Policies & procedures | General

Introduction

NI-ADD takes the issue of Child Protection most seriously, both as an agency and service provider who comes into contact with children and young people. A general view on this subject would be that it is the responsibility of society, communities, organisations and individuals to organise and promote the best interests and the protection of children and young people at all times.

For the purposes of clarification the term “staff” and /or “member of staff” used within this document is applicable to all adults appointed by NI-ADD, either employed or volunteering, with responsibility for children and or young people who are attending NI-ADD Support Centre (or within a community setting). It also includes all staff that on occasion may travel with children or young people whilst involved in duties undertaken on behalf of NI-ADD.

The purpose of this document is to provide clear guide lines for the behaviour of staff who will be responsible for an individual or group whilst within the NI-ADD Support Centre or outside of the centre.

These guidelines go to form part of NI-ADD’s general policy on Child Protection. It must therefore be read in conjunction with the contents of NI-ADD’s Policy and Procedure Manual, which all staff must make themselves conversant with and practice, as well as participate in any internal or external training as may be provided by NI-ADD on the subject of Child Protection.
Adherence to these guidelines is intended primarily to promote and protect the safety of clients (C&YP) of NI-ADD, their families (including siblings) and also members of staff.

General Principles

1) All staff members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being and their ultimate right to expression, choices and self determination. Specifically, staff must treat all individuals equally within the context of their circumstance and activity, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or political persuasion.

2) The staff member must be primarily concerned with the general well being, health and future of clients whom they come into contact with.

3) A key element in “working with people” / clients is that hopefully a high quality positive relationship will develop within this context. Staff are responsible at all times with promoting the well being of the client(s) over their own self interest. It is expectation that staff must encourage clients to accept age- appropriate responsibility for their own behaviour and responses to interventions / performance in all forms of programmes with NI-ADD and also their conduct within the wider community.

4) The relationship between worker and client relies heavily on mutual trust and respect. In detail this means that the client should be made aware of the worker’s own credentials and experience and must be given the opportunity to consent or decline proposals for engaging in work within the centre. The expectation of clients should be fully explored at outset.

5) All staff are required to attend Child Protection Training as decided by NI-ADD at times and dates as specified.

6) All staff are required to demonstrate good practice in “respect of person” and also respect for “confidentiality” regarding any information they have acquired, via their duties within NI-ADD. This does not however apply in respect to child protection issues – and boundaries of confidentiality will not apply. Staff members must therefore not to allow themselves to become compromised in this manner. If you become aware of a conflict of interest between your obligation to this agency’s CP policy and perceived loyalty toward a client regarding this issue, you must make explicit the nature of the conflict, the loyalties and responsibilities involved and immediately advise line management in order appropriate action may be taken to safeguard the client concerned. Staff must therefore not “sit on information and all concerns must be reported.

7) NI-ADD is privileged to work with C&YP and is placed in a position of high trust by referrers and their parents. You are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour whilst in the company of your client(s). You must never exert undue influence over a client for personal benefit or reward; equally so you must demonstrate the ability to operate with out any form of imposition.

8) Physical contact with C&YP must take the form of “appropriate touch”. When meeting with clients- staff should operate awareness in regard to initiating all forms of touch, especially those which may compromise them, or any form of touch which may be open to misinterpretation by a C&YP. Any behaviour / touch by a client / C&YP which makes you feel uncomfortable should be reported to your supervisor. Any concerns of a medical nature involving a C&YP should be passed on to your supervisor in order that suitably qualified medical personnel may be informed. Staff members should not administer any form of medical treatment outside of necessary emergency first aid, when only having first sought the consent of the C&YP and advised as to the reasons before proceeding.

9) Work with individuals can sometimes lead to emotional behaviour and these situations require careful management. Any concerns you may have should be discussed in detail with your supervisor that appropriate strategies may be formed.

10) Whilst in the company of C&YP consumption of alcohol should be avoided. As persons responsible for the well being of C&YP, it is inappropriate to smoke in their presence or behave in any fashion inconsistent with your position of responsibility.

11) Physical relationships with individuals aged less than 18 years are illegal and such relationships with C&YP over 18 years are inappropriate, when that individual is known to you by way of contact via NI-ADD.

12) If you become aware of, or through your contact with a C&YP via your work at NI-ADD, you encounter suspected child abuse, you should immediately advise your supervisor, who will undertake the appropriate action and contact the relevant Social Services office. As required by the Children Order (NI) 1995. Both verbal and written accounts will be taken and recorded as required. These matters demand discretion and confidentiality given the sensitivity attached to such issues and it is expected this will be reflected in the attitudes of those involved whilst these procedures are adhered to. It is important to remember that when one is reporting suspected Child Abuse in good faith, it is not the same as making an accusation of abuse i.e. – reporting does not mean accusing.

(Revised & Published: Feb /03/NI-ADD)