Chaperone information leaflet

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Emotional abuseEmotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as tocause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotionaldevelopment. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless orunloved or inadequate. It may cause children to feel frightened or in danger,or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse isinvolved in all types of ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.Abuse of TrustA relationship of trust, for the purpose of this guidance, is one where ateacher, member of education staff or a volunteer is in a position of power toinfluence over a child by virtue of the work or nature of the activity beingundertaken. A relationship of trust must not be distorted by fear or favour andthose in positions of trust must exercise responsibility as a consequence ofthe power they have over those they care for. Where a relationship of trustexists, allowing a relationship to develop in a way that might lead to a sexualrelationship is wrong. A sexual relationship will be intrinsically unequal withina relationship of trust and is therefore unacceptable. It is also inappropriatesince the professional relationship of trust would be altered. This guidanceshould not be interpreted to mean that no genuine relationship can startbetween two people within a relationship of trust, but given the inequality atthe heart of a relationship of trust should be ended before any sexualrelationship develops.What to do if suspected/alleged child abuseThe All Wales Child Protection Procedures (AWCPP) clearly guides allprofessionals through the expectations of agencies in matters of childprotection. All professionals working with children should be familiar with thisguidance, and the responsibilities it places upon them. A copy of the AWCPPguidance can be found in the ‘Useful Documents’ section of the CaerphillySafeguarding Children Board website. Practitioners can also find useful links,contacts and guidance related to the Safeguarding of children on this websiteThe AWCPP is the stand-alone guidance for all professionals working withchildren in Wales. Even in instances where your work takes you outside ofWales these procedures should be followed if the child’s usual residence is inWales. If there is an incident of abuse whilst a child is in your charge, thelocal police to your location at that time should be informed immediately. ThePolice will assist you in ensuring the relevant Social Services referrals aremade.Below is a link to Caerphilly Safeguarding Children Board, where you will finduseful documents including the All Wales Child Protection Procedureshttp://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/cscbPage 8 of 10
The following procedures must be carried out in every case of actualsuspected or alleged child abuse that comes to the attention of theChaperone.Medical Emergency with Suspicion of AbuseA child requiring urgent medical attention should be escorted to the nearestAccident and Emergency Department. Where possible, a parent or carershould accompany the child, if a parent or carer unreasonably refuses to allowthe necessary medical treatment, the Police should be contacted immediately.The escort must remain with the child until such time as the child’s safety isassured. The Chaperone should ensure that Social Services and theEducation Child Protection Officer are informed immediately.Suspicion of Abuse without Medical EmergencyIf a Chaperone has knowledge or suspicion of abuse from any source theyshould refer to Social Services without delay who will decide whether toinvestigate further. If so, arrangements for parental contact will be agreed. Inall but the most exceptional circumstances Social Services will make parentalcontact.Disclosure of AbuseIf a child tells a Chaperone that they have been, or is likely to be abused, theChaperone/Matron should listen sympathetically and without judgement orfurther questioning.When responding to a child or young person who has disclosed abuse or therisk of abuse, it is important to reassure them that their story is believed andwill be taken very seriously and we will be talking about the situation withpeople who can help and they have acted rightly in disclosing the information.If the child or student asks that the information be kept secret, it should beexplained that in order that they are helped and protected it would benecessary for some other people to be involved. Promises that may bedifficult to keep should not be made. Action should be taken even if the childwithdraws the allegation at this point.Always make a written record as soon as possible of any informationvolunteered to you. The record will include the time it was written, the setting,personnel present as well as what was said.Referrals should be made to the Social Services DepartmentTelephone: Free phone 08081001727Out of hours, the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) should be contacted onTelephone: Free phone: 0800328443When you are making a referral consider the issue of parental consent. If youare unsure as to whether it is appropriate to ask the parents for consentPage 9 of 10
Page 1 and 2: GUIDANCE FOR CHAPERONESIntroduction
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Chaperone information leaflet

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