NIPS Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 - Department of Justice
NIPS Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 - Department of Justice
NIPS Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 - Department of Justice
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ANNUAL<br />
REPORT<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Accounts</strong><br />
Child Protection<br />
<strong>NIPS</strong> Safeguarding Children policy has been designed to protect all children, <strong>and</strong> young people aged under the<br />
age <strong>of</strong> 18, whether visiting prison establishments, or with whom prisoners are in contact, or who as babies are<br />
continuing to be cared for by a mother in prison.<br />
<strong>NIPS</strong> appreciates that child protection must not be an isolated role or function because by its very nature<br />
‘keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility’. The Prison Service recognises the importance <strong>of</strong> its close<br />
links with Health <strong>and</strong> Social Care Trusts, PBNI, PSNI <strong>and</strong> voluntary agencies. We need their help in identifying<br />
those who may pose a risk <strong>of</strong> harm to children, their assessment <strong>and</strong> in providing appropriate intervention.<br />
The Director <strong>of</strong> Offender Services represents <strong>NIPS</strong> on the Safeguarding Board for Northern Irel<strong>and</strong> (SBNI)<br />
which was established by DHSSPS in <strong>2012</strong> in recognition <strong>of</strong> the fact that children are more likely to be<br />
protected when agencies work in an all-inclusive, co-ordinated <strong>and</strong> consistent way.<br />
The Safeguarding Children Framework <strong>and</strong> Guidance has been reviewed <strong>and</strong> the Prison Service Management<br />
Board approved the revised policy in November <strong>2012</strong>. It is available on the <strong>NIPS</strong> website.<br />
Child Protection Cases Log: <strong>2012</strong>-<strong>13</strong><br />
No. <strong>of</strong> Referrals No. <strong>of</strong> Referrals Open Closed<br />
to Child Protection to Social Services<br />
Co-ordinator<br />
Gateway Teams<br />
Maghaberry 1 1 1<br />
Magilligan 1 1 1<br />
Hydebank Wood 8 8 1 7<br />
Circular ‘HSS CC 3/96 (Revised) ‘Sharing to Safeguard’, issued by DHSSPS <strong>and</strong> issued to staff, provides<br />
guidance <strong>and</strong> a framework for statutory <strong>and</strong> voluntary agencies to share information, in a planned way, about<br />
individuals posing, or likely to pose, a risk <strong>of</strong> harm to children, in certain circumstances. The above table sets<br />
out the number <strong>of</strong> notifications made to Social Services by establishment PBNI <strong>of</strong>fices on behalf <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Service.<br />
Health <strong>and</strong> Safety<br />
The Service is committed to providing for staff, prisoners <strong>and</strong> visitors an environment that is as far as possible<br />
safe <strong>and</strong> free from risk to health. In line with this commitment, the Service complies with the relevant Health<br />
<strong>and</strong> Safety legislation.<br />
Charitable Donations<br />
There were no Charitable Donations made by Northern Irel<strong>and</strong> Prison Service during the year. (2011-12: £0).<br />
30
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