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Contents Foreward What is child abuse? Some typical indications of abuse? Responding to suspicions or allegations Action if there are concerns Suspected abuse Confidentiality Listening to children Good practice guidelines Late collection of children WASC Code of Conduct Discipline Physical contact Bullying References Download Policy here |
CONFIDENTIALITY As
an adult with trust and influence with children WASC volunteers are in a
powerful position to recognise or receive information about abuse.
However, remember it is not your responsibility to decide if a child is
being abused, your role is to act on those concerns. Children
will express themselves verbally or non-verbally and it is important to
respond sensitively and carefully to what they are saying or how they are
behaving. If
a child or young person talks to you about a concern: - ¨
Try
to react calmly. ¨
Remember
the setting – the child is likely to be frightened or anxious. ¨
Tell
the child that he/she was right to tell and is not to blame. ¨
Take
what the child says seriously. ¨
Recognise
the inherent difficulties interpreting what is said by young children. ¨
Do
not interview the child or ask anymore questions than that enables you to feel
you are clear enough about what has happened to pass your concerns on.
They may be asked to recount their story to Social Services or the
Police. ¨
However
don’t prevent a child from recalling events. ¨
Reassure
the child but do not make promises of confidentiality – explain that you
will have to speak to someone else who can help. ¨
Inform
the Welfare Office and complete the Incident Form No. 1 within 24 hours. ACTIONS
TO AVOID The
person receiving the disclosure should not: - ¨
Panic. ¨
Allow
their shock or distaste to show. ¨
Probe
for more information than is offered. ¨
Speculate
or make assumptions. ¨
Make
negative comments about the alleged abuser. ¨
Approach
the alleged abuser. ¨
Make
promises or agree to keep secrets. RESPONDING
TO NON-VERBAL CONCERNS Changes
in a child’s behaviour can be the result of a wide range of factors and this
makes it difficult to identify if the changes are linked to abuse.
Even signs such as bruising or other injuries cannot be taken as
“proof” of abuse. However, if
you have concerns you have a responsibility to act on those concerns.
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