Creating Safer Space Module A

Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Foundation Training

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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)

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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.

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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

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Introduction of

Participants

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Ground Rules

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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

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What do we mean by Safeguarding and Child

Protection ?

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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

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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

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SETTING THE SCENE

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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

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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

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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

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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]

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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)

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What Do Children Need To Reach Their Full Potential?

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Every Child Matters

• Stay Safe

• Be Healthy

• Enjoy and Achieve

• Make a Positive Contribution

• Achieve Economic Well Being

= SHAPE

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What is Abuse?

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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)

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Categories of Child Abuse

• PHYSICAL ABUSE

• SEXUAL ABUSE

• EMOTIONAL ABUSE

• NEGLECT

• Spiritual Abuse

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Group Work

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

• How would you recognise this abuse?

The signs and symptoms?

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Possible Sources of Stress for Families

• Social exclusion / isolation

• Drug/alcohol abuse

• Mental illness of a carer / parent

• Parental learning disability

• Disability

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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.

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Your Role In Safeguarding Children

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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?

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

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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

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What Stops Children Being Protected ?

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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?

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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.

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Evaluation+

Certificates

Thank you for coming!

The End

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