Multilingua believes that the organisation has a responsibility to protect children.
We recognise that all members of staff, voluntary workers and members of the management committee carry a responsibility towards children and their families, particularly with regard to child protection issues.
We will endeavour to keep children safe from abuse and suspicion of abuse will be promptly and appropriately responded to. We will act in the best interest of the child at all times. To achieve this we will:
- Ensure that all adults working with children whether paid or voluntarily have completed a disclosure application to the Criminal Records Bureau
- Obtain references for all adults working with children from independent adults who can comment on their ability to work with children
- Ensure that unchecked volunteers are appropriately supervised at all times and never left alone with children
- Prevent abuse by good practice. Adults will not be left alone for long periods with individual children or with small groups. An adult who needs to take a child aside – for example, for time out after behaviour which needs improvement – will leave the door ajar and let another appropriate adult know where they are or what they are doing.
Should any member of staff or volunteer have concerns regarding possible child abuse, they should inform Neomi Alam or if unavailable the secretary of the Steering Committee or one of the co-chairs. Any concerns should be passed on.
Multilingua will endeavour to:-
- Seek and supply appropriate training for members of staff and volunteers so that signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect are recognised
- Respond appropriately to suspicions of abuse
- Report changes in children’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance
- Keep private records of any concerns, including names of those involved, time, date, address, and age of child and if possible the exact words spoken by the child
- Keep all records and concerns of abuse, confidential and locked away and shared only with named contact as above and relevant professionals
- Continue to support families and workers should investigations proceed, and continue to welcome the child into the group’s activities.
When a child tells a member of staff or volunteer about something that has happened, that person has a duty to:-
- Allow the child to do the talking and allow them to finish
- Listen to the child without asking leading questions
- Record the conversation as soon as possible afterwards
- Refer to Neomi Alam, our designated Child Protection Person or to any of the co-chairs
- Share their concerns, Multilingua does not expect them to handle any such situation alone
- Tell the child what they are going to do.
Concerns will be referred to one of the following agencies following discussions with the person running the department as named above
- Social Services 01392 384900 – emergency duty team 0845 6000388
- Police child protection team
A code of conduct for members of staff and volunteers is available.
All individuals working with children will have appropriate insurance for their activities.
The premises, facilities and equipment used within the organisation will comply with health and safety guidelines.