Introduction
As an organisation working closely with children and young people we must act to protect the young people we work with. Each of the young people we work with deserves respect and care as an individual with their own needs. Involving young people in the design and delivery of the work of The Gaitherin respects their right to have a voice and to be listened to.
We recognise that children and young people in our Society are particularly vulnerable to all forms of abuse and we work with young people who come from a broad cross-section of families. Abuse may take different forms such as sexual abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, teasing and bullying.
Indicators of abuse may include:
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Child exhibiting undue fear of adults
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Display of extremes of behaviour
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Bruising or skin injuries which cannot be explained easily
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Disturbed sleep or persistent nightmares
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Direct disclosure by the child
Whilst it would be wrong to assume that all instances of a child sustaining bruising or displaying extremes of behaviour are the result of abuse it would be equally wrong, and much more dangerous, to assume that aabuse has not occurred.
The Gaitherin recognises that all forms of abuse are unacceptable and we are committed as an organisation to so all we can to respond to any indicators or disclosures, act appropriately and work in ways which minimise the risk to all young people with whom we work and the staff who work with us.
Responsibilities
All those working with young people on behalf of The Gaitherin will:
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Attend such training as is deemed necessary by the Management Committee
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Actively listen to the young people and develop relationships based on trust and respect
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Report any concern about the welfare of any young person to the appointed senior worker. In the case of Tutors this would be the Tutor Coordinator and in the case of Youth Workers this would be the Senior Youth Worker
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Actively discourage name-calling, bullying and teasing, reporting to the relevant senior worker when this persists
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Report immediately to the relevant senior worker if a young person discloses that they have been, or are being, abused (even if they ask for no report to be made)
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Never leave a young person unsupervised in a situation that might be unsafe, e.g. with electrical equipment or half way up a tree!
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Avoid situations where you are on your own with a young person, although we accept that sometimes this may happen.
In addition Senior Workers must:
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Respond to any concerns expressed by staff or parents, passing these on without delay to the Management Committee
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Ensure a ration of staff to young people that is appropriate to the situation, thus minimising risk
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Offer such support and guidance to the young people and to staff as is required
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Be familiar with each young person's needs, diet, medical care, behavioural difficulties, ensuring that any support required is in place
The Management Committee will:
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Ensure that all staff working with young people are vetted and checked for suitability. Checks will be carried out in line with legislation through Volunteer Development Scotland at least annually.
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Be responsible for responding to any allegations of abuse. Safeguarding the child's interests and welfare will be paramount. This will involve co-operation with the Social Work Department and the Police where further investigation is required.
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Ensure that The Gaitherin Policy, in terms of Child Protection, takes account of the current legislation and best practice
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Ensure all Gaitherin workers are equipped to carry out their responsibilities through offering relevant training, advice, guidance and support
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