1. Creating Safer Space Module A
Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Foundation Training
Creating Safer Space Module A

2. Creating Safer Space Module A
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)
Creating Safer Space Module A

3. Creating Safer Space Module A
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.
Creating Safer Space Module A

4. 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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5. Introduction of Participants
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6. Creating Safer Space Module A
Ground Rules
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7. Creating Safer Space Module A
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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8. What do we mean by Safeguarding and Child Protection ?
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9. Creating Safer Space Module A
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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10. Creating Safer Space Module A
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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11. Creating Safer Space Module A
SETTING THE SCENE
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12. Creating Safer Space Module A
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
Section 17 – Child in Need - Duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children - intervention optional
Section 47 – Child in need of protection due to risk of Significant Harm - intervention is compulsory by Children’s services
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13. 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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14. 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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15. 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]
For information only – can be put in a handout!
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16. Methodist Overview of Safeguarding:
2003 Methodist Church ‘Safeguarding’ edition.
A policy for good practice in the care of children and young people.
This includes: -
All Circuits to have a safeguarding representative
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)
For information only – see Handout 2 for more details!
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17. What Do Children Need To Reach Their Full Potential?
This can be an exercise, i.e. a brainstorm or you can simply ask people to consider this briefly on their own.
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18. Creating Safer Space Module A
Every Child Matters
Stay Safe
Be Healthy
Enjoy and Achieve
Make a Positive Contribution
Achieve Economic Well Being
= SHAPE
From ‘Every Child Matters’
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19. Creating Safer Space Module A
What is Abuse?
See trainer notes pages
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20. 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)
More statistics see Handout 19
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21. Categories of Child Abuse
PHYSICAL ABUSE
SEXUAL ABUSE
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
NEGLECT
Spiritual Abuse
See trainer notes pages 13 – 18 and Handouts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
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22. Creating Safer Space Module A
Group Work
Quiz - Is This Abuse?
What does this category of abuse involve?
How would you recognise this abuse?
The signs and symptoms?
Choose one category per group
If short of time don’t ask for feedback – just go to the next slides or do altogether in a quick brainstorm.
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23. Possible Sources of Stress for Families
Social exclusion / isolation
Drug/alcohol abuse
Mental illness of a carer / parent
Parental learning disability
Disability
See trainer notes pages 20-22
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24. Creating Safer Space Module A
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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25. Your Role In Safeguarding Children
See trainer notes pages 23
You can also refer to pages the Safeguarding Handbook for the responsibilities of the various bodies in Methodist structures i.e. Church Council, Circuit Meeting and District Synod (in the 2003 edition – see pages )
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26. Creating Safer Space Module A
Scenarios
Referring to the Quiz scenarios:
What concerns would you have?
Is there likely to be harm?
Who should you discuss this with?
Is a referral to specialist Children’s Services / child protection police unit likely to be necessary?
If there is insufficient time add the question: -
Question 5 - What other professionals are likely to be involved (other than in point 4)?
N.B. Even if participants and trainers are unsure about referral – a conversation with Children's services, Police CP unit or the Local Authority Designated Officer is advisable as a precaution.
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27. Creating Safer Space Module A
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
Page 24 onwards – plus one or two Optional exercises – if you there is time and you want to do them
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28. Creating Safer Space Module A
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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29. 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
N.B. Even if participants and trainers are unsure about referral – a conversation with the Local Authority Designated Officer with Children's services, Police CP unit is advisable as a precaution.
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30. 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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31. A child or young person wishes to disclose they have been abused cont…
Make careful notes of what is said
Record dates ,times, events and when you are told. Sign them and keep a copy.
Report it to the person to whom you are responsible and your minister.
Only pass information to those who need to know.
Follow up in writing within 48 hours
Seek support for yourself – i.e. advice and/ or supervision
[Currently this slide is hidden - to unhide – use menu bar ‘Slide show’ – and click on ‘Hide’ to unhide]
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32. Creating Safer Space Module A
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
See trainer notes on Consent – currently page 25
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33. What Stops Children Being Protected ?
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34. Creating Safer Space Module A
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?
Only if there is time, otherwise ask people to think about it and discuss in their team meetings at a later date. See trainer notes – currently page 28 - for ideas on this.
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35. Creating Safer Space Module A
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.
Trainer notes – currently page 30
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36. Evaluation + Certificates Thank you for coming! The End
Creating Safer Space Module A