Safeguarding Children Policy - Yesoid Youth Club

This document is the Safeguarding Children Policy for Yesoid which will be followed by all members of the organisation and followed and promoted by those in the position of leadership within the organisation.

We know that young people can be vulnerable to abuse by adults. The purpose of this policy is to make sure that the actions of any adult in the context of the work carried out by the organisation are transparent and safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people.

This policy relates to Children and Young People up to the age of 18 as defined by the Children’s ACT 2014 and the Working Together Guidance 2018

Definitions of a child

A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. We have a responsibility to protect them because they are often unable to safeguard their own well-being and are at a higher risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Ensuring their safety and welfare is of utmost importance to Yesoid.

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children and vulnerable adults in England.

A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/

The following documents have also been used to create this policy:

The purpose of this policy is:

to protect children and young people who receive the services of Yesoid from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
to provide staff, volunteers, children, young people, and their families with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy applies to and will be distributed to anyone working on behalf of Yesoid including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.

Definition of Abuse:

Abuse of a vulnerable person is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It can take a variety of forms:

Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Discriminatory Abuse
Psychological Abuse
Institutional Abuse
Financial or material abuse
Forced Marriage
Mental abuse
Neglect or Acts of Omission
Emotional AbuseAbuse

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a childt. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

Individuals within the organisation need to be alert to the potential abuse of children both within their families and also from other sources including abuse by members of that organisation.

All staff members at Yesoid must know how to recognise and act upon indicators of abuse or potential abuse involving children and where there are concerns about a child's welfare. There is an expected responsibility for all members of the organisation to respond to any suspected or actual abuse of a child in accordance with these procedures.

Abuse can take many forms and the following is a summary of the most common forms of child abuse as set out in Working together to safeguard children

Physical abuse

Physical Abuse - a form of abuse which may involve 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.

Some of the following signs may be indicators of physical abuse:

Children with frequent injuries;
Children with unexplained or unusual fractures or broken bones; and
Children with unexplained:
bruises or cuts;
burns or scalds; or
Bite marks.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse - The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Some of the following signs may be indicators of emotional abuse:

Children who are excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong;
Parents or carers who withdraw their attention from their child, giving the child the ‘cold shoulder’;
Parents or carers blaming their problems on their child; and
Parents or carers who humiliate their child, for example, by name-calling or making negative comparisons.

Neglect

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. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

provide adequate food, clothing and 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-givers); or
ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Some of the following signs may be indicators of neglect

Children who are living in a home that is indisputably dirty or unsafe;
Children who are left hungry or dirty;
Children who are left without adequate clothing, e.g. not having a winter coat;
Children who are living in dangerous conditions, i.e. around drugs, alcohol or violence;
Children who are often angry, aggressive or self-harm;
Children who fail to receive basic health care4; and
Parents who fail to seek medical treatment when their children are ill or are injured

Sexual abuse and exploitation

Sexual abuse- Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, 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.

Some of the following signs may be indicators of sexual abuse:
Children who display knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to their age;
Children who use sexual language or have sexual knowledge that you wouldn’t expect them to have;
Children who ask others to behave sexually or play sexual games; and
Children with physical sexual health problems, including soreness in the genital and anal areas, sexually transmitted infections or underage pregnancy.

Further information on Child Sexual Exploitation /Child Criminal Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people receive something (for example food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, gifts, money or in some cases simply affection) as a result of engaging in sexual activities. Child exploitation can take many forms ranging from the seemingly ‘consensual’ relationship where sex is exchanged for affection or gifts, to serious organised crime by gangs and groups. What marks out exploitation is an imbalance of power in the relationship. The perpetrator always holds some kind of power over the victim which increases as the exploitative relationship develops. Sexual exploitation involves varying degrees of coercion, intimidation or enticement, including unwanted pressure from peers to have sex, sexual bullying including cyberbullying and grooming. However, it also important to recognise that some young people who are being sexually exploited do not exhibit any external signs of this abuse.

Preventing Radicalisation

Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of an organisation's wider safeguarding duties and is similar in nature to protecting children from other forms of harm and abuse. During the process of radicalisation, it is possible to intervene to prevent vulnerable people being radicalised.

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism. There is no single way of identifying an individual who is likely to be susceptible to an extremist ideology. It can happen in many different ways and settings. Specific background factors may contribute to vulnerability which are often combined with specific influences such as family, friends or online, and with specific needs for which an extremist or terrorist group may appear to provide an answer. The internet and the use of social media in particular has become a major factor in the radicalisation of young people. As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff/volunteers should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection.

Taking Action

There are 4 key steps to follow to help you identify and respond appropriately to possible abuse and or neglect.

Be alert

Question behaviour

Ask for help

Refer

It may not always be appropriate to go through all 4 stages sequentially. If a child is in immediate danger or is at harm or risk you should refer to children’s social care and/or the police. Before doing so, you should try to establish the basic facts. However, it is important that you do not ask the child or young person any leading questions as this may have a detrimental impact on any subsequent investigation. It is the sole role of the social workers and the police to investigate cases and make a judgment on whether there is statutory intervention and/or a criminal investigation.

You should record, in writing, all concerns and discussions about a child’s welfare the decisions made and the reasons behind those decisions.

The first step is to be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and to be familiar with this document.

When You Must Not Discuss Your Concerns with Parents/Carers.

It is good practice to be as open and honest as possible with parents/carers about any concerns. However, you MUST NOT discuss your concerns with parents/carers in the following circumstances:

Where sexual abuse or sexual exploitation is suspected
Where organised or multiple abuse is suspected (see complex, organised or multiple abuse procedure)
Where fabricated or Induced Illness (previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy) is suspected (see Fabricated or Induced Illness procedure)
Where Female Genital Mutilation is the concern (see Female Genital Mutilation procedure)
In cases of suspected Forced Marriage (see Forced Marriage procedure)
Where contacting parents/carers would place a child, yourself or others at immediate risk

These decisions should not be taken in isolation.

Consult with your senior manager/line manager/designated safeguarding lead

Mr Uri Rosen 07872536840 Urirosen78@gmail.com

Salford The Bridge Partnership on 0161 603 4500

Bury MASH on 0161 253 5678 (outside normal office hours 0161 253 6606)

What to do if Children Talk to You about Abuse or Neglect.

It is recognised that a child may seek you out to share information about abuse or neglect or talk spontaneously individually or in groups when you are present. In these situations, YOU MUST:

If a child discloses information to you about abuse or neglect you must take action.

Contact your designated safeguarding person or if you cannot contact them go straight to the Bridge Partnership at 0161 603 4500 or MASH 0161 253 5679 or outside of office hours 0161 253 6606

If a child is in immediate danger of being harmed, the police should be called on 999.

Consult about your Concern

Children will not always disclose information to you. If you are concerned about a child due to what you have observed or something that another individual has disclosed, you must share your concerns.

Initially, you should talk to your line manager or one of the people designated as responsible for child protection within your organisation.

It will usually be the designated person who will then get in touch with the Bridge Partnership (Salford Safeguarding Referral Team) or MASH in Bury if necessary.

If you are worried about a child and cannot contact a designated person speak to another manager or go directly to the Bridge Partnership or MASH.

Making a Referral In Salford

A referral involves giving the Bridge Partnership the Police, or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) at the Safeguarding Children Unit information about concerns relating to an individual or family in order that enquiries can be undertaken by the appropriate agency followed by any necessary action.

All reports or enquiries concerning the welfare or safety of a child must go straight to the Bridge Partnership

Tel: 0161 603 4500 Or email: worriedaboutachild@salford.gov.uk

The Bridge Partnership is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Referrals to the Bridge Partnership

There have been improvements to the referral process to The Bridge Partnership - it’s now easier and quicker for you to report concerns about the welfare or safety of a child or young person.

You can now simply fill out an online form here worried about a child in Salford

If you need to speak to someone outside of these times, please contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0161 794 8888.

If a child is in immediate danger of being harmed or is home alone, call the police on 999.

Making a referral in Bury

The contact details for MASH are:

0161 253 5678 (outside normal office hours 0161 253 6606)

You can access the referral form here: Report a child at risk - Bury Council

Bury Local Safeguarding Board

If a person is in need of urgent help from Social Care Services you should contact:

Weekdays 8:45am - 5pm - 0161 253 5151
Out of hours - 0161 253 6606

You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000

Parents/carers should be informed if a referral is being made except in the circumstances outlined above.

However, inability to inform parents for any reason should not prevent a referral being made. It would then become a joint decision with the Bridge Partnership about how and when the parents should be approached and by whom.

If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from a family member or someone known to the children, you should make a referral to the Bridge Partnership.

If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from someone not known to the child or child's family, you should make a telephone referral directly to the Police and consult with the parents.

Information required when making a referral

Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible (in emergency situations all of this information may not be available). Unavailability of some information should not stop you making a referral.

Your name, telephone number, position and request the same of the person to whom you are speaking.
Full name and address, telephone number of family, date of birth of child and siblings.
Gender, ethnicity, first language, any special needs of the child/young person
Names, dates of birth and relationship of household members and any significant others.
The names of professionals known to be involved with the child/family e.g.: GP, Health Visitor, School.
The nature of the concern; and foundation for the concern.
An opinion on whether the child may need urgent action to make them safe.
Your view of what appears to be the needs of the child and family.
Whether the consent of a parent with Parental Responsibility has been given to the referral being made.

Action to be taken following the referral

You must take the following action after making a referral:
Ensure that you keep an accurate record of your concern(s) made at the time.
Or if you contacted The Bridge Partnership via phone, fill out an online form at www.salford.gov.uk/bridgereferral.
Accurately record the action agreed or that no further action is to be taken and the reasons
Allegations against Adults who work with Children
If you have information which suggests an adult who works with children (in a paid or unpaid capacity) has:
Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child;
Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child; or
Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk to children. (Working Together 2018).

You should speak immediately with your line manager or designated officer who has responsibility for managing allegations. The senior manager will consult with/make a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) at the Safeguarding Children Unit

Allegations against Adults who work with Children

If you have information which suggests an adult who works with children (in a paid or unpaid capacity) has:
Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child;
Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child; or
Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk to children. (Working Together 2018).

If one of those people is implicated in the concerns you should discuss your concerns directly with the LADO on 0161 603 4350

Whistleblowing

Yesoid is committed to the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability. This policy provides a framework for staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to report concerns about wrongdoing, malpractice, or illegal activities within the charity without fear of reprisal. You can view our whistleblowing policy here

Record Keeping & Confidentiality

Not all safeguarding concerns raised will result in a referral to the Bridge Partnership. However, ALL safeguarding concerns raised by a member of staff or volunteer at Yesoid whether referred to the Bridge Partnership or not - should be documented

Whenever there is a safeguarding concern raised by a member of staff or volunteer at Yesoid a written record should be compiled This must include details of the person involved, the nature of the concern and the actions taken.

The recordings must be signed and dated. All records must be securely and confidentially filed

Photography and sharing images policy

Taking photos or videos is strictly forbidden without written permission from the parent/guardian of the child and oral permission of the child.

Giving lifts to mentees

All staff and volunteers MUST read our policy on giving lifts to mentees and ensure they follow the guidance regarding insurance and safety. The policy on giving lifts to mentees can be found here

Fair Recruitment Process

All prospective volunteers must complete a detailed application form, providing personal information, relevant experience, and references.

Applicants will undergo an interview conducted by two members of the management team to assess their suitability for the role and commitment to safeguarding principles.

Background Checks

All volunteers will undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure they have no criminal convictions that would make them unsuitable for working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. This check will be repeated every three years.

A minimum of two references will be required from each applicant, including at least one professional reference. References will be checked and verified by the management team

All staff will requeir the appropriate training and Induction including safeguarding training

Managing Complaints

Complaints will be handled immediately or within 24 hours if not urgent. Complaints will either be handled by the nominated child protection lead or passed on to the relevant authorities.

To make a complaint email: info@yesoid.co.uk or phone Mr Heller at 07942819976

Contact details:

Nominated child protection lead

Mr Uri Rosen

Telephone number: 07872536840

Email address: Urirosen78@gmail.com

Useful Salford Contacts

The Bridge Partnership can be contacted by telephone on 0161 603 4500.

Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0161 794 8888.

Police Public Protection Investigation Unit

Child Protection: 0161 856 5125 / 5126

Domestic Violence: 0161 856 5171

NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000

Useful Bury Contacts

The contact details for MASH are:

0161 253 5678 (outside normal office hours 0161 253 6606)

You can access the referral form here: Report a child at risk - Bury Council

You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

This policy was last reviewed on: 21/01/25

Signed: Mr Yehuda Heller 21/01/25