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Safeguarding policy

 

 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Teen Threads recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children is utmost and we have a shared responsibility to protect children from all forms of harm or abuse.  We will give equal priority to keeping all children safe regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Teen Threads operates in a manner that safeguards all those accessing its services, particularly children. This policy sets out the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders in promoting a safe and respectful environment.

 

A copy of our Safeguarding Policy is available to all staff, volunteers and directors. You will find our safeguarding policy on our website. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone representing Teen Threads, as well as individuals accessing the services.

 

Key Principles

 

• Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Ensure that the needs and well-being of vulnerable groups are always prioritized.

 

• Zero Tolerance for Abuse: All forms of abuse or neglect are unacceptable, and any suspicions or allegations will be acted upon promptly.

 

• Confidentiality: Information regarding safeguarding concerns will be handled in a confidential manner, shared only with relevant parties to ensure protection.

 

• Empowerment: Support individuals to understand their rights and provide opportunities to speak out if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

 

 

Safeguarding Officer

 

A designated Safeguarding Officer will be appointed and responsible for:

 

• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.

 

• Leading investigations into safeguarding concerns.

 

• Liaising with local authorities or other relevant organizations.

 

• Providing safeguarding training to staff and volunteers.

 

Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

 

• Recruitment: All staff and volunteers will undergo background checks and reference checks to ensure they are suitable for working with children and families.

 

• Training: All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training. This will cover how to identify signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosures, and how to report concerns.

 

• Code of Conduct: Staff and volunteers must adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respectful, non-discriminatory behaviour.

 

Procedures for Reporting Concerns

 

• Recognizing Signs of Abuse: Staff and volunteers must be vigilant in recognizing physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect.

 

• Reporting Process: Any safeguarding concerns or incidents must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Officer. The report should include: Date, time, and location of the incident or concern.

 

• External Reporting: The Safeguarding Officer will contact relevant authorities (e.g., social services, police) if a safeguarding concern is raised that requires intervention.

 

Responding to Disclosures

 

If an individual discloses abuse or a safeguarding concern:

 

• Listen carefully without judgment or leading the conversation.

 

• Reassure them that the information will be taken seriously.

 

• Do not promise confidentiality if it involves safeguarding—explain that the concern will need to be shared with relevant professionals.

 

• Report the disclosure to the Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

 

Contact Information

 

Safeguarding Officer Contact:

• Jacqueline White: Info@teenthreads.org

 

 

Local Authority Safeguarding Team:

 

• Brent Family Front Door: 020 8937 4300 (option 1) to discuss your concern. Outside normal office hours (9am - 5pm) call emergency duty team on: 020 8863 5250.

 

• Barnet Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 020 8359 4066. The MASH team are available Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5:15 pm and Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Outside of these hours you should report any concerns to the duty team on 020 8359 2000.

 

• Hertfordshire County Council: 0300 123 4043. Available 24 hours a day.

 

 

Emergency Services: Police, Ambulance dial 999 or 111

 

By implementing this policy, Teen Threads commits to creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

 

 

 

 

 

Definitions of abuse and signs of abuse

 

Abuse refers to behaviours or actions that cause harm, mistreatment, or exploitation of a person or group. It can take various forms, each with its own characteristics . Here are the definitions for different types of abuse:

 

• Physical abuse: The intentional infliction of physical harm or injury to another person. This includes hitting, slapping, punching or using weapons.

 

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): FGM involves cutting and sewing of a girls genitalia. It is also known as female circumcision.

 

• Emotional/ psychological abuse: Behaviour that undermines a person’s sense of self-worth or emotional well-being. It includes verbal insults, manipulation and isolation.

 

• Sexual abuse: Any non- consensual sexual act or behaviour. This includes rape, molestation, or forcing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent.

 

• Verbal abuse: the use of language to degrade, belittle, or insult someone. This includes name-calling, constant criticism or yelling with the intention to cause emotional harm.

 

• Financial or economic abuse: Controlling or exploiting someone’s financial resources. This may involve stealing money, controlling how it is spent or preventing someone from accessing their own finances.

 

• Neglect: Failing to meet the basic needs of a child, especially someone who is venerable, such as a child or dependant individual. This includes withholding food, healthcare, or personal care.

 

• Digital or Cyber abuse: Using technology to harass, stalk, or control someone. This includes sending threatening messages, cyber stalking, or spreading private information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child protection procedure

 

A child protection procedure outlines the steps that organizations and individuals should follow to ensure the safety and well-being of children, particularly when there are concerns about abuse or neglect.

 

1. Recognizing Signs of Abuse or Neglect- Types of abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, neglect. Signs to look for: Unexplained injuries, withdrawal, fearfulness, poor hygiene, inappropriate sexual behaviour, etc. - Listening to the child: If a child discloses information, listen carefully without prompting or leading questions.

 

1. Responding to Concerns - Immediate action: If a child is in immediate danger, take steps to ensure their safety by calling 999. - Reassure the child: Let the child know they are being heard, and being taken seriously. Do not promise confidentiality: Explain that the information may need to be shared with others who can help.

 

1. Recording Information- Accurate documentation: Record what the child said in their own words, as well as your observations (date, time, and any visible injuries). - Objective facts: Avoid making assumptions or interpretations; stick to factual observations.

 

1. Reporting the Concern -Informing the appropriate authority: This could be a designated safeguarding officer within Teen Threads, child safeguarding services, or the police. 

 

 

1. Investigation by Authorities - Child protection agency: Once a report is made, child safeguarding agencies or the police will assess the risk and may investigate further. - Multi-agency involvement: Health, education, and law enforcement agencies may work together to assess the child’s situation.

 

1. Confidentiality and Data Protection - Information sharing: Share information only with those who need to know, such as child protection professionals. - Data protection laws: Ensure compliance with relevant laws around confidentiality and data storage, such as the GDPR.

 

1. Review and Follow-up - Regular reviews: Follow up with authorities to ensure the child’s safety is being maintained. - Internal review: Reflect on the effectiveness of your organization's response and update child protection policies as necessary.

 

1. Training and Awareness - Staff training: Ensure that all staff are trained in recognizing signs of abuse and know how to follow the child protection procedures. - Regular updates: Conduct regular refresher courses and updates to stay current with best practices and legal requirements.

 

Monitoring and Review

 

The safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any significant changes in legislation or best practices.

 

 

 

 

 

Effective date: 26/11/2024