HASLINGDEN HANDBALL CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
FOREWORD
It is accepted by Haslingden Handball that it is the responsibility of
every adult to protect children from abuse.
Child abuse and particularly child sexual abuse can arouse strong
emotions in those facing such a situation and it is important to understand
these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any
action to take.
Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school and
the sporting environment. Some individuals
will actively seek employment or voluntary work with children in order to harm
them. Everyone working in handball and
mini-handball either in a paid of voluntary capacity, together with those
working in affiliated organisations, have a role to play in safeguarding the
welfare of children and preventing their abuse.
A coach, teacher, or volunteer may have regular contact with children
and be a very important link in identifying cases where a child needs
protection. When establishing guidelines
concerning the protection of children it is important to recognise that the
organisation has both a moral and possibly a legal obligation to ensure that
when it is given responsibility for children it provides them with the highest
possible standard of care.
The members of Haslingden Handball recognise that they have a
responsibility to:
Safeguard and promote the interests and well-being of children with whom
they are working; l take all reasonable practical steps to protect them from
harm, discrimination, or degrading treatment; and l Respect their rights,
wishes and feelings.
Child protection procedures can:
Offer safeguards to the children with whom we work, and to our members
of staff, volunteers and those in affiliated organisations; and l help to
maintain professionalism and high standards of practice. We recognise that any procedure is only as
effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. We are committed therefore to sound
recruitment, the provision of support, appropriate training and adequate
supervision to all our staff so that they can work together with parents/carers
and other organisations to ensure that the needs and the welfare of children
remain paramount.
PRINCIPLES
The child’s welfare is paramount. We believe all children whatever their
age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, Religious belief
and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously; and
responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Any one under the age of 18 years should be considered as a child for
the purposes of this document. Working in partnership with children and their
parents/carers is essential for the protection of the children. The members of
Haslingden Handball recognise the statutory responsibility of the social
services department to ensure the welfare of children and are committed to
working together with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) and to
complying with its procedures.
RECOGNITION OF ABUSE
Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always
easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken
place.
The members of ‘HH’ acknowledge that their staff, whether in a paid or
voluntary capacity; are not experts at such recognition. It therefore expects them to discuss any
concern they may have about the welfare of a child immediately with the person
in charge, as follows:
Working within a club
If you are working within a club, you should inform the person in
charge. If you are the senior teacher or
coach within the club then you will need to inform the club chairman/president.
Working with schools
If you are working with schools as part of the school curriculum you
should inform the Head Teacher of the school.
Working within a local authority scheme (or similar)
If you are working within a recreational or play scheme you should
inform the manager of the scheme.
If you are working with young people away from home (for example at
tournaments, training camps, clinics or festivals), then you should inform the
team manager, senior coach or course director.
It is the responsibility of these people to ensure that appropriate
advice is obtained from the local Social Services department or the NSPCC. (Also see the section ‘Responding to
Suspicions or Allegations of Child Abuse’ on page 7, which details exactly what
action to take.) If the person in charge
is not available, or the concern is about the person in charge, the person in
receipt of the information will contact the Social Services direct.
Indications that a child is being abused include:
Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns,
particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such
injuries;
An injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent;
The child describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him/her;
Someone else - a child or adult, expresses concern about the welfare of
another child;
Unexplained changes in behaviour - e.g. becoming very quiet, withdrawn,
or displaying sudden outbursts of temper;
Inappropriate sexual awareness;
Engages in sexually explicit behaviour in games;
Is distrustful of adults, particularly those with whom a close
relationship will normally be expected;
Has difficulty in making friends;
Is prevented from socialising with other children;
Displays variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of
appetite;
Loses weight for no apparent reason;
Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt;
It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive and that the
presence of one or more of the indicators is not proof that abuse is actually
taking place. It is not the
responsibility of those working in handball and mini-handball to decide that
child abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any
concerns.
(See section ‘Responding to Suspicions or Allegations of Child Abuse’ on
page 5).
THE MAIN FORMS OF ABUSE
Physical Abuse
Where adults physically hurt or injure children by hitting, shaking,
squeezing, burning and biting or by giving children alcohol, inappropriate
drugs or poison. Attempted suffocation
or drowning also comes within this category.
In sports situations, physical abuse might occur when the nature and
intensity of training disregards the capacity of the child’s immature and
growing body.
Sexual Abuse
Girls and boys are abused by adults, both male and female, who use
children to meet their own sexual needs.
This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal
intercourse, fondling.
Showing children pornographic material is also a form of sexual abuse.
Sport which might involve physical contact with children could
potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. Also the power of the coach or teacher over
young athletes, if misused, may lead to abusive situations developing.
Emotional Abuse
Persistent lack of love and affection, where a child may be constantly
shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the child very nervous and
withdrawn. Emotional abuse also occurs
when there is constant overprotection, which prevents children from
socialising.
Emotional abuse in sport might include situations where children are
subjected to unrealistic pressure by the parent, coach or teacher, or bullied
in order to consistently perform to high expectations.
Neglect
Where adults fail to meet a child’s basic needs like food or warm
clothing; Children might also be constantly left alone or unsupervised. Adults may also fail to, or refuse to, give
children love and affection and this could also be seen to be emotional
neglect.
Neglect in a sport situation could include a teacher or coach not
ensuring children are safe, or exposing them to undue cold.
THE EFFECTS OF ABUSE
Abuse in all its forms can affect a child at any age.
The effects can be so damaging, that if not treated, they may follow an
individual into adulthood. For example,
an adult who has been abused as a child may find it difficult, or impossible,
to maintain a stable, trusting relationship; may become involved with drugs or
prostitution; may attempt suicide, or may abuse a child in the future.
There have been a number of studies* which suggest children with
disabilities are at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as
stereo-typing, prejudice, discrimination, isolation, and a powerlessness to
protect themselves, or to adequately communicate that abuse has occurred. Children from ethnic minorities, who may also
be experiencing racial discrimination, may be doubly powerless.
LISTENING TO THE CHILD
If a child says or indicates that he or she is being abused, or
information is obtained which gives concern that a child is being abused, the
person receiving this information should:
React calmly so as not to frighten the child;
Tell the child they are not to blame and that it was right to tell;
Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties
inherent in interpreting what is said by a child who has a speech disability
and/or differences in language;
Keep questions to the absolute minimum necessary to ensure a clear and
accurate understanding of what has been said;
Reassure the child, but do not make promises of confidentiality which
might not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments;
Make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as
possible.
*Wescott Helen ‘The Abuse of Children and Adults with Disabilities’ -
Published
RESPONDING TO SUSPICIONS OR ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE
It is not the responsibility of any one working under the auspices of a
member of ‘HH’ in a paid or voluntary capacity, or those working in affiliated
organisations, to take responsibility or to decide whether or not child abuse
is taking place.
There is, however, a responsibility to protect children in order that
appropriate agencies can then make inquiries and take any necessary action to
protect the child.
The social services department has a statutory duty under the Children
Act 1989 to ensure the welfare of a child.
When a child protection referral is made its staff have a legal
responsibility to investigate. This may
involve talking to the child and family and gathering information from other
people who know the child. Inquiries may
be carried out jointly with the police.
What to do if there are Concerns
There is always a commitment to work in partnership with parents or
carers where there are concerns about their children.
Therefore, in most situations, it would be important to talk to parents
or carers to help clarify any initial concerns.
For example, if a child seems withdrawn, they may have experienced
bereavement in the family.
However, there are circumstances in which a child might be placed at
even greater risk were such concerns to be shared, e.g. where a parent or carer
may be responsible for the abuse or not able to respond to the situation
appropriately.
In these situations, or where concerns still exist, any suspicion,
allegation, or incident of abuse must be reported to the person in charge as
soon as possible, and recorded. (See section ‘Recognition of Abuse’ on page
2.).
It is the responsibility of the person in charge to inform the social
services department without delay. If a person in charge is not available, the
person discovering or being informed of the abuse should immediately contact
the social services department or the police.
The telephone number is in the phone book. If you’re not sure about what to do, you can
also obtain advice by telephoning the NSPCC free phone Helpline. The number is 0800 800 500 it operates a 24
hour service. You do not have to give
your name but it is helpful if you can.
In these circumstances the social services department, together with the
person in charge, where appropriate, will decide how and when parents or carers
will be informed.
Recording and Information
Information passed to the social services department or the police must
be as helpful as possible, hence the necessity for making a detailed
record. Information should include the
following:
The nature of the allegation;
A description of any visible bruising or other injuries;
The child’s account, if he or she can give them, of what has happened
and how any bruising or other injuries occurred;
Any times, dates, or other relevant information;
A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion, or hearsay.
Reporting the matter to the police or social services department should
not however be delayed by attempts to obtain more information.
Wherever possible, referrals telephoned to the social services
department should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours. A record should also be made of the name and
designation of the social services member of staff or police officer to whom
the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the call, in case
any follow-up is needed.
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST MEMBERS OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
(This would include any one working with children in a paid or voluntary
capacity. For example, volunteers in
clubs, club helpers, tutors at training camps, clinics or festivals and
coaches)
Child abuse can and does occur outside the family setting. Although it is a sensitive and difficult issue,
child abuse has occurred within institutions and may occur within other
settings, for example, sport or other social activities. Recent inquiries indicate* that abuse which
takes place within a public setting, is rarely a one-off event. It is crucial that those involved in handball
and mini-handball are aware of this possibility and that all allegations are
taken seriously and appropriate action taken. The person in charge may be
informed of situations where they are unsure about whether the allegation
constitutes abuse or not, and are therefore unclear about what action to take.
There may be circumstances where allegations are about poor practice
rather than abuse but those responsible should always consult with senior
colleagues, and gain advice from social services, or the NSPCC where there is
any doubt.
This is because this may be just one of a series of other instances
which together cause concern. It is
acknowledged that feelings generated by the discovery that a member of staff or
volunteer is, or may be abusing a child, will raise concerns among other staff
or volunteers, including the difficulties inherent in reporting such
matters. However it is important that
any concerns for the welfare of the child arising from abuse or harassment by a
member of staff or volunteer should be reported immediately.
The members of ‘HH’ would want to assure all staff and volunteers that
it would fully support and protect any one who, in good faith, reports his or
her concern that a colleague is or may be abusing a child.
Where there is a complaint of abuse against a member of staff, there may
be three types of investigation:
1.
A criminal investigation
2.
A child protection investigation
3.
A disciplinary
The results of the police and social services investigation may well
influence the disciplinary investigation, but not necessarily (see following
page).
* ‘The Report of the Independent Inquiry into Multiple Abuse in Nursery
Classes in
If, following consideration the allegation is clearly about poor
practice then the person in charge will deal with this as a misconduct issue.
If the allegation is about poor practice by the person in charge, or
where the matter has been handled inadequately and concerns remain, then this
should be referred to a senior officer of the appropriate Association. Senior officers of the relevant Association
will need to decide how this will be dealt with and whether or not to initiate
disciplinary proceedings.
Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff
or a volunteer will be reported to the person in charge who will take such
steps as he or she considers necessary to ensure the safety of the child in
question and any other child who may be at risk.
The person in charge will refer the allegation to the social services
department, who may involve the police.
The parents or carers of the child will be contacted, as soon as
possible, following advice from the social services department.
The person in charge should also notify a senior officer within his or
her Association, and between them decide who should deal with any media
enquiries.
Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained
for all concerned.
If the person in charge is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the
report must be made to his or her Association, who is then responsible for
taking the action outlined above.
The Association will make an immediate decision as to whether any
individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further
police and social services inquiries.
Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries,
the Association must assess all individual cases under the appropriate
misconduct/disciplinary procedure, to decide whether a member of staff or
volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled.
This may be a difficult decision, particularly where there is
insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases, the Association must reach a
decision based upon the information that is available which could suggest that
on a balance of probability it is more likely than not that the allegation is
true.
The welfare of the children should always remain paramount.
Consideration should be given to what support may be appropriate to both
children; parents and members of staff.
Allegations of Previous Abuse
Allegations of abuse may be made some period of time after the
event. For example, by an adult who was
abused as a child by a member of staff who is still currently working with
children. Where such an allegation is
made, the organisation should follow the procedures given above and report the
matter to the social services department or the police.
This is because other children, either within the sport or outside it,
may be at risk from this person. Any one
who has a previous criminal conviction for offences related to abuse is
automatically excluded from working with children.
PROMOTING GOOD PRACTICE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF ABUSE BY MEMBERS OF
STAFF
All children have a right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and
respect.
False allegations of abuse are rare, but certain basic guidelines will
help safeguard both children, staff, volunteers and the organisation
concerned.
These are listed below.
Recruitment and Selecting Staff and Volunteers
Any one may have the potential to abuse children in some way and it is
important that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that unsuitable people
are prevented from working with children.
It is essential that the same procedure is used consistently whether
staff be paid or unpaid in part-time or full-time occupation.
When undertaking pre-selection checks the following should be included:
All volunteers and staff working for a club should complete an
application form.
Application forms should be designed to elicit information about
applicants past career (including any gaps), and to establish any criminal record:
see Appendices 3 and 4 (page 12).
Failure to disclose information will result in exclusion from the club
or organisation.
Consent should be obtained from applicants for police and social
services checks.
Clubs should have effective measures in place to ensure the
confidentiality of information received in relation to applicants is treated
with the strictest of confidence.
Policy and Procedure
To help prevent abuse of children the club or organisation should have a
policy which ensures that children are protected and kept safe from harm. Everyone involved in the care of children
should know what to do if there are concerns about abuse and where procedures
are kept.
Training
It should be clearly recognised that checks are only part of the process
to protect children from possible abuse by coaches and administrators.
They must be operated in conjunction with appropriate training of staff
and volunteers so that they are aware of and sensitive to potentially abusive
situations.
Supervision
Managers should be sensitive to any concerns about abuse, and act on
them at an early stage. They should also
offer appropriate support to those who report concerns.
Complaints
The management committee should ensure that there is a well established
complaints procedure in operation and that parents and their children have the
relevant information that will allow easy access to this procedure.
GOOD PRACTICE IN THE CARE OF CHILDREN
You can reduce situations for the abuse of children and help to protect
staff and volunteers by promoting good practice.
The following are more specific examples of care which should be taken
when working within a sports context.
Always be publicly open when working with children.
Avoid situations where a teacher/coach and individual players are
completely unobserved.
Where any form of manual support is required, this should be provided
openly.
The teacher should also be extremely careful as it is difficult to
maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. Some parents are becoming increasingly
sensitive about manual support and their views should always be carefully
considered.
Where possible parents should take on the responsibility for their
children in the changing rooms, where groups have to be supervised in the
changing rooms always ensure that teachers/coaches work in pairs. Encourage an open environment, e.g. no
secrets.
Where there are mixed teams away from home, they should always be
accompanied by a male and female member of staff.
Also, everyone should be aware, that as a general rule it does not make
sense to:
Spend excessive amounts of time alone with children a way from others.
Take children alone in a car on journeys, however short.
Take children to your home where they will be alone with you.
Where cases arise where it is unavoidable that these things do happen,
they should only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge
in the organisation, or the child’s parents.
And you should never:
Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including
horseplay.
Share a room with a child.
Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form.
Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
Make sexually suggestive comments to a child even in fun.
Let allegations a child makes go unchallenged, unrecorded, or not acted
upon.
Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves.
Have children stay at your home with you unsupervised.
It may be sometimes necessary for staff or volunteers to do things of a
personal nature for children, particularly if they are young or are children
with disabilities.
These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and
consent of parents and of the children involved.
There is a need to be responsive to a child’s reactions and if a child
is fully dependent upon you, talk with them about what you are doing and give
them choices where possible.
This is particularly so if you are involved in any dressing, or
undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact or lifting or
assisting a child to carry out particular activities.
If during your care of a child you accidentally hurt them, the child
seems distressed in any manner, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions,
or misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any such
incident as soon as possible to another colleague and make a brief written note
of it. Parents or carers should be
informed of the incident.
Appendix 1
What to do if you have concerns about Child Abuse by a parent or carer
Are you concerned about abuse by a parent or carer? Report your concerns to person in charge.
Refer concerns immediately to Social Services or Police. Social Services and person reporting concerns
decide on how to involve parents/carers.
Record what child has said, or what has been seen, include dates, times
and, if possible, send a copy to Social Services. If no person in charge is available, person
discovering or being told of abuse should.
Appendix 2
What to do if you have concerns about Child Abuse by a member of staff
or volunteer
Are you concerned about abuse by a member of staff or volunteer? If yes - is it? Poor practice?
Report concerns to person in charge
UNLESS
Allegation or concern relates to the person in charge
Person in charge deals with it as a misconduct issue If concerns remain
refer to senior officer of Haslingden Handball (as appropriate) for decision on
how to handle the issue. Refer concerns
to Social Services who may involve the Police.
Arrange contact with parents/carers after advice from Social
Services. Report to Senior Officer of
Haslingden Handball (as appropriate) - (if not already involved) ‘HH’ then
decides whether to suspend temporarily pending inquiries, who will handle any
media enquiries, Disciplinary/misconduct proceedings Person in charge must
ensure safety of child and other children if so, refer directly to Senior
Officer ‘HH’ (as appropriate) or Abuse?
Appendix 3
Extract from ‘Our Duty to Care’ published by Child care N.I. (1995)
Sample criminal records check form
Appendix 4
Extract from ‘Our Duty to Care’ published by Child care N.I. (1995)
Sample personal disclosure form
Home Office
F2 Division
Room 531
50 Queen Anne’s Gate
The Home Office (deals with the disclosure of criminal backgrounds):
Childline
Freephone 0800 1111and Childline Freepost 1111,
(Childline, which welcomes these new child protection procedures,
operates a 24 hour
free, confidential counselling service for young people, every day of
the year). For children and young people
in trouble or danger: