Safer Recruitment in the faith sector Sonia Harris & Debi Miles

Welcome Listen carefully to the following statement: If you believe it is true move to the left side of the room. If you believe its false move to the right side of the room.

What is faith based abuse? Child abuse is never acceptable wherever it occurs and whatever form it takes. Abuse linked to belief, including belief in witchcraft or possession, is a horrific crime which is condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths.

What do you do to comply with being a safer organisation Safeguarding policy Developing Safeguarding awareness training Safer recruitment Management of workers Working Safely Communicating effectively Responding to concerns Pastoral Care Managing those who pose a risk Working in partnership (Staying Safe and Secure- a summary of the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards for churches, other places of worship and faith based organisations-CCPAS)

Group Exercise “ The Muslim community is a particularly tight-knit one and its closed off to outsiders, which makes it easier to keep secrets. Family pride is everything, which is why the abuse I suffered was swept under the carpet by my own parents. They were scared of the disgrace it would bring upon them, scared that we’d be outcasts. But I’d rather be an outcast than carry the shame of hiding a paedophile” (taken from Brutal- The heartbreaking true story of a little girl’s stolen innocence. Nabila Sharma- Harper Element 2012)

Points for discussion Could this be someone within your own organisation or group? What messages do you give to remove the barriers that may prevent children speaking out? What procedures do you have in place for the recruitment of staff both paid and volunteers. What would you do if you believed this was happening to a child you knew, but their parents were your very good friends, both respected within the organisation and the local community?

Feedback

Points to consider Everyone working or in contact with children has a responsibility to recognise and know how to act on evidence, concerns and signs that a child may be suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. Standard child safeguarding procedures apply in all cases where abuse or neglect is suspected, including those that may be related to particular belief systems. The number of cases of child abuse linked to faith or belief in spirits, possession and witchcraft is believed to be small, but where it occurs it causes much distress and suffering to the child. It is likely that a proportion of this type of abuse remains unreported. Abuse linked to faith or belief may involve a wider context, where the child is treated as a scapegoat in circumstances of family stress, deprivation, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health problems.  How would you support other organisations that do not have established safeguarding leads and structures?

Moving Forward Based on the learning from the serious case review and requests for support from the faith sector the LSCB will be creating a safeguarding faith sector forum. If you would like further details please contact LSCB