Child Protection Policy

Introduction

The abuse of children occurs in every area of society, but because the subject is emotive and disturbing, it is easy to believe that it happens "everywhere but here". Such a belief is illusory. Trust and acceptance are rightly seen as hallmarks of any children's charity but uncritical acceptance and naive trust can leave children vulnerable. Research among convicted abusers reveals that some have deliberately targeted children's charities because of the opportunity offered by the open and welcoming nature of their communities.

There is a duty to children and young people to do all that is possible to safe guard them from harm.

So that this duty may be fulfilled in a cohesive manner, Brainwave has adopted this policy on child protection.

Child Protection Policy

1. The Brainwave Charity is required to foster relationships of the utmost integrity, truthfulness and trustworthiness. Staff and volunteers who work with children in any paid or voluntary capacity need to operate within a carefully thought out framework of good policy and practice which will ensure that children are safeguarded and nurtured physically and emotionally. Staff and volunteers need to exercise the greatest care in their use of power and authority. They must avoid taking advantage of trust.

2. The highest professional standards should therefore be maintained in all therapeutic and caring situations. The exploitation of any relationship for self gratification will not be tolerated.

3. The principle enshrined in the Children Act 1989 is that the welfare of the child is paramount.

4. All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and all appropriate steps will be taken to collaborate fully with the statutory and voluntary agencies concerned with child abuse. It will not conduct investigations on its own.

5. All those working or seeking to work with children will be properly recruited and trained and subject to whatever supervision is appropriate.

6. All candidates seeking a position within the Brainwave Charity to work with children, be it professional or voluntary will be subjected to a check with The Criminal Records Bureau.

7. All staff who hold or are seeking to hold any office with the Charity and all volunteers (including Trustees) working at the Charity's Centre in any capacity whatsoever will be requested to sign a declaration that they have no criminal convictions or are subjected to any Court Orders involving the causing of harm or the risk of harm to a child.

8. No child will be assessed or provided with therapy except in the presence of the child's parent or carer.

9. Brainwave undertakes that in the selection and appointment of all staff and volunteers who have access to children and young people, full references will be taken up and if the information revealed by this exercise gives any cause for concern at all, the Chairman of Trustees will be consulted before any appointment is made.

10. Trustees and Senior Management undertake to remain alert to any unusual or inappropriate behaviour on the part of any Brainwave staff and volunteer towards young people or visa versa. In the event of suspicion or allegation of abuse, they should seek advice from the Chairman of the Trustee Board or, if necessary, contact the local Social Service Offices direct.

11. If any member of staff or volunteer is concerned about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of a member of staff or volunteer, they must report their concerns to a member of the Senior Management.

12. Consent in a written form must always be completed by parent or guardian for any activity taking place away from the Centre's main building. Where young children have to be transported by car or other transport it is desirable that there should always be more than one adult passenger in the vehicle. Any group or individual who has access to children for external therapy will be required to have the same rigorous Child Protection Policy as Brainwave.

13. This is largely a matter of common sense, but Health and Safety Regulations should always be followed. Premises should be:-

1. Hygienic
2. Adequately lit - Stairs, halls and entrances are especially important.
3. Electrically safe - Systems and appliances should be checked annually and care exercised where electrical appliances are used.
4. Safely furnished - For example, broken chairs can cause injury and high stacked chairs can fall and injure small children.
5. Equipped with a readily accessible First Aid Kit
6. Clearly signed regarding Fire Exits, Extinguishers and the location of the nearest telephone.

The Trustees and Management of the Brainwave Charity jointly undertake to be responsible for implementing this Child Protection Policy fully, including any revisions that may come into force from time to time.

Board of Trustees
The Brainwave Centre Limited