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Safeguarding Policy

1 - Introduction

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Children's Domestic Abuse Support Service (CDASS) is committed to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people who may be experiencing domestic abuse. This policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe environment for all children and young people who access our services, as well as our responsibilities in safeguarding their well-being.

 

2 - Definitions

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  • Child/children: Refers to individuals under the age of 18.

 

  • Domestic Abuse: Domestic abuse involving children refers to any pattern of abusive behaviour within the family environment that directly or indirectly affects children. This can include witnessing or being exposed to physical violence, verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, or other forms of coercive control between caregivers or within the family unit. Children who experience domestic abuse may suffer a range of adverse effects, including emotional trauma, behavioural problems, developmental delays, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Even if not directly targeted, children can be deeply harmed by living in an environment where domestic abuse occurs, experiencing fear, stress, and uncertainty about their safety and well-being. Protecting children from the impacts of domestic abuse requires recognizing their unique vulnerabilities and providing them with appropriate support and interventions to mitigate harm and promote healing.

 

  • Safeguarding: Safeguarding children refers to the proactive measures taken to protect children from abuse, harm, neglect, and exploitation, and to promote their welfare and well-being. It involves creating a safe environment where children can grow, develop, and thrive free from risks to their physical, emotional, and psychological safety. Safeguarding encompasses both prevention and response strategies, including policies, procedures, and practices designed to identify and address concerns about children's welfare. This includes promoting awareness of children's rights, providing education and training on child protection issues, and establishing mechanisms for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns promptly and effectively. Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that involves collaboration between families, communities, professionals, and organizations to ensure that children are supported and protected from harm.

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3 - Principles:

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  • CDASS acknowledges that the welfare of children is paramount and takes precedence over all other considerations.

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  • We recognise that every child has the right to be protected from harm, exploitation, and abuse.

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  • We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes the well-being and development of children and young people.

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  • We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and requires a collaborative approach involving staff, volunteers, parents/carers, and external agencies.

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4 - Responsibilities:

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4.1 - Staff and Volunteers:

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  • All staff and volunteers at CDASS have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with this safeguarding policy and adhere to its principles and procedures.

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  • Staff and volunteers should receive appropriate training on safeguarding children and be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse.

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  • Any concerns or suspicions regarding the welfare of a child must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Sandra Johnson.

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  • Staff and volunteers must maintain confidentiality at all times, except where disclosure is necessary to safeguard the welfare of a child.

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4.2 - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

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  • The DSL at CDASS is responsible for coordinating safeguarding arrangements and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.

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  • The DSL is the first point of contact for staff, volunteers, and external agencies regarding safeguarding concerns.

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  • The DSL will liaise with relevant agencies, such as children's social care and the police, to address safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action to protect the welfare of children.

 

4.3 - Parents/Carers

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  • Parents/carers are encouraged to communicate openly with CDASS staff and volunteers regarding any concerns they may have about the welfare of their child.

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  • CDASS will work in partnership with parents/carers to promote the well-being and safety of children and young people accessing our services.

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5 - Procedures:

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5.1 - Responding to Safeguarding Concerns:

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  • Any safeguarding concerns or disclosures made by a child or young person must be taken seriously and reported immediately to the DSL.

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  • Staff and volunteers should listen to the child/young person in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, ensuring their safety and well-being are prioritized.

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  • Information regarding safeguarding concerns should be recorded accurately and securely in accordance with CDASS's confidentiality policy.

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5.2 - Responding and Reporting:

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  • The DSL will assess safeguarding concerns and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include making a referral to children's social care, the police, or other relevant agencies.

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  • Referrals should be made promptly, providing as much detail as possible about the concerns and the child's Disclosure Form to record the safeguarding and/or disclosure concerns circumstances.

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  • Please refer to the CDASS Safeguarding Policy. A copy of the Disclosure Form must be stored in the CDASS Safeguarding Record File.

 

5.3 - Support and Follow Up:

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  • CDASS will provide appropriate support to children affected by domestic abuse, including access to counselling, advocacy, and other support services.

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  • Staff and volunteers will work collaboratively with external agencies to ensure that children and families receive the support they need following a safeguarding concern. 

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6 - Review and Monitoring:

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  • This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains up-to-date and reflects current legislation and best practice.

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  • CDASS will monitor the implementation of this policy and review safeguarding procedures as necessary to address any areas for improvement.

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7 - Conclusion:

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Children's Domestic Abuse Support Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all children who access our services, and our responsibilities in safeguarding their well-being. All staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are expected to familiarize themselves with this policy and adhere to its principles and procedures.

 

Updated on May 16th 2024

Date of Next Review – May 16th, 2025

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