2. Roisin Connolly Community Support Officer October 2006

3. The Process  Corporate Policy Officer designated as Council’s Child Protection Officer  Steering group formed comprising C.P.O. Human Resources Officer, key leisure personnel  Draft policy developed- consultation with NSPCC and Key Officers, management team  Policy adopted by Council 2003  Training for all staff-ongoing

4. Strabane District Council will work in partnership with parents, statutory and other stakeholder organisations to ensure that the welfare and protection of children is paramount. It will do this through effective prevention and appropriate and timely intervention. In doing so, Strabane District Council embraces the UN Convention on the Human Rights of the Child. Policy Statement

5. Scope of the Policy Ensure a safe environment for children who participate in Council activities or use Council facilities How:-  Employment of people either directly or indirectly, who are suitable for work with children – PECS/POCVA checks  Make sure that users of Council facilities do the same  Make users aware of Council’s policy  Guide them in the development of their own Child Protection policies

6. Policy Objectives  To put in place clearly defined procedures for referring, reporting and dealing with incidents relating to child protection  To ensure that child protection responsibilities are fully understood and complied with and all staff adhere to Council’s good practice guidelines  To ensure the effective recruitment and training of staff and the staff of others re:child protection issues  The provision of appropriate and timely reporting procedures with statutory and other agencies

7. Reporting Procedures

8. Incident Report Form

9. Incident Report Follow-up Form

10. Effective Prevention  Recruitment procedures/checks  Good Practice  Adult Child Ratios  Information/signage  Organisations that use Council facilities/receive grant aid

11. Appropriate & Timely Intervention  Vigilance by staff/general public  Effective structures & procedures  Staff Training  Communication and clarity re:reporting  Effective & timely liaison with external agencies

12. Photography Issue which created the most discussion  Potential for misuse- internet/grooming  When is photography appropriate?  How do you police the guidelines?  Appropriate permissions

13. Making the Policy Real Promoting best practice & raising awareness. When the carrot doesn’t work!:- Embargo on funding/use of council facilities until criteria is met Meanwhile:-  Provision of training  Support of policy development in community, sports groups-North West Volunteer Centre  Publicity/signage

14. “The Safety of Children on these premises is very important to us. Our Staff will treat your child with respect-please do the same. Do not use verbal or physical abuse against children.”

15. Thank You