Contents…. 1. Safeguarding Policy 2. Safeguarding Procedure
1. Child Safeguarding Policy Statement
Knowle United Reformed Church aims to :
Church Safeguarding Coordinator can be contacted at safeguarding@knowleurc.org.uk
2. Procedure
Child Safeguarding Procedures
These procedures are to serve as guidance for church members for the children, young people and vulnerable adults on the premises of Knowle URC and are in no way definitive.
Advice should always be sought from Social Services.
Knowle United Reformed Church
Child Safeguarding Procedures
These procedures are to serve as guidance for church members for the children, young people and adults at risk on the premises of Knowle URC and are in no way definitive.
Advice should always be sought from Social Services.
1. Link Persons
Four church members have responsibility within the church for Safeguarding and its procedures.
They are: Safeguarding Coordinator: Pat McKee
Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator Diana Dicker
Link Person 2 (male) Alan Lang
Link Person 3 (female) Isobel Robertson
Date of appointment January 2021
2. What is meant by “abuse”?
There are 4 main areas of abuse:
Neglect
The persistent or severe neglect of a child, adolescent or adult at risk.
This may be the failure to protect them from exposure to any kind of
danger or a failure of care resulting in a significant impairment to their
physical or mental health. This is often referred to as “failure to thrive”.
Physical Injury
Actual or likely physical injury resulting in unexplained falls, fractures, bruises and burns.
Sexual Abuse
Actual or likely exploitation of a child, adolescent or adult at risk who may be dependent or developmentally immature.
Emotional Abuse
Actual or likely severe adverse effect on the emotional and behavioural development caused by persistent or severe emotional ill-treatment or rejection.
For adults at risk may be added:
Omission of Care
Resulting in weight loss, malnutrition, persistent hunger
Poor physical condition
Clothing or bedding wet or in poor condition
No access to health, education or social care services
Financial or Material
Impoverished living conditions when personal money is available
Recent changes to property deeds or title
Carers’ or professionals’ lack of accountability
Discriminatory
Inappropriate comments or lack of respect
Poor quality or avoidance of care
3. What to do if a child or adult discloses abuse to you.
a. Listen and try not to directly question him/her. Do not start to write notes!
b. Never stop someone who is freely telling you something that is clearly important to him/her. However, as soon as possible make them aware that you may have to share the information. Tell them that you have to do this so that they can have the best help and to stop the abuse.
c. Reassure them that he/she has done the right thing in telling you and that you will do your best to help.
As soon as possible after the disclosure, make careful note of all that has been said and any observations you noted. Sign and date the notes.
Further Action
You should discuss the disclosure with The Safeguarding Coordinator or, if she is not available, with the Deputy. Remember that you should maintain confidentiality and tell only people who need to know.
A decision should be taken as to further action to be taken. There are two courses of action:
If your concern requires immediate action, you should contact Social Services on 0121 788 4300 for children and 0121 704 8007 for adults. (Mon to Thurs 8.45am – 5.20pm, Frid 8.45am – 4.30pm) Out of hours, the number is 0121 605 6060. It is important to do this as early as possible in the day. You say “I wish to speak to someone about someone who is at risk” and you should be put through to the Duty Team and to staff who are familiar with referral procedures. Try to find out the name of the person dealing with the referral.
You will need to supply some details e.g. date of birth and address as well as the details of the abuse observed or recorded.
If a child is involved, you will also need to discuss who is to tell the child’s parents about the referral.
If you are to see the parents, only do so with one of the Safeguarding Team from church.
You will be required to confirm your referral in writing to Social Services within 24 to 48 hours. It is always good practice to call and check that it has been received by the named person, dealing with the referral.
If your concern does not require immediate action, you may agree with the named people to monitor the situation for a set period. After this time, you must review the decision and decide whether to continue to monitor or to refer.
Remember that you are able to telephone Social Services at any time for advice.
It may be necessary to speak to the Local Authority Designated Officer or LADO if the abuse involves staff or a volunteer worker. The contact number is 0121 788 4310.
4. Good Practice for working with children within Knowle URC
It is advisable not to work alone with children in a separate room at church and so a leader and helper always work together in Junior Church. It is also suggested that the following safeguards are in place to protect the children from possible abuse and also to safeguard the adults as well:
The reason why the children are taken out of the church is made clear; to receive appropriate Christian education.
Parents are invited to attend with the children at any time.
Other adults within the church, e.g. the Elders, are also invited to come out with the children at any time.
Any concerns that a Junior Church Leader or helper feels about working with any of the children should be discussed immediately with the Safeguarding Coordinator.
A weekly register should be kept of children and adults who attend Junior Church.
5. These procedures should be reviewed annually.
Date: January 2024