken;

Ensure that all workers understand their responsibility to work to the standards that are detailed in the organisation’s Child Protection Policy and work at all times towards maintaining high standards of practice;

Ensure that all workers are aware of HSCP Inter-agency Child Protection & Safeguarding Children Procedures and are confident in how to work within these guidelines by ensuring their attendance at training and at subsequent refresher training organised by the HSCP.

Ensure that all workers understand their duty to report concerns that arise about a child or young person, or a worker’s conduct towards a child/young person, to the organisation’s Designated lead for child protection;

Ensure that a Designated lead responsible for child protection is appointed and that they understand their responsibility to refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e. Police and/or Children’s Services (CS));

Ensure that any procedures relating to the conduct of workers are implemented in a consistent and equitable manner;

Provide opportunities for all workers to develop their skills and knowledge, particularly in relation to the welfare and protection of children and young people;

Ensure that children and young people are enabled to express their ideas and views on a wide range of issues and will have access to the organisation’s Complaints Procedure;

Ensure that parents/carers are encouraged to be involved in the work of the organisation and, when requested, have access to all guidelines and procedures;

Endeavour to keep up-to-date with national developments relating to the welfare and protection of children and young people.

Ensure that appropriate background checks are undertaken when anyone joins the organisation and before they start working directly with children and young people.

Ensure that all people working directly with children and young people have at least a basic understanding of child protection and as part of their training have at the very least undertaken an online, certificated child protection course.

Legal Framework

The Children Act 1989 sets out that the child’s welfare is paramount and safeguarding and promoting it is the priority.

The Children Act 2004 set out a duty on Local Authorities to work closely with those providing services to children and young people.

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and how practitioners should conduct the assessment of children:

‘Safeguarding children - the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm - is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with Children’s Services has a role to play.’

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out key principles which are enshrined within these acts and the statutory guidance. From 15 January 1992, when the treaty came into force, every child in the UK has been entitled to over 40 specific rights. These include:

the right to life, survival and development
the right to have their views respected, and to have their best interests considered at all times
the right to a name and nationality, freedom of expression, and access to information concerning them
the right to live in a family environment or alternative care, and to have contact with both parents wherever possible
health and welfare rights, including rights for disabled children, the right to health and health care, and social security
the right to education, leisure, culture and the arts
special protection for refugee children, children in the juvenile justice system, children deprived of their liberty and children suffering economic, sexual or other forms of exploitation

The rights included in the convention apply to all children and young people, with no exceptions. (https://www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/un-convention-child-rights/)

Recognising abuse and neglect

Definition of abuse

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Harm can include ill treatment that is not physical as well as the impact of witnessing ill treatment of others. This can be particularly relevant, for example, in relation to the impact on children of all forms of domestic abuse, including where they see, hear, or experience its effects. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or extra-familial contexts by those known to them or, more rarely, by others. Abuse can take place wholly online, or technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse. Children may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

An abused child is any boy or girl, under 18 years of age, who has suffered from, or is believed likely to be, at risk of significant risk of physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.

Physical Abuse (including when masqueraded as discipline and chastisement)1

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. […]

Physical abuse often arises from a wish to chastise. English law allows smacking by parents in that parents can use the defence of “reasonable chastisement” but only in a charge of common assault.

The introduction of section 54 of the Children Act 2004 changed the law, to remove the reasonable chastisement defence for actual bodily harm. Actual bodily harm includes minor visible injuries such as a graze, a scratch, an abrasion or bruising around the eye. Common assault implies a transient trifling injury such as reddening of the skin or no injury at all. The use of an implement to hit a child though not specifically prohibited is more likely to leave a mark. Thus the law allows a parent to smack a child where doing so leaves no mark upon the skin, so only light smacks are permitted. “Over chastisement” which implies at least actual bodily harm would be against the law and the reasonable chastisement defence would not apply. This means, for example, that a parent can no longer justify beating a child on the grounds that child is difficult to raise.5

Although the reasonable chastisement defence only applies to the criminal law the concept influences decisions taken in the family courts. The defence applies only to parents and adults acting in loco parentis with the parent’s permission. Physical chastisement, i.e. corporal punishment, of any form has been prohibited in state schools since 1986, private since 1998 and by child minders since 2003.

It is important that all professionals treat injuries caused to children by their parents as an assault and do not condone or excuse this because their intention was to discipline the child. Professionals should be cautious about referring to such assaults as “over-chastisement” as this can have the effect of minimising the impact on the child of the injuries or implying the child’s behaviour was a contributory cause.

There is evidence that even smacking allowed within the law is harmful to children. For example, minor forms of regular smacking of pre-school children is associated with an increased risk of antisocial behaviour after 2-3 years even when allowing for other parenting risk factors and the presence of such behaviour at study entry.6, 7 Maternal depression and violence between adult partners are associated with a greater risk of smacking children than either factor present alone regardless of child behaviour.8 Parents who experience physical punishment in their childhood are more likely to smack their own children.

The following definition is taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, p160:

A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Signs

Although these signs do not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, they may help adults recognise that something is wrong. The possibility of abuse should be investigated if a child shows a number of these symptoms, or any of them to a marked degree:

Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns
Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries
Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather
Refusal to undress for gym
Bald patches
Chronic running away
Fear of medical help or examination
Self-destructive tendencies
Aggression towards others
Fear of physical contact - shrinking back if touched
Admitting that they are punished, but the punishment is excessive (such as a child being beaten every night to 'make him study')
Fear of suspected abuser being contacted

Emotional Abuse

The following definition is taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, p157

Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meets the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Signs

Physical, mental and emotional development delay
Sudden speech disorders
Continual self-depreciation ('I'm stupid, ugly, worthless, etc.')
Overreaction to mistakes
Extreme fear of any new situation
Inappropriate response to pain ('I deserve this')
Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)
Extremes of passivity or aggression

Sexual Abuse

The following definition is taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 p162:

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse Sexual abuse can take place online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children

Signs

Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child's age
Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases
Other extreme reactions, such as depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia
Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging
Regressing to younger behaviour patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys
Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating
Being isolated or withdrawn
Inability to concentrate
Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone with a babysitter or child minder
Starting to wet again, day or night/nightmares
Become worried about clothing being removed
Suddenly drawing sexually explicit pictures
Trying to be 'ultra-good' or perfect; overreacting to criticism

Neglect

The following definition is taken from a previous version of Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, p160

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers)
ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment
provide suitable education

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Signs

Constant hunger
Poor personal hygiene
Constant tiredness
Poor state of clothing
Emaciation
Untreated medical problems
No social relationships
Compulsive scavenging
Destructive tendencies

Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse. It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone.

Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non- penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside clothing. It may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in the production of sexual images, forcing children to look at sexual images or watch sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet).

The definition of child sexual exploitation is as follows:

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

Child sexual exploitation is never the victim’s fault, even if there is some form of exchange: all children and young people under the age of 18 have a right to be safe and should be protected from harm.

Sexual exploitation can have links to other types of crime. These include:

Child trafficking
Domestic abuse
Sexual violence in intimate relationships
Grooming (including online grooming)
Abusive images of children and their distribution
Drugs-related offences
Gang-related activity
Immigration-related offences
Domestic servitude

The following vulnerabilities are examples of the types of things children can experience that might make them more susceptible to child sexual exploitation:

Having a prior experience of neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse
Lack of a safe/stable home environment, now or in the past (domestic abuse or parental substance misuse, mental health issues or criminality, for example)
Recent bereavement or loss
Social isolation or social difficulties
Absence of a safe environment to explore sexuality
Economic vulnerability
Homelessness or insecure accommodation status
Connections with other children and young people who are being sexually exploited
Family members or other connections involved in adult sex work
Having a physical or learning disability
Being in care (particularly those in residential care and those with interrupted care histories)
Sexual identity

Children rarely self-report child sexual exploitation so it is important that practitioners are aware of potential indicators of risk, including:

Acquisition of money, clothes, mobile phones etc. without plausible explanation; • Gang-association and/or isolation from peers/social networks;
Exclusion or unexplained absences from school, college or work;
Leaving home/care without explanation and persistently going missing or returning late;
Excessive receipt of texts/phone calls;
Returning home under the influence of drugs/alcohol;
Inappropriate sexualised behaviour for age/sexually transmitted infections;
Evidence of/suspicions of physical or sexual assault;
Relationships with controlling or significantly older individuals or groups;
Multiple callers (unknown adults or peers);
Frequenting areas known for sex work;
Concerning use of internet or other social media;
Increasing secretiveness around behaviours; and
Self-harm or significant changes in emotional well-being.

Children can be perpetrators as well as victims

Children can be both experiencing child sexual exploitation and perpetrating it at the same time. Examples might include a child who is forced to take part in the exploitation of another child under duress, or a child who is forced to introduce other children to their abuser under threats to their family’s safety. These situations require a nuanced

approach that recognises and engages with the young person’s perpetration within the context of their own victimisation.

Children who perpetrate child sexual exploitation require a different response to adult perpetrators. Responses may involve criminal justice pathways at times, however every child who displays harmful sexual behaviour should also have their safeguarding and welfare needs actively considered in line with Working Together.

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. All practitioners should assume that in the course of their work with children they will encounter children at risk of sexual exploitation. All practitioners working with children and families need to know where to get help: Local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements will set out the process for referring concerns about the welfare of children to local authority children’s social care. Anyone can make a referral and ask for advice. If a child is considered to be in immediate danger the police should be contacted

Child Criminal Exploitation

The following definition is taken from the Government website: Guidance exploitation and vulnerable adults: county lines, Updated October 2023

What is child criminal exploitation?

Child criminal exploitation is increasingly used to describe this type of exploitation where children are involved, and is defined as:

“Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”

Criminal exploitation of children is broader than just county lines and includes for instance children forced to work on cannabis farms or to commit theft.

Dangers of criminal exploitation (as define on NSPCC website)

It’s important to be aware of the risks of criminal exploitation or being involved with a criminal gang. They can use different tactics to recruit and exploit children and young people, including bribing them with rewards, befriending them, and threatening them, or coercing them.

Dangers of criminal exploitation include:

being subject to threats, blackmail and violence
being exploited and forced to commit crimes
being arrested, including for crimes committed by the gang that they have not directly committed under the law of joint enterprise
not being able to leave or cut off ties with the gang
having their safety or the safety of friends and family threatened
risk of physical harm, rape and sexual abuse
risk of emotional abuse
risk of severe injury or being killed
abusing drugs, alcohol and other substances
long term impact on education and employment options.

Exploiting a child into committing crimes in abusive. Children who are targeted can also be groomed, physically abused, emotionally abused, sexually exploited or trafficked. However, as children involved in gangs often commit crimes themselves, sometimes they are not seen as victims by adults and professionals, despite the harm they have experienced. It’s important to spot the signs and act quickly if you think a child is being groomed or is becoming involved with a gang.

Please visit the NSPCC website for further guidance on Child Criminal Exploitation

Domestic Abuse

Anyone can be subjected to or affected by domestic abuse, but research and data shows us that some people – particularly women – are more likely to be so; and it is more likely that those causing the abuse and violence will be men.

Globally, the UN estimates that 1 in 3 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime with 1 death every 11 minutes worldwide.

In England and Wales, it is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Furthermore, estimates suggest that at least 1 in 5 children live with domestic abuse.

Various identities—such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, and socioeconomic status—intersect and shape an individual’s experience of abuse and access to support. Practitioners should be mindful of this and maintain a clear focus on disproportionality not exclusivity when responding to domestic abuse. Please see the NSPCC website for guidance on advice for professionals on how to support children exposed to domestic abuse.

The following definition is taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced the first ever statutory definition of domestic abuse (section 1 of the Act). The statutory definition is clear that domestic abuse may be a single incident or a course of conduct which can encompass a wide range of abusive behaviours, including a) physical or sexual abuse; b) violent or threatening behaviour; c) controlling or coercive behaviour; d) economic abuse; and e) psychological, emotional, or other abuse.

Under the statutory definition, both the person who is carrying out the behaviour and the person to whom the behaviour is directed towards must be aged 16 or over and they must be “personally connected” and the behaviour is abusive (as defined in section 2 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021). The definition ensures that different types of relationships are captured, including ex-partners and family members. However, child-to-parent abuse and relationship abuse between teenagers under 16 are not covered by this definition.

All children can experience and be adversely affected by domestic abuse in the context of their home life where domestic abuse occurs between family members, including where those being abusive do not live with the child. Experiencing domestic abuse can have a significant impact on children. Section 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises the impact of domestic abuse on children (0 to 18), as victims in their own right, if they see, hear or experience the effects of abuse.

Young people can also experience domestic abuse within their own intimate relationships. This form of child-on-child abuse is sometimes referred to as teenage relationship abuse. Depending on the age of the young people, this may not be recognised in law under the statutory definition of domestic abuse (if one or both parties are under 16). However, as with any child under 18, where there are concerns about safety or welfare, child safeguarding procedures should be followed and both young victims and young perpetrators should be offered support.

The ‘Domestic Abuse Act 2021: statutory guidance’ provides further advice for frontline professionals who have responsibility for safeguarding and supporting victims of domestic abuse, including children. This guidance provides further information about the different forms of domestic abuse (including teenage relationship abuse and child to parent abuse) and the impact of domestic abuse on children.

Statutory Guidance Framework defines controlling or coercive behaviour as

an intentional pattern of behaviour that occurs on two or more occasions, or which takes place over time, in order for one individual to exert power, control or coercion over another. The conduct is ongoing, and perpetrators will use various means to hurt, humiliate, intimidate, exploit, isolate and dominate their victims.

Extremism

The following definition is taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

Extremism is defined in the Prevent strategy as the vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces.

Extremism goes beyond terrorism and includes people who target the vulnerable – including the young – by seeking to sow division between communities on the basis of race, faith or denomination; justify discrimination towards women and girls; persuade others that minorities are inferior; or argue against the primacy of democracy and the rule of law in our society.

The Prevent Duty

In order to comply with the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, Watford Mencap promotes the 4 British Values that are designed to keep children and young people safe and promotes their welfare. It is our duty to raise awareness, recognize and support both children and adults. This includes awareness of the expression of extremist views. There is no single way to identify an individual who is likely to be susceptible to a terrorist ideology, but at Watford Mencap we; manage risks, notice changes and patterns in behavior and if we are concerned, we act proportionately, by referring through The Gateway and the Channel Panel. We use the Notice (recognise), check and share method. Staff at Watford Mencap are trained to identify children and young people who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and how to build resilience. By promoting fundamental British Values and debating controversial issues in a safe environment, allows children and young people to understand how they can influence and participate in safe decision making, recognise pressures, know how to manage difficult situations and where to get help. We provide opportunities to converse with the children and young people, listen to them and this rapport and trust that is built in a safe heaven is essential in safeguarding effectively.

Developing a ‘code of conduct’ with children and young people can assist with minimising the opportunity for bullying and encourage their participation in the activities of the group.

Bullying and Cyberbullying

Bullying affects everyone at some point in their lives. It may be at school, at college, in an activity group or club, in the workplace or even at home.

Parents, carers, teachers and others working with children have a duty to take action if they suspect or discover that child(ren) are being bullied.

Bullying includes:

People calling you names
Making things up to get another person into trouble
Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing and shoving
Taking things away from someone
Damaging another person’s belongings
Stealing someone’s money
Taking friends away from them
'Cyberbullying'
Spreading rumours
Up skirting - this is a criminal offence and must be reported to the Police.
Threats and intimidation
Making silent or abusive phone calls
Bullies can also frighten the victim so that they don't want to go to school or

take part in other activities.

The victim may pretend to be ill to avoid the bully

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. Unlike bullying in the real world, online bullying can follow the child wherever they go, via social networks, gaming and mobile phone. Types of cyberbullying can include:

Sending threatening or abusive text messages
Creating and sharing embarrassing images or videos
Trolling – the sending of menacing or upsetting messages on social networks, chat rooms or online games
Excluding children from online games, activities or friendship groups
Shaming someone online
Setting up hate sites or groups about a particular child
Encouraging young people to self-harm
Voting for or against someone in an abusive poll
Creating fake accounts, hijacking or stealing online identities to embarrass a young person or cause trouble using their name
Sending explicit messages, also known as sexting
Pressuring children into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual conversations.

Developing a ‘Code of Conduct’ with children and young people can assist with

minimising the opportunity for bullying and encourage their participation in the activities of the group.

Steps to follow if you are worried about a child or if a child confides in you

Watford Mencap recognises that it has a duty to act on reports or suspicions of abuse and believes that the safety of the child should override any doubts, hesitations, or other considerations (such as the potential to have a negative impact on professional relationships with a family). When worrying changes are observed in a child’s or young person’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance, staff will follow the steps set out below.

If a child confides in you:

Stay calm, approachable and open to what they have to say
Listen to them carefully without interrupting
Make it clear that you are taking what they are telling you seriously
Acknowledge that you understand how difficult this might be for them to say what they are saying
Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling someone
Let them know that you will do everything you can to help them
Do not show any shock or disgust;
Do not probe further;
Do not ask leading questions that might suggest the answer;
Do not make assumptions;
Do not make any comments about the alleged abuser;
Do not make promises you cannot keep, particularly about keeping the information ‘secret’, but explain that you may need to share it with an appropriate person;
Do not discuss with colleagues apart from the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or their deputy); and
Follow the steps set out below

Step 1

Initially talk to a child/young person about what you are observing. It is okay to ask questions, for example: “I’ve noticed that you don’t appear yourself today, is everything okay? But never use leading questions

Listen carefully to what the young person has to say and take it seriously;

Never investigate or take sole responsibility for a situation where a child/young person talks about matters that may be indicative of abuse;

Always explain to children and young people that any information they have given will have to be shared with others, if this indicates they and or other children are at risk of harm;

Notify the organisation’s Designated lead for Child Protection / Safeguarding

Record what was said as soon as possible after any disclosure on the form attached at Appendix 1 and send to the Designated lead for Child Protection / Safeguarding;

Respect confidentiality and file documents securely;

Step 2

The Designated lead(s) will take immediate action if there is a suspicion that a child has been abused or likely to be abused. In is situation the Designated lead will contact the police and/or The Gateway. If a referral is made direct to a Social Worker this must be followed up in writing within 24 hrs.

NB Parents / carers will need to be informed about any referral to The Gateway unless to do so would place the child at an increased risk of harm.

The Designated lead can also seek advice and clarity about a situation that is beginning to raise concern through The Gateway 0300 123 4043 or from the NSPCC National Child Protection on 0808 800 5000. Specific advice about issues concerning South Asian children can be sought on the NSPCC National Child Protection Asian Helpline on 0800 096 7719.

Professionals, employees, managers, helpers, carers and volunteers in all agencies must make a referral to The Gateway:

If it is believed or suspected that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer Significant Harm, or
Where a professional has identified unmet need in relation to a Child in Need

A referral must be made as soon as possible when any concern of significant harm becomes known - the greater the level of perceived risk, the more urgent the action should be.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD YOU HAVE A DUTY TO REFER

The belief or suspicion about significant harm may be based on information which comes from different sources. It may come from a member of the public, the child concerned, another child, a family member or other professional staff. It may relate to a single incident or an accumulation of lower level concerns.

The information may also relate to harm caused by another child, in which case both children, i.e. the suspected perpetrator and victim, must be referred.

The suspicion or allegation may relate to a parent or professional or volunteer caring for or working with the child – see Managing allegations against an adult who works with children or young people.

A referral must be made even if it is known that Children’s Services (Social Care) are already involved with the child/family.

Advice and consultation may be sought about the appropriateness of the referral by contacting The Gateway or if the case is open, from the allocated social worker. Alternatively advice may be sought from the Police or a Designated Professional or Named Professional within your agency.

Designated Leads can report concerns using Hertfordshire online form but only following telephone contact with The Gateway. Individuals will need to create an account before accessing the form at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/childprotection

Safer staffing and DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checks

Watford Mencap has its own processes for recruiting paid workers and volunteers. The Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board sets out guidance in the Safe Staffing Handbook and this is included in Watford Mencap’s Recruitment and Selection Policy:

http://www.hertssafeguarding.org.uk/adults/files/Safe_Staffing_Handbook.pdf

Managing allegations against an adult who works with children or young people

Whenever it is alleged a person who works with children has in any activity connected with her/his employment or voluntary activity:

Behaved in a way that has, or may have harmed a child
Possibly committed a criminal offence against / related to a child
Behaved toward a child in a way which indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children

The procedures apply to situations when:

There are suspicions or allegations of abuse by a person who works with children in either a paid or unpaid capacity - as a permanent, temporary or agency staff member, contract worker, consultant, volunteer, approved foster carer, child minder or approved adopter
It is discovered that an individual known to have been involved previously in child abuse, is or has been working with children

If concerns arise about the person's behaviour to her/his own children, Police and/or Designated Officer must consider informing her/his employer in order to assess whether there may be implications for children with whom the person has contact at work. A decision as to whether the person's employer should be approached, either for further information and/or whether it is appropriate to invite the employer to a future Strategy Meeting when decisions are to be made about managing the possible risk, should be made at the initial Strategy Meeting when all agencies can contribute. The risk that someone presents needs to be properly considered and a decision made whether the risk outweighs the employee's right to confidentiality before an employer is approached.

If an allegation relating to a child is made about a person undertaking paid or unpaid care of vulnerable adults, consideration must also be given to the need to alert those who manage her/him in that role.

Procedure

The person to whom an allegation is first reported should take the matter seriously and keep an open mind. S/he should not investigate or ask leading questions if seeking clarification, it is important not to make assumptions. Confidentiality should not be promised and the person should be advised that the concern will be shared on a 'need to know' basis only.

Actions to be taken include making a written record of the allegation using the informant's words - including time, date and place where the alleged incident took place, what was said and anyone else present. This record should be signed and dated and immediately passed on to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay.

The recipient of an allegation must not unilaterally determine its validity, and failure to report it in accordance with procedures is a potential disciplinary matter.

If there is an immediate or imminent risk of significant harm to a child or young person, you should contact The Gateway or the Police and then speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead to inform them of the actions you have taken and follow this up in writing on the form attached at Appendix 1.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead must take steps to ensure that the person against whom the allegation is removed from the situation immediately. This may be done by either agreement or suspension from the organisation until the matter has been fully investigated.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will follow the Managing Allegations against Adults who work with Children and Young People policy on the HSCP website by referring the issue to the Designated Officer (DO).

Ofsted must also be informed of any allegations of serious harm or abuse by an adult working with the children or young people as well as an action taken.

Any member of staff who believes that allegations or suspicions, which have been reported to the appropriate manager, are not being investigated properly has a responsibility to report it to a higher level in her/his agency or directly to the Designated Officer.

The Designated Officer must be told, within one working day, of all allegations that come to the employer's attention and appear to meet the criteria so that s/he can consult or refer to the Police Designated Unit Manager and Children’s Services (Social Care) Team Manager as appropriate.

If, for any reason, there are difficulties with following the above procedure, the Whistle Blowing Procedure should be considered or a referral made directly to The Gateway and / or the Police.

The need for consultation must not delay a referral, which should be in accordance with Referral procedure.

The employer should keep the subject of allegations informed of progress in the case and arrange to provide appropriate support (via Occupational Health or equivalent). If the person is suspended, s/he should be kept informed of development in the workplace and if a member of a Trades Union or professional association, advised at the outset to contact that body.

Confidentiality

Information about a referral about a child or an allegation against a member of staff or volunteer must be restricted to those who have a need to know in order to:

Protect children
Facilitate enquiries
Avoid victimisation
Safeguard the rights of the person about whom the allegation has been made and others who might be affected
Manage disciplinary / complaints aspects

The Designated lead for Safeguarding may ask you for further information in order to make any referrals. You should not discuss or share this information with anyone else within the organisation. Any paperwork you have generated should be stored securely in a locked filing cabinet, or if stored on a computer it should be password protected.

Managing activities involving Children and Young People

When managing an activity involving children and young people, it is important to consider a risk assessment, both in terms of the health and safety of the participants, but also of the potential child protection issues.

Risk Assessments

Every child using services must have an individual risk assessment looking at their vulnerability, behaviour and other factors that may put them or others at greater risk. This should normally form part of introduction to services and be documented

Each activity should also have a risk assessment undertaken to consider what level and impact of risk there may be to the children and to the staff or volunteers. The service manager decides whether to document this or not.

Record keeping

Whilst record keeping may seem overly bureaucratic from time to time, it is important to keep good and clear records of the work of your organisation. All details must be kept securely on Watford Mencap’s Charitylog system in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Good record keeping promotes confidence in the organisation and in the safety of children who are participating in the activities.

Mobile Phones

All staff personal mobile phones must be locked away whilst on duty. Watford Mencap will ensure that leaders are issued with company mobile phones without cameras. Staff should give these numbers for emergency contact.

Taking photographs or videos of children

Cameras may not be brought to activities but from time to time photographs may be taken on behalf of the organisation of children participating in activities. This must be arranged with the leader of the activity and children and young people should be advised why they are being taken and written consent obtained. Following the introduction of GDPR legislation written consent must be obtained from the individual for any child aged 13 or over. Below that age a parent or carer must give written consent.

Specific Guidance for those working with Faith Communities

The HSCP has a duty under the Children Act 2004 to protect children and to give advice and guidance to those working with children and young people. This also includes faith settings including places of worship, activity groups and learning environments.

In most religions there is a fundamental principle to love children, nurture them and protect them from harm. This same principle is included in the legal framework of the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, Children Act 2004, Children and Young Persons Act 2008 and also applies to other legislation including the Forced Marriage(Civil Protection) Act 2007, Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 , and the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003

In addition to the guidance from the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, further guidance on some of these issues is available from the Churches Child Protection Advisory Services (CCPAS), the NSPCC, from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and from the Muslim Parliament of Great Britain, to name but a few.

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Child Protection Policy

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Child Protection Policy

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