Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy 2022

Remember to familiarise yourself with the flowchart at the beginning of this policy document and the role and responsibilities of officers with a specific safeguarding responsibility.

You may become aware of possible abuse in various ways.

• see the abuse happening; or receive a direct disclosure of abuse.
• suspect or have concerns because of signs such as those listed in Section 2 or
• have concerns reported to you by either another party

If a child or young person indicates that he/she is being abused, or information is obtained which raises concern of abuse, you should act immediately.

It is not the responsibility of a Chorley Council representative to decide that abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns by reporting any suspicions that they have..

If you are not sure what to do your first response should be to contact a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who will be able to provide advice. A list of contacts is available in the Appendix B of this policy and on the loop. However, if you believe a child to be in immediate danger you should contact the Police, then inform a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

If you are not sure what to do you can gain help from the NSPCC 24-hour help line Tel No: 0808 800 5000 or on the safeguarding children section of the LCC website, Or call LCC 0300 123 6720 (8am - 8pm) or 0300 123 6722 (8pm -8am), or relevant council where the child normally resides.

(If abuse concerns a Council representative please see section 3.4 or elected Member see section 3.5)