0.0 Scope

This policy aims to ensure young people are able to thrive in their journey to recovery well being whilst being in a safe and secure environment. Enhanced Steps Support Service (ESSS) safeguarding policy states the arrangements in place to put his into practise. All staff have access to the policies as part of their induction, in our service policies folder and via email following updates.

1.0 Policy Overview

This policy sets out the values, principles and policies underpinning ESSS approach in managing issues related to young people’s safety. It covers a range of safeguarding issues that may impact upon young people accessing our support services.

Children who need help and protection deserve high quality and effective support as soon as a need is identified (Working Together to Safeguard Children, July 2018; Dec 2020). This applies to all young people (i.e., children aged 16 and 17 years, and adults aged 18+). This expectation is fundamental to our ethos and values.

The aim is to ensure that staff understand what they need to do, and importantly why they need to do it these include our:

  • Complaints Policy
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Lone Working Policy
  • Missing young person Policy
  • Behavioural management Policy
  • Safe Computing Policy
  • Safe Recruitment Policy
  • Whistle blowing Policy

The above is not exhaustive list.

Safeguarding means the protection of individual health, well being and human rights. This carried out by supporting individuals to have lives free from harm, abuse and neglect. Good standards of safeguarding are underpinned by good information sharing practices. Relevant services must be alerted when suspicion of a young person being at risk of harm or abuse. A written report is required to be compiled and saved for future reference as a standard in ESSS.

It is everyone’s responsibility to comply with safeguarding standards. The principles held at the core is that the young person interest and welfare is of first and paramount consideration.  Liaising with local services such as the police, local authorities and National Health Service (NHS) will be a part of the process is supporting a young person’s well being’s safeguarded.

Executive leadership is held by the service manager who monitors compliance with statutory responsibilities.

2.0 Introduction

Enhanced steps support service have a duty to promote the welfare of all young people accessing our services.

This means we have an important responsibility to safeguard young people in our supported accommodation. It is the primary duty of all colleagues (i.e., employees and volunteers) and this duty is managed in partnership with other agencies.

This policy aims to clarify actions staff must undertake concerning:

Children and young people up to the age of 18 years (Children’s Services); and Adults over 18 (Adult Services).

In England for child protection (more generally, safeguarding) “a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th Birthday.” Where different actions are required for different groups (i.e., Children’s Services and Adult Services respectively), this will be clarified accordingly.

It is important for staff to understand that some young people may have their entitlement to services extended beyond the age of 18 and into adulthood.

For instance, the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 states that local authorities in England and Wales must keep in touch with care leavers until they are at least 21.

Additionally, local authorities should assist with Education, Employment and Training (ETE). Young people with Learning Disabilities, such as those identified within an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), may also continue to be supported by Children’s Services after they reach the age of 18.

2.1 Safeguarding Definitions

Safeguarding children (under 18 years) is defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children in as:

Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

Safeguarding vulnerable adults is defined in the Care and support statutory guidance issued under the Care Act 2014 as:

Protecting the rights of adults to live in safety. Inclusive of being free from abuse and neglect. People and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect. People and organisations making sure that the adult’s well being is promoted including. Where appropriate, taking full account of the individuals views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action.

Recognizing that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear or unrealistic about their personal circumstances and therefore potential risks to their safety or well-being.

The above definitions are consistent with those used by Ofsted/CQC. These are applied to the unregulated context of our services

3.0 Young peoples voiced need

It is clarified form the onset that we have a duty to take the views, wishes and feelings of young people who access our services into account, particularly in relation to matters affecting their support, welfare, and their lives.

We have taken the emphasis of ‘children have said that they need’ within WTSC (2018:2020) and used this to inform our approach to safeguarding young people.

All staff working with young people are expected to ensure: vigilance to notice when things are troubling young people.

Understanding and Action: Young people are supported to understand what is happening. They are heard and understood and to have that acted upon.

Stability: To develop an on-going stable relationship of trust.

Respect: Young people are treated as competent rather than not competent.

Information and Engagement: Young people are informed about and involved in procedures, decisions, concerns, and plans.

Explanation: Young people are informed of the outcome of assessments and decisions and reasons when their views have not met with a positive response.

Support: Young people are provided with support “in their own right.”

Advocacy: Young people are provided with advocacy to help them to offer their views.

Protection: Young people are protected against all forms of abuse and discrimination.

4.0 Our Safeguarding aims

The aim of this ESSS in the context of safeguarding is to ensure young people who access our support services are safe and protected from harm. Areas of protection are inclusive of each young person’s psychological, physical, institutional, domestic, spiritual and social well being.

The next section of this policy seeks to inform staff of the indicators associated with abuse or neglect. This will help staff to understand not only what young people may have already experienced, but also to inform them of the need to remain vigilant to any indications of potential abuse whilst accessing our support services.

5.0 Indicators of abuse & Neglect

Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others. Abuse can take place wholly online, or technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse. Children may be abused by an adult or adults or by another child or children.

5.1 Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

5.2 Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability as well as over protection and limitation of exploration and learning, as well as preventing the child from participating in normal social interaction.

It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

5.3 Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing, and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse.

Sexual abuse can take place online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

5.4 Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It includes self-neglect and any related impact of financial abuse. Neglect may occur during pregnancy, for example, as a result of maternal substance abuse.

Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food, clothing, and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

5.5 Protecting Young People from Abuse

Knowing what to look for is vital to the early identification pf abuse & neglect. All staff should be aware of indicators of abuse and neglect, so that they are able to identify cases of children who may be in need of help or protection.

If staff are unsure, they should always speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). (Please refer to Page 8 for further guidance).

The DSL for each service is the manager. This means the Team Leader/Team Manager for each setting, with support from Locality Co-ordinators, who must be informed of any incidents, issues, or concerns.

Shikemi Fabunmi (Ridgeway House Safeguarding Lead) has the lead safeguarding responsibility for supported accommodation services. All serious incidents must be reported to Shikemi without delay. You can contact her via email; shikemi@enhancedsteps.co.uk.

The overall safeguarding Lead is Joyce Abolade (Managing Director). You can contact her via email on Joyce@enhancedsteps.co.uk to highlight any serious concerns.

By working together, both with colleagues and external agencies, we seek to ensure that children, young people and adults accessing our services are consistently protected from any form of maltreatment arising from harm; prevented from suffering impairment of health or development; provided with safe and effective care and support; given every opportunity to secure optimum life chances.

6.0 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The manager or lead professional with each setting is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The DSL must be informed of all concerns, issues or incidents regarding young people accessing our supported accommodation services.

Whilst the activities of the DSL can be delegated to appropriately trained deputies, the ultimate lead responsibility for child protection remains with the DSL. The DSL has an unequivocal duty to notify Sian and Lianne of any serious concerns.

6.1 DSL role

The purpose of the DSL is to lead in ensuring that appropriate arrangements for keeping children and young people safe are in place. Reviewing their risk assessments and management plans that they are current and up to date.

6.2 DSL’s main duties and responsibilities

The DSL must:

  • Make sure that everyone working or volunteering with or for young people understands the safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures and knows what to do if they have concerns about a young person’s welfare.
  • Make sure young people who access our care know who they can talk to if they have a welfare concern and understand what action the organisation will take in response.
  • Receive and record information from anyone who has concerns about a young person.
  • Be familiar with and work within inter-agency child protection procedures developed by the local child protection agencies (i.e., the Local Safeguarding Partnership Board and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for example).
  • Be familiar with issues relating to child protection and abuse, keeping up to date with new developments in this area.
  • Attend regular training in issues relevant to child protection and share knowledge from that training with everyone who works or volunteers with or for young people at the accommodation, and throughout the organisation.
  • The DSL will always seek to ensure that we work together to protect children and young people. As confirmed within page 7, the DSL must inform relevant colleagues.

7.0 Local authority Child Protection Services

Local Authority Child Protection Services

Child protection processes indicate that there are significant concerns about the safety or well being of a child. If staff have concerns about the welfare (i.e., safety and/or well being) of a child or young person, the DSL must be notified. If the DSL is not available, staff should inform the ESSS On-Call Service. The DSL/senior On-Call will co-ordinate a response. In all such cases it is imperative that the following agencies are notified: MASH – Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.

The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) brings key professional together to facilitate early, better quality information sharing, analysis, and decision-making, to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults more effectively. Within the MASH, information from different agencies will be collated and used to decide what action to take. As a result, the agencies will be able to act quickly in a co-ordinated and consistent way, ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are kept safe. Please note: Not all local authorities use the term Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and have provisions that meet the “MASH” duties under a different name.

The MASH acts as the first point of contact, receiving new safeguarding concerns/enquiries relating concerns about abuse, neglect, or concerns about potential/actual harm impacting upon young people

7.1 Emergency Duty Team (EDT)

The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) deals with social care emergencies outside office hours involving vulnerable children or adults.

The Police

Call 999 if the child is at immediate risk of harm. If staff know that a child is in danger the Police must be called. All staff notifying the Police must inform the DSL/senior OnCall immediately. Accurate records must be taken using a DRS (Detailed Record Sheet). Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Every local authority should have a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or team of officers (either as part of multiagency arrangements or otherwise). Their role is to be involved in the management and oversight of allegations against people who work with children.

Arrangements should be put in place to ensure that any allegations about those who work with children are passed to the LADO without delay. Staff must follow the implicit conditions of our Whistleblowing Policy (summarised in this policy) and inform the DSL of any concerns about the conduct or behaviour of staff member. If the concern is about the DSL, staff can contact Ruth Macharia via email ruth.macharia@enhancedsteps.co.uk.

Staff have the addition option to report concerns to Ijapari Onalaja.  Ijapari is the Director of Operational Corporate Governance for Almondbud nursery. Almondbud work in an advisory capacity with ESSS. Ijapari can be contacted via email on admin@almondbudnursery.co.uk.

8.0 Local safeguarding Partnership Boards

Every Local Authority in the country must have Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements (MASA) in partnership with the Police and Health.

Working Together

Under the Children Act 2004, as amended by the Children and Social Work Act 2017, LSCBs, set up by local authorities, were replaced.

Under the new legislation, the three safeguarding partners (local authorities, chief officers of police, and clinical commissioning groups) decide to work together with relevant agencies to safeguard and protect the welfare of children in the area.

The following table provides a list of all the relevant Local Authority Safeguarding Partnerships in Kent of England. By clicking or tapping on the links, you will have access to contact information and resources relating to the location in which your setting is situated.

PLEASE NOTE: If the relevant partnership is not listed above, please refer to:

https://www.safecic.co.uk/your-scb-acpc/55-free-downloads-and-safeguardinglinks/61-safeguarding-children- board-links

9.0 Abuse of Trust

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Sections 16 and 17) respectively are defined as ‘Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity with a child’ and ‘Abuse of position of trust causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.’

Abuse of Trust can occur in a number of settings, for example, in an education establishment, a residential establishment, a foster home, a social club or other activity. Relates to all relationships where one person is in a position of responsibility (and power) in relation to another person, who is either under 18 years or is a vulnerable adult, whether the relationship is of a heterosexual or homosexual nature. Relates to paid employees, ex-employees, unpaid staff (for example trainees and students), volunteers, foster carers, consultants and contractors. Occurs where the person in a position of trust betrays the trust and enters into a relationship, particularly a sexual relationship, but also other abusive relationships, with a child/young person or vulnerable adult (referred to as service user), for whom they have responsibility.

Abuse of Trust is distinct and different from sexual abuse or other abuse. Sexual and other forms of abuse take place where the victim does not or cannot consent to his or her treatment. There need not be any abuse of a relationship of trust. Any sexual activity which is not freely consenting is criminal.

In contrast, the sexual activity covered by ‘Abuse of Trust’ may seem consensual, but it is rendered unacceptable because of relative positions of power. This refers to the potential for people in a ‘relationship of trust’ to misuse or abuse that relationship Staff and volunteers are in a relationship of trust because they have the potential to hold power or influence over young people. This must never be abused.

9.1 Abuse of Trust (Staff Procedures)

Basic Principles:

  • The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people and protect them from sexual activity from those supporting them within a relationship of trust is paramount.
  • All staff have a duty to raise concerns about behaviour by staff, managers, volunteers or others which may be harmful to a child, without prejudice to their own position; this applies to all staff, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

All staff must be aware that:

  • Any form of sexualised activity or behaviour involving a young person will not be tolerated. Any staff member proven to be engaged in such activities will be subject to the full rigor of the law.
  • Any other inappropriate activities or conduct, such as irregularities with financial support or psychological/emotional abuse, will not be tolerated.
  • Staff must ensure that psychological, emotional and mental health needs are included within individual Safety Plans and support plans. Safety Plans must be reviewed regularly and made available to all staff.
  • Any concerns about the behaviour or activities of a colleague, visitor or contractor towards a young person must be escalated (without delay) to the DSL.

10.0 Admission

All staff, including Directors, must have unwavering regard for the importance of matching referred young people to those already living in the accommodation. The peer dynamic (“mix of young people” must be considered in terms of the impact of presenting needs, difficulties and any challenging behaviours exhibited by existing young people, and the young person referred.

In considering any new referral to the accommodation there must be clear regard to whether the setting employs colleagues who have sufficient skills, experience, knowledge, and qualifications to support each young person and meet their individual needs. This will take account of external agency interventions and support.

10.1 Admissions (Staff Procedures)

For all potentially suitable referrals, the relevant manager or suitably delegated staff member must complete:

A combined Placement Referral Matching and Impact Assessment Form and where appropriate, a risk assessment must be used to ascertain the suitability of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (USAC) referred to our services. The risk assessment should include information gathered through face-to-face meeting(s) and any other available information.

Additionally, there must be due consideration for the impact of and/or changes made to the annual location assessment to ascertain any arising safeguarding concerns that could impact upon the young people in the setting. Changes to accessibility of services should be highlighted to help establish if the location of the home influences the potential for an already vulnerable young person to be a victim of crime. The aspects of crime include being targeted for sexual exploitation; whether there is a likelihood of young people becoming drawn into gang crime or anti-social behaviour in the local area. The suitability of the local neighbourhood as a location is thought through and risk identified and management put in place in an individualised care plan to support young people who may have a been victims of abuse, neglect and trauma.

Any members of staff involved in considering referrals must be able to demonstrate that the above conditions have been fully considered. All child protection arrangements, monitoring, reviewing and support mechanisms must be detailed in full in the young people’s relevant support plans.

Where a placement has been offered and agreed by ESSS, the following conditions must be applied:

The Locality/Team Manger is responsible for ensuring that a Safety Plan and ICMP is completed for each young person, prior to admission.

As the placement progresses Safety Plans and IMPs must be reviewed and amended, with meaningful input from the young person concerned:

  • Every calendar month. This is to ensure continued accuracy and effectiveness;
  • Following a significant event that relates to concerns over the safety and welfare of the young person concerned.
  • The Locality/Team Manager must inform all staff working directly with young people of any changes made to existing Safety Plans and IMPs;
  • All staff must be familiar with the conditions of each young person’s Safety Plan and ICMP before staff work directly with the young people, as far as is reasonable and practicable.

Please note that ESSS will not consider a young person for any of our services if we do not believe it would be safe to do so. For further information, staff should refer to our Moving-In and Moving-On Policy (e.g., our “Admissions Policy”).

11.0 Allegations & Disclosures

This section refers to handling allegations and disclosures. There is some debate around what exactly a disclosure is, and the difference between a disclosure and an allegation. For clarity, a ‘disclosure’ is usually used within the context of responding from a position of belief. Therefore, a disclosure has “sufficient factual content and specificity.” In contrast, an allegation is a claim that someone has committed a crime or perpetrated wrongdoing, though the person making the claim has not submitted any proof of the assertion. For the avoidance of doubt, in both cases staff must take allegations and disclosures seriously.

These definitions should be used when determining the outcome of allegation investigations:

Substantiated: There is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation.

Malicious: There is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation or a deliberate act to deceive.

False: There is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation.

Unsubstantiated: There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation. The term, therefore, does not imply guilt or innocence.

Unfounded: Where there is no evidence or proper basis which supports the allegation made.

Details of allegations that are found to have been malicious should be removed from personnel records. For all other allegations, it is important that a clear and comprehensive summary of the allegation, details of how the allegation was followed up and resolved, and a note of any action and decisions reached, is kept on the confidential personnel file of the accused. A copy of which must be provided to the person concerned.

11.1 Disclosure staffs procedure

If a young person says something to highlight staff must:

  • Listen and take seriously what a young person says and never express disbelief
  • Do not make any suggestions about what has taken place, or how it came about, or question the young person except to clarify what they are saying
  • Allow the young person time to express themselves, but do not press for detail beyond what is minimally necessary to be clear that some form of abuse has taken place:
  • Do not ask a young person to repeat what has been said to anyone else before referring;
  • Be calm and reassuring and do not make assumptions
  • Avoid making judgements about what is being said though reassure the young person that they are not responsible for what may have happened Ø Do not promise to keep information secret.
  • Make it clear that you will have to refer the matter on and to whom
  • Tell the young person that there are people who can help
  • Write down what has been said, using the young person’s exact words and what was said in response. Be factual and state opinion, sign, date report and send to social worker and DSL.

NOTE: All disclosures must be escalated to the DSL without delay. Where there are immediate concerns. MASH will be contacted and informed of the disclosure. If it is believed a criminal act has taken place, the Police must be called. Any professional who is concerned that a young person may be at risk of, or is suffering, CSE is able to make a referral to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

11.2 Abuse of Trust (Staff Procedures)

Basic Principles:

The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people and protect them from sexual activity from those supporting them within a relationship of trust is paramount. All staff have a duty to raise concerns about behaviour by staff, managers, volunteers or others which may be harmful to a child, without prejudice to their own position; this applies to all staff, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

All staff must be aware that:

  • Any form of sexualised activity or behaviour involving a young person will not be tolerated. Any staff member proven to be engaged in such activities will be subject to the full rigor of the law.
  • Any other inappropriate activities or conduct, such as irregularities with financial support or psychological/emotional abuse, will not be tolerated.

Staff must ensure that:

  • Psychological, emotional and mental health needs are included within individual Safety Plans and support plans. Safety Plans must be reviewed regularly and made available to all staff.
  • Any concerns about the behaviour or activities of a colleague, visitor or contractor towards a young person must be escalated (without delay) to the DSL.

13.0 Bulling (Including Cyberbullying)

There is no legal definition of bullying. It is usually defined as repeated behaviour which is intended to hurt someone either emotionally or physically. Bullying is often aimed at certain people because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation or any other aspect such as appearance or disability.

Emotional abuse may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing young people to feel frightened or in danger, or it can be linked to the exploitation or corruption of vulnerable people.

Bullying can take many forms including:

Cyber: Abuse on-line or via text message; interfering with electronic files; setting up inappropriate websites; inappropriate sharing of images, etc.; interfering with e-mail accounts.

Faith-based:  Negative stereotyping; name-calling/ridiculing based upon religious persuasion/identity.

Gifted and Talented: Name-calling, innuendo or negative peer pressure based on high levels of ability or effort; ostracism resulting from perceptions of high levels of ability.

Homophobic or Transgender: Name-calling, innuendo or negative stereotyping based on sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; use of homophobic language.

Physical: Kicking or hitting; prodding, pushing or spitting; offensive gestures or intimidating behaviour; damaging or removing property; invasion of personal space; extortion; coercion; other forms of persistent physical assault.

Racist: Physical, verbal, written, on-line or text abuse; ridicule based on differences of race. Colour, ethnicity, nationality, culture or language; refusal to co-operate with others based upon any of the above differences; stereotyping because colour, race, ethnicity, etc.; promoting offensive materials such as racist leaflets, magazines or computer software;

Sexist: Use of sexist language; negative stereotyping based on gender.

Sexual: Unwanted/inappropriate physical contact; sexual innuendo; suggestive propositioning; distribution/display of pornographic material aimed at an individual; graffiti with sexual content aimed at an individual. Putting pressure upon someone to act in a sexual way.

Special Educational Needs or Disability: Name-calling, innuendo or negative stereotyping based on disability or learning difficulties; excluding from activity because of disability or learning difficulty.

Verbal: Threats or taunts; shunning/ostracism; name-calling/verbal abuse; innuendo; spreading of rumours; glaring; making inappropriate comments in relation to appearance.

13.1 Bullying Staff Procedures

Immediate action should be taken to protect young people subject to bullying or involved in bullying. In some cases, a strategy meeting will be convened to discuss a plan of action. CFS Care staff will ensure that an action plan to protect the young person from further bullying is in place. This will be produced in consultation with the young person and any other relevant people (such as the Designated Teacher from the young person’s college for example). The action plan should be completed prior to the strategy meeting and such a plan must be endorsed by those with legal responsibility. In addition, the person with legal responsibility for the young person who is alleged to have carried out any bullying must be included in the discussions, as appropriate. They must be party to any plan and actions to protect both the victim and perpetrator of the bullying from further occurrences.

The Team Manager/Team Leader must ensure that:

  • Any vulnerabilities and risks associated with bullying are recorded in each person’s safety plan.
  • The Bullying Incident Register is maintained and checked for accuracy every month. All incidents or alleged incidents of bullying are recorded in detail.
  • All members of staff are made aware of any concerns around bullying.
  • The service maintains a “zero tolerance ethos” regarding bullying, whether relating to young people, staff or adults and children visiting the accommodation

All Staff Will:

  • Support young people to take action against cyber bullying and empower them to raise any concerns they may have about themselves, their peers or siblings.
  • Be familiar with the conditions of each person’s Safety Plan, which will identify any vulnerabilities and risks associated with bullying.
  • Follow the Anti-Bullying Policy if they are alerted to instances of bullying.
  • Complete a DRS and enter a summary of details in the Bullying Concern

Register if there is a bullying incident.

  • The Bullying Concern Register requires staff to identify the context of entry as being either an (a) Allegation, (b) Incident, or (c) a Precautionary record.
  • The latter (c) refers to entries may escalate towards bullying and therefore require staff to monitor and review accordingly.
  • Understand that a bullying incident should be addressed as a safeguarding concern when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a person is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.

14.0 Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is a broad descriptor covering a range of activities that amount to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to children and young people.

The consistent factor is one where an adult uses a child or young person to undertake criminal activities through manipulation and coercion. CCE is child abuse.

The Home Office defines child criminal exploitation as: ‘Child Criminal Exploitation… occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual.

Child Criminal Exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Criminal exploitation of children… includes for instance children forced to work on cannabis farms or to commit theft’ ‘Criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults’ (Home Office, 2018) Typically, CCE is associated with Child Trafficking, County Lines and Modern Slavery. Although it can involve Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Physical Abuse amongst other areas of concern.

This section focuses upon Child Trafficking, Modern Slavery and County Lines.

14.1 Child Trafficking

Child Trafficking is defined as the ‘recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation. (Article 3 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime) Child trafficking is abuse. Children and young people are recruited, moved or transported and then exploited, forced to work or sold.

Children and young people are trafficked for:

  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
  • Benefit fraud
  • Forced marriage
  • Domestic servitude such as cleaning, childcare, cooking
  • Forced labour in factories or agriculture and Criminal activity (such as pick pocketing, begging, transporting drugs, working on cannabis farms, selling pirated DVDs and bag theft for example).

What happens?

  • Children and young people are tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes. Traffickers use grooming techniques to gain the trust of a child, their family or their community
  • Traffickers may threaten families
  • Traffickers may promise a child a better future in another place:
  • Sometimes families will be asked for payment towards the ‘service’ a trafficker is providing for example sorting out the child’s documentation prior to travel or organising transportation.
  • Traffickers make a profit from the money a child earns through exploitation, forced labour or crime. Often this is explained as a way for child to pay off a debt they (or their family) ‘owe’ to the traffickers.

14.2 Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is when someone has gained control over, or ownership of, another person and is using this power to exploit them. It involved the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of men, women or children using force, coercion and abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means in order to exploit them.

  • Someone is a victim of modern slavery if they have experienced any of the following:
  • Are forced to work because of physical or verbal threats;
  • Are owned or controlled by an ’employer’, usually through mental, emotional, sexual or physical abuse, or the threat of such abuse;
  • Are dehumanised, treated as a commodity, or bought and sold as ‘property are being held captive, have restrictions placed on their freedom or being moved against their will.

14.3 County Lines

The following has been adapted from Criminal Exploitation of Children and Vulnerable Adults: County Lines Guidance (September 2018).

County lines is the Police term for urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas and market and coastal towns using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines”. It involves child criminal exploitation (CCE), because gangs use children and young people to move drugs and money to and from “market locations.” These children and young people are referred to as “Bics” by the drug dealers, which is used as a reference to their perceived disposability.

Gangs establish a base in the “market location” that is typically the home of a vulnerable young person or adult by coercion or even violence in a practice referred to as ‘cuckooing. County lines is a major issue involving drugs, violence, gangs, safeguarding, criminal and sexual exploitation, modern slavery, and missing persons.

14.4 The effect County Lines Exploitation on young people

Like other forms of abuse and exploitation, county lines exploitation can affect any child (male or female) under the age of 18 years. Exploitation, even if the activity appears consensual can involve;

  • Force and/or enticement-based methods of compliance and is often accompanied by violence or threats of violence.
  • Perpetration of individuals or groups, males or females, as well as other children or young people.
  • Is typified by some form of power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the exploitation.

Whilst age may be the most obvious, this power imbalance can also be due to a range of other factors including gender, cognitive ability, physical strength, status, and access to economic or other resources.

One of the key factors found in most cases of county lines exploitation is the presence of some form of exchange (e.g. carrying drugs in return for something). Where it is the victim who is offered, promised or given something they need or want. The exchange can include both tangible (such as money, drugs or clothes) and social/emotional rewards (such as status, protection or perceived friendship or affection).

It is important for staff to remember the unequal power dynamic within which this exchange occurs. The receipt of something by a child, young person or vulnerable adult does not make them any less of a victim. Notably, the prevention of something negative can also fulfill the requirement for exchange, i.e. child may engage in county lines activity to stop someone carrying out a threat to someone who is close to them.

14.5 Targeting of vulnerable children

Gangs specifically target vulnerable children and those who do not have support networks. Children with special educational needs, mental health problems or disabilities are known to be purposely targeted. Gangs also look for emotional vulnerability, such as children experiencing problems at home, absent/busy parents or bereavement. The gangs seek to fill that emotional gap for the child and become their family’.

Male children are more commonly exploited, but female children are also used and exploited by gangs. It is thought that 15-16 years is the most common age for children to be exploited by these gangs but there are reports of children below the age of 11 years being used.

Gangs are increasingly looking to recruit ‘cleanskins’ (i.e., those with no previous criminal record who are unlikely to be stopped by the Police, including those from white, middle class backgrounds and from further afield).

15.0 Children Looked After (CLA)

Gangs target looked after children, particularly those in residential children’s homes and children in pupil referral units. Children who have been placed out of their home area are particularly vulnerable.

15.1 Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Although child sexual exploitation (SE) is not the driving factor in county lines gangs exploiting children, a clear link exists between County Lines and CSE. Girls are typically most at risk, but there is evidence of sexual abuse of boys within County Lines as well.

15.2 Grooming and Coercion

Gangs often use threats, coercion and violence to force children to do what they want.

They punish gang members for making mistakes or failing to meet drugs sales targets. The punishments are extremely violent such as stabbings, anal injuries caused by jagged objects and acid attacks. Gangs may also trick children into getting into their debt, for example, by giving them a mobile phone only to later demand repayment for the cost of the phone. The child will then be in ‘debt bondage’ to the gang, owing it labour or services as security for the repayment for the debt or other obligation.

Peer grooming is common and takes place in schools and via social media. Music videos on YouTube are used to glamorise gangs and to draw in children from wider social and geographical areas. These methods can lead to children firmly believing they have made an active choice to join the gangs and to deny that they have been exploited and, at the same time, leave them so terrified that they will do anything they are told.

15.3 Children and Young people are Victims (not Suspects)

There is currently poor awareness and understanding of CCE and it is often the case that victims are mistakenly viewed as having made a choice to engage in criminal behaviour.

This is often made more difficult by the child or young person’s refusal to recognise themselves as a victim. Comparisons have been drawn between CCE and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and there are calls for CCE to be treated similarly to CSE. Children who are being exploited by gangs for their criminal purposes are victims and they should be safeguarded, not criminalised. This principle has been enshrined in UK law following the ratification of The Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings which states each party shall, in accordance with the basic principles of its legal system, provide for the possibility of not imposing penalties on victims for their involvement in unlawful activities, to the extent that they have been compelled to do so’.

15.4 Identifying CCE

It may not be easy to identify that a child is the victim of gang exploitation. However, there are a number of consistent factors associated with children and young people who have been abused through CCE:

  • Have they been arrested for possession and intent to supply of significant quantities of drugs, particularly heroin and crack cocaine?
  • Did the arrest occur away from their own home area?
  • Were they arrested on public transport, particularly a train; were arrested in a cuckooed address?
  • Are they in care, particularly residential care or have been in care?
  • Were they found carrying a weapon when arrested?
  • Have an unexplained injury, possibly caused by a knife?
  • Were arrested with or are accompanied by older males or females?

15.5 Other indicators of gang involvement include

  • Persistently going missing from school or home
  • Regularly being found away from the home area
  • Unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, or mobile phones
  • Excessive receipt of texts / phone calls
  • Relationships with controlling / older individuals or groups
  • Leaving home / care without explanation
  • Suspicion of physical assault / unexplained injuries
  • Significant decline in school results / performance
  • Self-harm or significant changes in emotional well-being

16.0 Child Trafficking and Modern Slavery (Staff Procedures)

Modern slavery is when someone has gained control over, or ownership of, another person and is using this power to exploit them. It involved the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of men, women or children using force, coercion, and abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means in order to exploit them.

Someone is a victim of modern slavery if they have experienced any of the following:

  • Are forced to work because of physical or verbal threats.
  • Are owned or controlled by an ’employer’, usually through mental, emotional, sexual or physical abuse, or the threat of such abuse;
  • Are dehumanised, treated as a commodity, or bought and sold as ‘property or are being held captive, have restrictions placed on their freedom or being moved against their will.

All staff must be aware of the following facts:

(Trafficked) Young people are tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes. Traffickers use grooming techniques to gain the trust of a child, family or community.

They may threaten families, but this isn’t always the case – in fact, the use of violence and threats to recruit victims has decreased (Europol, 2011).

Traffickers may promise children education or persuade parents their child can have a better future in another place sometimes families will be asked for payment towards the ‘service a trafficker is providing.

Traffickers make a profit from the money a young person earns through exploitation, forced labour or crime. Although these are methods used by traffickers, coercion, violence or threats do not need to be proven in cases of child trafficking – a child cannot legally consent, so child trafficking only requires evidence of movement and exploitation. If a young person continues to be at risk of harm through trafficking or there remain concerns about a young person’s risk of being subject to modern slavery, staff must:

  • Refer any concerns or disclosures regarding trafficking to the manager (DSL), without delay.
  • Ensure that information relating to specific trafficking risks to individual children are recorded and RAGG rated in the Safety Plan.
  • The Safety Plan must be reviewed every month for accuracy and relevance. If there is any indication or evidence indicating that the potential risk has changed
  • Complete a DRS to record detailed information about any concerns or disclosures:
  • Contact the Police and MASH in accordance with raising a safeguarding concern

21.0 Emergency Procedure for a Conscious Young Person

  • Staff to keep the young person calm.
  • Do not chase or excite, as this could be dangerous Ø Summon an ambulance if health is thought to be at risk.
  • If unsure contact NHS Direct ((Dialling 111)
  • If unable to calm the situation, summon the Police
  • If the incident happens during the evening or at night, a manager on call must be notified
  • Contact parents if appropriate
  • Domestic cleaning gloves must be worn if removing discarded needles and syringes.
  • The Police will advise on disposal.
  • Gloves must be disposed of after use.
  • Drug Incident Management (Searching Young People & Property)
  • Young people have the right to privacy for themselves and their property. However, if staff believe that dangerous or illegal substances are being stored in a young person’s room then the room must be searched.

21.1 Room searches 

For all room searches, the child and two members of staff must be present. Room searches must be recorded in the Room Search Register and signed-off by both members of staff and the young person to confirm accuracy.

During the Search:

  • All matters arising must be accurately recorded;
  • If a young person is suspected of carrying drugs, staff can request that they turn their pockets out. Again, two members of staff must be present. Clothing must not be removed, and staff must not attempt to restrain or restrict the freedom of the young person;
  • If the young person refuses to allow the search, staff must inform the Police (having alerted the child to the fact that they will have no alternative but to inform the Police);
  • If a young person is carrying out illegal activities within the accommodation (i.e. taking drugs, supplying drugs to others), he/she must be asked to stop, and the Police advised (along with the social worker and responsible parent as appropriate);
  • If s/he refuses to hand the substance over, then staff should call the Police. The child should be warned that the Police will be called if they do not hand over the substance(s). Any substances removed must be stored and dealt with as described (see above).

Please note:

As previously stated, staff must not search a young person’s room alone. This is because, amongst other reasons, it places the staff member at risk of allegations.

22.0 Drug Incident Management (Recording)

All matters arising must be recorded, dated and signed. Staff records should be objective and factually based, avoiding judgement and supposition without rational foundation.

A DRS should provide a summative account of matters arising, whilst a CFS Care ‘Substance Misuse Incident Sheet’ should be used to record specific information relating to the incident. If a ‘Substance Misuse Incident Sheet’ is completed, it should be attached to the DRS to provide further information. All records should be retained in the child’s case files.

23.0 Guests (Visitors & Overnight Stays)

Young people living in Enhanced Steps Support Services Supported Accommodation have the right to receive guests and it is important that they maintain positive relationships with those who are significant to them. However, we understand that not everyone known to young people or seeking to befriend young people will have a positive impact upon them or those around them. Therefore, young people accessing group living accommodation are required to complete a Guest Request Form (GRF). This is to ensure that reasonable measures are taken to promote the welfare of all young people living within the service and the staff who support them. The conditions applied to guests are detailed in the “House Rules” and must be explained during the admission process as part of the Placement Agreement.

23.1 Guests (Visitors & Overnight Stays) (Staff Procedures)

Staff must exercise reasonable judgement regarding the appropriateness of any potential guest. Reasonable measures must be adopted to promote the welfare of all young people in the accommodation, as well as the staff who support them. The conditions applied to guests are detailed in the “House Rules” and must be explained during the admission process. The House rules are agreed collectively, but certain “non-negotiables” will remain in place as would be expected in any family home with responsible boundaries of conduct and interaction. Staff must be particularly aware of significantly older young people and adults seeking to befriend young people. For example, a girl of 16 years engaged in a “friendship” with an adult of 26 years should alert staff to a significant area of concern, such as CSE for example.

Therefore, staff should recognise the potential for:

  • A power imbalance that could lead to harm
  • Grooming for abusive and criminally exploitative purposes (including county lines and CSE).
  • Relationship abuse and VAWG; and Sexual and emotional abuse. Ø If in any doubt, staff must raise concerns with the DSL.

Staff must also be fully aware of the indicators linked to the above safeguarding issues (as referenced in this policy and related safeguarding policies) and therefore able to make safe and informed decisions. Known risks to young people must be identified within safety plans. The importance of staff reading and understanding the conditions of each safety plan cannot be over-stated.

In all circumstances staff must liaise with the young person’s social worker if there are concerns about the suitability of a friendship, with concerns escalated to the DSL if it is considered that there is a potential for harm.

24.0 Hate Crime

Hate Crime can be defined as any crime that is motivated by hostility on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity can be classed as a hate crime.

There are three categories of Hate Crime in legislation:

  • Incitement to hatred offences on the grounds of race, religion, or sexual orientation;
  • Specific racially and religiously motivated criminal offences (such as common assault); and
  • Provisions for enhanced sentencing where a crime is motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.

25.0 Hate Crime (Staff Procedures)

Staff are expected to:

  • Prevent hate crime by challenging the beliefs and attitudes that can lead to hate crime.
  • Provide appropriate, person-centred support to young people who have been victims of Hate Crime, as defined by the young person’s relevant support plans or any change in presentation.
  • Raise any concerns with the DSL who will give due consideration to making a referral to MASH.

Staff must:

  • Ensure that information relating to Hate Crime, as applicable to individual young people, is recorded and RAGG rated in the Safety Plan.
  • Reviewed with the young person every month for accuracy and relevance
  • Record all allegations, disclosures and concerns relating to hate crime using a DRS.
  • Serious allegations regarding Hate Crime should be referred to the Police.
  • Staff must note that ESSS is a non-partisan organisation. However, we will not tolerate any form of prejudice or abuse linked to hate crime.

HATE RACISM

HATE DISCRIMINATION HATE BULLYING НАТЕ НОМОРНОВІА

HATE DISABLISM

LET’S END HATE CRIME

26.0 Honour-Based Abuse (HBA)

So-called ‘Honour-Based’ Abuse (HBA) encompasses incidents or crimes which have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or the community.

These include:

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
  • Forced marriage
  • Practices such as breast ironing.
  • Abuse committed in the context of preserving “honour” often involves a wider network of family or community pressure and can include multiple perpetrators.
  • It is important to be aware of this dynamic and additional risk factors when deciding what form of safeguarding action to take.
  • All forms of HBA are abuse (regardless of the motivation) and should be handled and escalated as abuse.
  • DfE guidance states that ‘Professionals in all agencies, and individuals and groups in relevant communities, need to be alert to the possibility of a child being at risk of HBA, or already having suffered HBA. (KCSIE, 2021)

26.1 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured, or changed, but where there’s no medical reason for this to be done. It’s also known as “female circumcision” or “cutting”, and by other terms such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others. In England and Wales, 23,000 girls under 15 could be at risk of FGM. However, staff must be aware that FGM is not exclusively limited to girls aged under 15 years (World Health Organisation, 2017).

In the UK, FM tends to occur in areas with larger populations of communities who practise FGM, such as first-generation immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. These areas include:

  • London, Cardiff, Manchester, Sheffield, Northampton, Birmingham, Oxford, Crawley, Reading, Slough and Milton Keynes.

Risk Factors include:

  • Low level of integration into UK society
  • Mother or sister who has undergone FGM
  • Girls who are withdrawn from PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). Ø A visiting female elder from the country of origin
  • Being taken on a long holiday to the family’s country of origin. Talk about a ‘special’ event or procedure to ‘become a woman.’

High-Risk Times:

This procedure often takes place in the summer, as the recovery period after FGM can be 6 to 9 weeks. Staff should be alert to the possibility of FM as a reason why a girl in a high-risk group is absent from education, employment, or training. Although, it is difficult to identify girls before FM takes place, where girls from these high-risk groups return from a long period of absence with symptoms of FM, advice should be sought from the police or social services.

Post-FGM Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty walking, sitting or standing
  • Spend longer than normal in the bathroom or toilet
  • Unusual behaviour after a lengthy absence
  • Reluctance to undergo normal medical examinations
  • Asking for help, but not being clear about the issue due to embarrassment or fear.

Longer Term problems include:

  • Difficulties urinating or incontinence
  • Frequent or chronic vaginal, pelvic or urinary infections
  • Menstrual problems
  • Kidney damage and kidney failure
  • Cysts and abscesses
  • Pain when having sex
  • Infertility
  • Complications during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Significant emotional and mental health problems.

27.0 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (Staff Procedures)

Staff are expected to:

  • Remain vigilant to the signs that FGM may be imminent
  • Remain vigilant to the indicators that a young person may have been subjected to FGM or someone the young person knows may have been subjected to FGM
  • Report to the Police where they discover (either through disclosure by the victim or other evidence) that FM appears to have been carried out on a girl aged under 18. Staff failing to report such cases are likely to face disciplinary action
  • Report to the Police cases where an act of FGM appears to have been carried out
  • Be vigilant to disclosures made by young people regarding siblings and/or friends.
  • FGM Disclosures and Making referrals
  • Any person who is concerned that a young person may be at risk of FM is able to make a referral to the MASH. We expect that staff will inform the DSL, who will be able to ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Staff must:

  • Inform the DSL if they are concerned about a young person because they are at risk of FGM
  • Inform the DSL if a young person makes a disclosure/an allegation about FGM
  • Ensure that information relating to FM, as applicable to individual young people, is recorded and RAG rated in the Safety Plan. This must be reviewed for continued accuracy
  • Record all allegations, disclosures and concerns relating to FGM using a DRS
  • Notify the Police by calling 101 to report any concerns.

28.0 Forced Marriage

Forcing a person into a marriage is a crime in England and Wales. A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.

A lack of full and free consent can be where a person does not consent or where they cannot consent (if they have learning disabilities, for example). Nevertheless, some communities use religion and culture as a way to coerce a person into marriage.

A person’s capacity to consent can change. For example, with the right support and knowledge, a person with a learning disability may move from a position of lacking capacity to consent to marriage, to having capacity. However, some children and adults with learning disabilities are given no choice and/or do not have the capacity to give informed consent to marriage and all it entails. This may include engaging in a sexual relationship, having children and deciding where to live.

29.0 Capacity to Consent and the Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies to all people aged 16 and over. It aims both to empower people to make decisions for themselves whenever possible and to protect those who lack capacity to do this. The Act starts from the basis that, unless proved otherwise, all adults have the capacity to make decisions.

Individuals may lack capacity if they are unable to:

  • Understand information given to them
  • Retain that information for long enough to be able to make the decision
  • Weigh up the information available to make the decision; and communicate their decision to others.

Where someone is found to lack capacity to make a particular decision, others may be permitted to make decisions on behalf of that person, so long as any such decision is made in the best interests of the person who lacks capacity. For example, family and professionals might decide that it is in a person’s best interest to live in a certain place, even though the person themselves lacks the capacity to consent to such a decision. However, there are certain decisions which cannot be made on behalf of another person and this includes the decision to marry. There is therefore no legal basis on which someone can agree to marriage, civil partnerships or sexual relations on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to make these decisions independently. However, families sometimes do believe they have the “right” to make decisions regarding marriage on behalf of their relative.

If a person does not consent or lacks capacity to consent to a marriage, that marriage must be viewed as a forced marriage whatever the reason for the marriage taking place. Capacity to consent can be assessed and tested, but it is time and decision specific.

29.1 Forced Marriage (Staff Procedures)

Good practice in relation to this assistance and support includes listening to young people and making sure they know how to raise concerns. Understanding that in cases of forced marriage, it is important that agencies do not initiate, encourage or facilitate family counselling, mediation, arbitration or reconciliation.  There have been cases of individuals being murdered by their families during mediation.

Being aware that on occasions when an “at risk” individual insists on meeting with their parents, it should only take place in a safe location, supervised by a trained/specialist professional with an authorised accredited interpreter present (not from the same community).

Being aware that allowing a victim to have unsupervised contact with their family is normally extremely risky. Families may use the opportunity to subject the victim to extreme physical or mental duress or take them overseas regardless of any protective measures in place.

ESSS will provide training and raise awareness about forced marriage for staff who support young people at risk of forced marriage

Staff must:

Inform the DSL if they are concerned about a young person being at risk of forced marriage;

Inform the DSL if a young person makes a disclosure/an allegation about forced marriage:

  • Ensure that information relating to forced marriage, as applicable to individual young people, is recorded and RAGG rated in the Safety Plan. This must be reviewed for continued accuracy.
  • Record all allegations, disclosures and concerns relating to forced marriage using a DR
  • Notify the Police by calling 101 to report any concerns.

30.0 Breast Ironing

Breast Ironing is practiced in some African countries, notably Cameroon. Girls aged between 9 and 15 have hot pestles, stones or other implements rubbed on their developing breast to try to make them stop developing or disappear. The practice of breast ironing is seen as a protection to girls by making them seem ‘child-like’ for longer and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Once girls’ breasts have developed, they are at risk of sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage and kidnapping.

  • Breast ironing is physical abuse
  • Breast ironing is a form of physical abuse that has been condemned by the United Nations and identified as Gender-based Violence.
  • Breast Ironing in the UK
  • Concerns have been raised that breast ironing is also to be found amongst African communities in the
  • UK, with as many as 1,000 girls at risk.

31.0 Breast Ironing (Staff Procedures)

Any staff who are concerned that a young person has experienced (or is at risk of) Breast Ironing should alert the DSL immediately, recording all available information in detail. If a young person makes a disclosure regarding a biological sibling (or any other child or young person), a referral to the MASH should be made immediately.

Staff must:

  • Inform the DSL if they are concerned about a young person because they are at risk of breast ironing or have disclosed that they have been subject to breast ironing.
  • Inform the DSL if a young person makes a disclosure/an allegation regarding breast ironing or have disclosed that they have been subject to breast ironing.
  • Ensure that information relating to breast ironing, as applicable to individual young people, is recorded and RAGG rated in the Safety Plan. This must be reviewed for accuracy.
  • Record all allegations, disclosures and concerns relating to breast ironing using a DRS.
  • Notify the Police by calling 101 to report any serious concerns indicating that a young person is likely to be harmed.

32.0 Internet Use, Images & Online Exploitation

This section covers a wide range of issues and concerns arising from Internet use, which includes mobile internet enabled technology (i.e., Smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, iPads/tablets, etc.) and static internet enabled devices (i.e., desktop computers, televisions, games consoles, etc.). For clarification, any device that can send and receive images is included within the scope of this section.

The risks associated with the use of such devices cannot be overstated. These risks are particularly acute for vulnerable children and young people. The scope for benefiting from the use of internet enabled devices is enormous, but we are constantly mindful that there are inherent dangers that are of a severe and profound nature. In addition, we take internet security seriously and staff with clear guidance around ensuring up-to-date and effective internet security. Young people and staff are encouraged to use and enjoy internet enabled devices, but this is subject to clear expectations of conduct and the welfare needs and requirements of individual young people. The internet has revolutionised the way we live our lives and can be used as a wonderful resource However, access to the internet is as dangerous as it is beneficial, as well as being particularly hazardous for any vulnerable person.

32.1 Summary of Risks

Inappropriate Material

One of the key risks of using the internet, email or chatrooms is that children may be exposed to inappropriate or illegal material. This may be material that is pornographic, hateful, or violent in nature; that encourages activities that are dangerous or illegal; or that is just age-inappropriate or biased. One of the key benefits of the web is that it is open to all, but unfortunately this also means that those with extreme political, racist, or sexual views can spread their distorted version of the world to vulnerable and impressionable individuals.

Physical Danger

The threat of physical danger is one of the most worrying and extreme risk associated with the use of the internet and other technologies. A criminal minority make use of the internet and chatrooms to contact children with the intention of developing relationships which they can progress to sexual activity or other forms of criminality. Paedophiles target children, posing as a child with similar interests and hobbies to establish an online ‘friendship’. These relationships may develop to a point where the paedophile has gained enough trust to meet in person. These techniques are often known as ‘online enticement’, ‘grooming’ or ‘child procurement’.

Bullying (Cyberbullying)

Whether via the Internet, mobile phone or any other method, is another aspect of the use of new technologies that provide an anonymous method by which bullies can torment their victims. Pictures and information uploaded to the internet never go away.

Significant Areas of Concern

The list below comprises a general summary of significant areas of concern relating to internet use, images, and online exploitation:

Internet “grooming” by sexual predators via social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, as well as chat rooms and forums for example. Accessing inappropriate websites, such as those containing violence or pornography for example. Cyber-bullying, which refers to bullying via social media. Cyber-stalking, which is covertly tracking or following an individual, usually to gain personal information. Exploitation and manipulation, which refers to encouraging vulnerable people to behave in a way that is not appropriate or illegal.

Reputational damage, such as uploading materials that could be considered as embarrassing or regretful in the future. Radicalisation and extremism, which has become an increasingly powerful way to disseminate unacceptable propaganda and ideology such as that consistent with advocating terrorism. If in any doubt, staff are advised to speak with a colleague or senior professional. Please note that the above list is not exhaustive.

Sexting

The ever-increasing use of social media by children and young people continues to increase the risks presented. This is a particular issue/concern regarding vulnerable children and young people.

Sexting is an area of significant concern. It is linked to bullying, blackmail and exploitation, as well as being linked to other forms of harm. Unwanted attention Images posted online can attract the attention of sex offenders, who know how to search for, collect and modify images. Feeling profoundly embarrassed and humiliated. If they’re very distressed this could lead to suicide or self-harm. Sexting is when someone shares sexual, naked or semi-naked images or videos of themselves or others or sends sexually explicit messages. They can be sent using mobiles, tablets, smartphones, and laptops – any device that allows you to share media and messages. Sexting may also be called “trading nudes,” “dirties” and/or “pic-for-pic.”

It’s easy to send a photo or message, but the sender has no control about how it’s passed on. When images are stored or shared online, they become public. Some people may think that images and videos only last a few seconds on social media and then they’re deleted, but they can still be saved or copied by others. This means that photos or videos which a child or young person may have shared privately, could still end up being shared with people they don’t know.

Screenshots make images permanent, regardless of the App being used.

33.0 Version Control

Version Date Name Comment
28/8/2023 Safeguarding policy Current and active policy