Powys Local Safeguarding Board (LSCB) Child Protection Induction Training Level 1 / Introduction to Child Protection Powys Local Safeguarding Board (LSCB) Updated Feb 2009

Safeguarding Children: Working Together Under the Children Act 2004. Everybody’s Business Why am I here? The interest of the child is paramount in all considerations of welfare and safeguarding. Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility“ Safeguarding Children: Working Together Under the Children Act 2004.

Questions to ask What is my responsibility? Everyone is responsible for ensuring children are protected from harm. Do I have to go to Child Protection Training? Yes you do, the law says everyone who works with children, must have child protection training, and this is the start. What if I don’t work directly with children? Other people, such as Governors, voluntary workers, support staff, pharmacists also need to undertake child protection training.

Aims of this training This training is a introduction to child protection and following this training you will understand:- What do we mean by Child Abuse Your responsibilities Your agency’s responsibilities How to report your concerns

Definition of Child Abuse The main ways that children can be abused are as follows: Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse Neglect A child is abused or neglected when somebody inflicts harm, or fails to act to prevent harm. Most abuse occurs within the family or by someone known to the child. A child is defined as under the age of 18 years

Physical Abuse 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 caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child whom they are looking after.

Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person.

Emotional Abuse It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, for example by witnessing domestic abuse within the home or being bullied, or the exploitation or corruption of children. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on a child Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Neglect Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failure to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance misuse

Your responsibilities What to do Be alert to the possibility of child abuse. Listen to the child Seek appropriate advice Pass on any concerns to the relevant agencies. What not to do Don’t question the child Don’t delay in reporting Don’t promise confidentiality Don’t speak to the parent / carer unless advised.

Acting on Concerns Do not dismiss the concerns. Put your concerns in writing. Do not confront the alleged abuser. Don’t speak to the parent / carer unless advised. Seek advice about your concerns from your line manager, designated, named or lead professionals for child protection. Advice is also available from Children’s Services. Could be allegations against a member of staff – whether you employ staff, commission services or it could be a colleague complaints over the phone, Concerns over the attitude of a staff member Members of the public phoning you to report an incident and expecting you to do something about it Allegations about a member of staff who you are about to employ

Acting on Concerns Do not worry that you will be mistaken, it is better to discuss the concerns with someone with the experience & responsibility to make an assessment. The need to seek advice must not delay any necessary action to secure the safety and well-being of a child believed to be at imminent risk of significant harm. The safety of the child takes precedence over the need to maintain professional confidentiality. Could be allegations against a member of staff – whether you employ staff, commission services or it could be a colleague complaints over the phone, Concerns over the attitude of a staff member Members of the public phoning you to report an incident and expecting you to do something about it Allegations about a member of staff who you are about to employ

If a child discloses to you Listen to everything the child has to say Do not appear shocked or disbelieving (even if you feel it). Allow the child to feel secure and give them time. Do not question the child. Do not promise to keep what they say secret. Explain the actions that you need to take. Write down what you have been told using the child's words as far as possible Do not speak to the parent / carer unless advised.

What to do next Share concerns and refer to Children’s Services without delay (within 24 hours.) Provide as much information as possible about the child/family. Confirm a telephone referral in writing within 2 working days, using the Multi Agency Referral Form. Contribute as necessary to child protection enquiries. Be professionally accountable. Professionals cannot remain anonymous. Record all actions taken. Children’s services will inform the referrer of actions taking within 10 working days Roles and responsibilities Each person in all agencies has a duty to share concerns and refer to the investigating agency without delay ( within 24hours) Provide as much information as possible about the child / family Confirm a telephone referral in writing within 2 working days Be prepared to contribute to a strategy discussion, assist in the investigation and write a report for a case conference Be professionally accountable Record all actions taken

What happens next A referral will be made to Children’s Services. Children’s services will acknowledge receipt of the referral and decide on the next course of action. An investigation will be carried out, if appropriate, which will be led by Children’s services.

All Wales Child Protection Procedures These are the procedures for responding to all child protection concerns across Wales. They are for all those whose work involves contact with children and families across departments and agencies. They are relevant to those working in statutory, voluntary and independent sectors. It is the responsibility of each organisation to make these procedures accessible to their staff or members. They are a public document and are available in libraries, and online. Procedures – who are they for? All those whose work involves contact with children and families across departments and agencies It is relevant to those working in statutory, voluntary and independent sectors and sets out the roles and responsibilities of different agencies and practitioners It is the responsibility of each agency to bring these procedures to the attention of their staff They are a public document and should be available to members of the public who wish to read them. They are available in libraries Shared responsibility of each agency to contribute to whatever action is needed to safeguard children and promote his/her welfare

Powys LA Children’s Services Contact details Bryntirion, Salop Road, Welshpool 01938 552017 The Park, Newtown 01686 617520/1 1 High Street, Llandrindod Wells 01597 827325 Watton Mount Annex, Brecon 01874 624298 Hendreladus, Ystradgynlais 01639 844595 Child Protection register 01597 827326 Out of Office Hours 0845 7573818

Useful Contacts Name Telephone ……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Useful Information Powys Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) www.powys.gov.uk All Wales Child Protection Procedures www.awcpp.gov.uk NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk WAG Safeguarding Children: Working together Under the Children Act 2004