Safeguarding Children Basic Awareness Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
‘Safeguarding Children Basic Awareness ‘’ Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board Council Offices Plough Lane Hereford HR 4 0 LE Alternatively you can e-mail us on admin. hscb@herefordshire. gov. uk or Telephone on 01432 260100. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Working together … • Housekeeping • Time out option • Mobile phones off or silent • Confidentiality • Participation- no such thing as a silly question! • Listen and be listened to • Keep a balanced view. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
What you can expect to learn • What is our duty in safeguarding children and young people? • Definitions of abuse • Signs and symptoms of abuse • Best practice for recording and referrals. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Why you are here… The death of Victoria Climbie changed child protection dramatically. Lord Laming’s report following her death made 108 recommendations in order to better protect children. His Progress report following the death of ‘Baby P’ gave us a further 58 which included the improvement of the Ofsted inspection to give greater prominence to how Early Years are fulfilling their responsibilities for child protection. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Activity What does ‘safeguarding’ mean to you ? How does safeguarding fit into your current role ? Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Definition of Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as: • protecting children from maltreatment • preventing impairment of children's health or development • ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. Working Together 2018 Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
A child-centred and co-ordinated approach to safeguarding Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part: A child-centred approach: • Is fundamental to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child • A Child centred approach means keeping the child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families. Everyone who works with children has a responsibility to keep them safe Working Together 2018 Key principles Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
What is child abuse? A child is considered to be abused or at risk of abuse by parents or carers when the child’s basic needs are not being met, either intentionally or unintentionally. A child’s basic needs include: • Physical care and protection from harm • Love and security • Praise and recognition • Intellectual stimulation and development. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Who might abuse? Family member: parent, relative Family friend or neighbour Trusted adult- a person or persons who the child knows well; sports coaches, medical professionals, youth/social workers, religious leaders Institutions and other organised groups. Numbers of adults can work together to plan the sexual abuse of children. They may join communities, professional occupations or organised activities where they may gain easy access to children. A child or group of children. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Activity signs and symptoms of abuse Physical Abuse Neglect Child Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Bullying and domestic abuse are also forms of Child Abuse. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Physical Abuse ……may involve the 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 carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child. (Working Together, July 2018) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Possible signs of physical abuse Unexplained injuries or burns Refusal to discuss injuries Untreated injuries Improbable explanation for injuries Shrinking from physical contact Aggressive behaviour Changes in behaviour Unexplained pattern of absences Afraid of going home Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Sexual Abuse ……involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. These activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e. g. rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. (Working Together, July 2018) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Sexual Abuse They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children looking at or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. (Working Together, July 2018) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse Pregnancy Bruises, bites scratches on body Bruising etc. to genital area Sexual awareness inappropriate to child's age Public masturbation Fear or refusal to undress Overt sexualised behaviour Changes in behaviour-aggression, withdrawal Withdrawal from friends, depression Eating problems STI’s & UTI’s – recurrent or persistent Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Neglect …the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. (Working Together 2018) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: • • Provide adequate food, clothing or shelter including exclusion from home or abandonment Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger Ensure adequate supervision including the use of inadequate care-takers ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child's basic emotional needs. (Working Together 2018) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Possible signs of neglect… Poor appearance Often left unattended Failure to thrive/gain weight Consistently hungry Poor hygiene Developmental delay Lethargic, tired, falls asleep. Hopelessness Attention seeking/poor attention span Steals food Attachments Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
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 insofar as they meet the needs • of another person • not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Possible signs of emotional abuse… Lack of self esteem Poor coping skills Self injury Unusual patterns of defecation or urination Overactive, aggressive and impulsive Few friendships Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Do Don’t • React calmly • DO NOT promise to keep things • Be aware of our body language • Listen to the child-without interrupting making it clear you are taking what they are saying seriously • Offer reassurance-they are doing the right thing • Explain what you are going to do next • Write a factual account of what the child has said- in the child’s words, confidential • DO NOT press for details- listen don’t pry • DO NOT make assumptions • DO NOT promise what you cannot do • DO NOT promise that ‘everything will be OK’ • DO NOT panic or appear shocked or angry • DO NOT ignore • DO NOT attempt to deal with things yourself. sign and date and give to Designated Safeguarding Officer. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
What stops children telling? Direct threats Fear of punishment Guilt and Shame Lack of opportunity to be heard Attempting to tell, but are not heard Most abusers are already known to the child Children don’t know they are being harmed Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Local procedures and learning • Local Safeguarding Children Board • Joint Inter Agency Procedures and Protocols. www. herefordshiresafeguardingchildrenboard. org. uk • Ofsted Inspections (Local Authority & Education) • Herefordshire Serious Case Reviews (SCR’s) • Herefordshire Significant Incident Learning Process or Practice Learning Review (SILP’s/PLR’s). http: //westmidlands. procedures. org. uk/ Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board Herefordshire Levels of Need Threshold Guidance Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board Herefordshire Levels of Need Threshold Guidance HOW PROFESSIONALS RESPOND CHILD OR FAMILY’S SITUATION Level 4 …IN NEED OF SERIOUS HELP Immediate intervention or Assessment required from MASH REALLY CONCERNED, AND NEED TO TALK TO THE MASH TEAM Children or young people with very complex needs or I am extremely concerned for their safety based on evidence of abuse or neglect or disclosure by the child. Referral to MASH. Level 3 …COMPLEX NEEDS – WILL NEED FURTHER HELP Multiple Agency Intervention Required NEED TO WORK WITH OTHER AGENCIES Children or young people with identified vulnerabilities and needs that require a multi- agency co-ordinated approach. Undertake Early Help Assessment. Level 2 …ADDITIONAL NEEDS - MAY NEED SOME EXTRA HELP Relevant Agency Intervention Required NEED TO OFFER SUPPORT, CAN DO THIS WITHIN OUR AGENCY Children and young people with emerging vulnerabilities whose needs require targeted support. Consider EHA. Level 1 No Intervention or Support …THRIVING Required. NO EXTRA SUPPORT REQUIRED Children making good overall progress in all areas of their development, broadly receiving appropriate universal services such as health care and education. They may also use leisure and play facilities, housing or voluntary sector services. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Referral to Children's Services A referral is “a request to Children Services for assessment or for services to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child in need. ” • Referral to Multi- Agency Safeguarding Hub – MASH 01432 260800 / www. herefordshire. gov. uk/MASH • Decisions about referral made within 24 hrs, Decisions can include to: • Provide advice and guidance • Signpost to appropriate agency • Undertake a short piece of work e. g. write a letter, send a leaflet (within 24 hours) • Initiate section 47 enquiries. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Definition of Child Sexual Exploitation “Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse, it occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity- a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. ” Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board (Department for Education – February 2017)
Child sex exploitation checklist Link http: //westmidlands. procedures. org. uk/local-content/4 cj. N/child-sexual-exploitationrisk-assessment/? b=Herefordshire
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) • Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting • Religious, social or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is child abuse. It's dangerous and a criminal offence • There are no medical reasons to carry out FGM. It doesn't enhance fertility and it doesn't make childbirth safer. It is used to control female sexuality and can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) • • • A girl at immediate risk of FGM may not know What is going to happen She might talk about or you may become aware of: A long holiday abroad or going “home” to visit family Relative or cutter from abroad A special occasion or ceremony to “become a woman” or get ready for A female relative being cut- a sister, cousin, or an older female relative such as a mother or Aunt. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Signs a teacher or school may notice: • A family arranging a long break abroad during the summer holidays • Unexpected, repeated or prolonged absence from school • Academic work suffering • A child may ask a teacher or another adult for help if she suspects FGM is going to happen or she may run away from home or miss school. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Indicators FGM may have taken place A girl or woman who’s had FGM may: • • Have difficulty walking, standing or sitting Spend longer in the bathroom or toilet Appear withdrawn , anxious or, Have unusual behaviour after an absence from school or college • Be particularly reluctant to undergo normal medical examinations • Ask for help, but may not be explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Prevent is part of the UK’s counter terrorism strategy, preventing people from becoming involved in or supporting terrorism. A workshop to raise awareness around Prevent (WRAP) is available to help professionals: • Understand the aims of Prevent, think about people who may be vulnerable, see why some people are able to influence and manipulate others to commit crimes • Recognise when a vulnerable individual may be in need of your help • Be clear on what help and support looks like in this area and who you should turn to if you have concerns. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
County Lines Police term for urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas and market towns using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines”. Involves child criminal exploitation (CCE) as gangs use children and vulnerable people to move drugs and money. Gangs establish a base in the market location, typically by taking over the homes of local vulnerable adults by force or coercion in a practice referred to as ‘cuckooing’. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
County Lines (Continued) Cross-cutting issue involving drugs, violence, gangs, safeguarding, criminal and sexual exploitation, modern slavery, and missing persons. Response to tackle it involves the police, the National Crime Agency, a wide range of Government departments, local government agencies, schools, colleges and voluntary and community sector organisations. Activity and the associated violence, drug dealing and exploitation has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Activity On the sheet, mark with a circle ‘o’ the places that we might expect to see accidental injuries…. . . and mark with a cross ’x’ the places that we might see non-accidental injuries. . Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Activity (continued Part 1) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Activity (continued Part 2) Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
What needs to be recorded… (Initials, and DOB if known, e. g. LL 12. 03. 09) What you heard What you saw Date Time Sign and print name Pass it on to Designated person for action, secure storage, monitoring and reviewing. However, you must ensure you tell them of your concerns as soon as possible without delay, even if you haven’t yet written it down. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Where you can get support: Designated Safeguarding lead or deputy in your organisation . . Contacts: If you have any concerns that a child might be at risk of harm or being harmed contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on: 01432 260800 (01905 768020 out of hours). If you believe that a child or young person is at immediate risk, this should be reported without delay to the Police service as a 999 emergency, non emergency 101 Multi agency referral form to the MARF can be accessed at: https: //herefordshiresafeguardingboards. org. uk/herefordshiresafeguarding-children-board/for-professionals/multi-agency-referral-formmarf/ Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Activity Safe or Not Safe Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
When might you be vulnerable & why? • • Alone with a child Administering first aid Restraining a child When a child seeks affection • Providing intimate personal care. • Lack of training or support • When you are unclear about guidance and/ or procedures • When you fail to report or seek advice / poor lines of communication • When you fail to record. • Ethos and culture. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Challenging and reporting worrying behaviour and practice by adults • Self-report if you think you got it wrong or may be misinterpreted • Voice your concerns, suspicions or uneasiness as soon as possible • Pinpoint what practice is concerning you and why • Don’t think “What if I’m wrong? ” think “What if I’m right? ” Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
Reporting concerns /whistle blowing • • If you see a colleague Roughly handling a child/young person or forcing them to do something Inappropriate touching (professional boundaries) Shouting at child/young person Name calling or criticising a child/young person Taking photos on a camera or mobile phone of a child/young person, for their own use and without strict permission Swearing or using inappropriate language towards a child/young person Ignoring and not observing the child's/young person’s safety Or something that makes you feel uncomfortable about a colleagues behaviour. Herefordshire REPORT IT Safeguarding Children Board
Reporting concerns / allegations against staff • LADO@herefordshire. gcsx. gov. uk • or tpilliner@herefordshire. gov. uk • Tel: 01432 261739 • LINK to LADO Information on the West • Midlands Procedures Site Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
You have a huge role to play in safeguarding children- by being vigilant, by listening to them and by passing on your concerns. But please remember…. Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
You are never on your own…. All concerns should be shared with appropriate others Thank you Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board
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