Bringing big smiles to little faces

Charity (SC044563).

This document is the Child Protection Policy for the Children in Poverty Inverclyde Charity (SC044563) which will be followed by all members of the organisation and followed and promoted by those in the position of leadership within the organisation.

The purpose of the organisation is:
The organisation does not undertake activities with children in the absence of their parents/guardians but has the opportunity to observe the young persons/children’s welfare within their family setting. Parents/guardians remain responsible for their children’s welfare throughout all the work undertaken by the organisation.

We know that being a young person makes them 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.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe.
We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

Principles upon which the Child Protection Policy is based.

• The welfare of a child or young person will always be paramount.
• The welfare of families will be promoted.
• The rights, wishes and feelings of children, young people and their families will be respected and listened to. Those people in positions of responsibility within the organisation will work in accordance with the interests of children and young people and follow this policy.

Legal Framework This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children who are aged under 18 years:

• Children (Scotland) Act 1995
• Children and Young People (Scotland)Act 2014 incorporating the ethos of Getting it Right for Every Child focusing on the concept of ‘wellbeing’ for every child
• Children’s Hearings(Scotland) Act 2011
• United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
  Data Protection Act 1998
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act (Scotland) 2007

We recognise that:

• The wellbeing of the child/young person is paramount as enshrined in the Children and Young People(Scotland)2014
• all children,regardless of age.disability,gender,racial heritage,religious belief,sexual orientation or identity,have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• some children are additionally vulnerable because of their level of dependency or their communication needs working in partnership with children,young people,their parents,carers and other agencies is essential to promoting young people’s welfare

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• valuing, listening to and respecting them
• adopting child protection policies through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
• developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures
• providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training recruiting staff and volunteers safely ensuring all necessary checks are made (e.g. PVG for children clearance)
• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers
• sharing concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately
• if a child is in immediate danger,a member of staff should contact the police or social services without delay and should then notify and discuss the situation with the designated person as soon as is practically possible thereafter.

Designated Person (or deputy)
This person (currently Patrick Burke-tel: 01475 521808) is to be contacted for concerns or worries about children and with allegations of abuse that are made against staff or volunteers. The current deputy designated person is James M. Lamb- tel: 01475 638885 for contact in event of absence of designated person stated. It is confirmed that everyone in the Children in Poverty Inverclyde organisation is aware of these details.

Note: All parents/guardians of children who are our invited guests at Hunters Quay Holiday Village Holiday Park shall be informed of the designated person & deputy names and contact numbers when being issued with travel tickets etc on outward journey if any situation arises concerning the safety of a child as aforementioned. A copy will be distributed to them by the nursery/school head or representative and a copy in the  Welcome Pack on arrival in the accommodation. If one of the designated persons above is implicated in the concerns you should discuss your concerns directly with  Social Services

What is Child Abuse? (Extracted from Inverclyde Child Protection Committee
leaflet ‘ Information about child abuse or neglect).

Child abuse is when someone harms a child or young person. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual. It can also include neglect.

Physical injury (e.g. being hit, kicked or punched)
Physical neglect (e.g. not being properly fed or clothed or poor hygiene)
Sexual abuse  (e.g. inappropriate sexual behaviour or language)
Emotional abuse (e.g. being constantly criticised,ignored,humiliated,exposed to family violence)          
    
Inverclyde Child Protection Committee Local Authority Designated Person:      
This is the duty senior social worker for children and families who can be contacted on        
Telephone Number: 01475 715365 during office hours.
For out of office hours, you should contact:
Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Services on 0300 343 1505  or
call Police Scotland on 101 (24 hours).
All information is treated seriously and will be followed up.   

You can also write to:
Inverclyde Child Protection Committee
Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP)
7-8 Clyde Square
Greenock PA15 1NB

For more information about protecting children, staff/volunteers should access the Inverclyde Child Protection Committee Website at www.inverclydechildprotection.org.      

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

This policy was last reviewed on:  Tuesday, 16th May 2023

Copywright © 2016 by Children in Poverty Inverclyde (SC044563)

All rights reserved.
This  or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
 without the express written permission of the Children in Poverty Inverclyde Charity (SC044563).