Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy 2022

It is not the responsibility of Council staff, elected members or volunteers to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place or if a child or young person is at significant risk. Council staffs, elected members and volunteers, however, have a responsibility to act if they have a concern.

This policy document contains guidance (Section 2) on signs and indicators of abuse and guidance relating to the Councils code of conduct for staff working with Children and Young People which should inform representatives in relation to concerns about a child's welfare, reporting inappropriate behaviour and witnessing abuse.

All concerns and allegations should be recorded on the Child Protection Incident Reporting Form. This applies he whether the concern or allegation refers to a member of staff, volunteer, elected member or any other person (for example a family member).

Remember: Concern does not necessarily need to be related to a single specific incident. It may also arise from the accumulation of minor concerns. Failure to report concerns early may allow abuse to continue or escalate with catastrophic consequences.

In all cases, if you are not sure what to do you should contact a Designated Child Protection Officer who will be able to provide advice. A list of contacts is available in Appendix B of this policy.

Action to take:

• complete a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form.
• pass the completed form to a Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately (or as soon as practically possible if out of hours). Reporting the matter should not be delayed by attempts to obtain further information.
• if you believe that a child or young person is in immediate danger of harm, you should personally contact the Police ensuring that the Council's Lead Safeguarding Officer is made aware at the earliest opportunity. (The police will automatically inform Children and Young People's Services). A record should be made of the name and title of the police officer to whom the concerns were passed together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is needed.