Roisin Connolly Community Support Officer October 2006 The

Roisin Connolly Community Support Officer October 2006

The Process ØCorporate Policy Officer designated as Council’s Child Protection Officer ØSteering group formed comprising C. P. O. Human Resources Officer, key leisure personnel ØDraft policy developedconsultation with NSPCC and Key Officers, management team ØPolicy adopted by Council 2003 ØTraining for all staffongoing

Policy Statement 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.

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

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

Reporting Procedures

Incident Report Form

Incident Report Follow-up Form

Effective Prevention ØRecruitment procedures/checks ØGood Practice ØAdult Child Ratios ØInformation/signage ØOrganisations that use Council facilities/receive grant aid

Appropriate & Timely Intervention ØVigilance by staff/general public ØEffective structures & procedures ØStaff Training ØCommunication and clarity re: reporting ØEffective & timely liaison with external agencies

Photography Issue which created the most discussion ØPotential for misuseinternet/grooming ØWhen is photography appropriate? ØHow do you police the guidelines? ØAppropriate permissions

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: - ØProvision of training ØSupport of policy development in community, sports groups-North West Volunteer Centre ØPublicity/signage

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

Thank You