1. Policy Statement

Carers Support (CS) is an organisation that works with carers across all walks of life throughout Bristol and South Gloucestershire. In the course of this work, staff, Trustees, volunteers, contractors and consultants come into contact with adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect (hereafter referred to as adults). Everyone has the right to live their life free from violence, fear and abuse. Therefore, it is the responsibility of them all to ensure the wellbeing of adults is promoted and their safety protected.

Carers also play a significant role in preventing and detecting abuse and neglect for the people that they care for. The majority of carers act in the best interests of the person they support. However, there may be times when the person being supported may be at risk of abuse or neglect because of carer stress, exhaustion, lack of information, skills, knowledge or support. Also, there are times when abuse is intended. There may also be times when carers themselves are at risk from the person they care for, due to their own health needs.

CS will aim to meet this responsibility by setting clear guidelines and a protocol for staff, Trustees, volunteers, contractors and consultants to follow.

This will be supplemented by training and recruitment strategies, as well as by other policies. The relevant policies to read in conjunction with Safeguarding Adults are:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Safeguarding Children
• Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Confidentiality
• Equality and Diversity
• Compliments and Complaints
• Disclosure in the Public Interest & Whistleblowing
• Lone Working
• Training

This policy applies to all:

• Staff (salaried, self-employed and sessional workers)
• Volunteers
• Trustees
• Contractors
• Consultants or freelance workers
• Any other third party appointed by us to carry out work on behalf of CS

All staff, Trustees and volunteers should undertake safeguarding adults training, within 6 weeks of starting in post, as part of their induction process. Refresher training should be undertaken every 2 years so that knowledge and understanding is kept up to date.

It is important that all those representing CS are aware and mindful of discriminatory factors which may act to disguise or confound safeguarding issues. It is the view of CS that all people should be treated equally, and therefore issues of discrimination such as race, gender, religion and sexuality should be challenged. CS should, wherever reasonably practicable, provide support to gain access to information and services, such as an interpreter or information in appropriate formats.

This policy covers procedures where there is disclosure and/or specific or more general concerns about an adult. However, CS recognises that it has a much wider responsibility to the adults it works with directly or indirectly, as far as our role and resources allow.

The best safeguard is to create an atmosphere and working practices which are open and honest, avoid secrets, and challenge bullying and all forms of oppression. Key principles, enshrined in the Care Act 2014, ensure that a broader, holistic approach to safeguarding reduces the risk of abuse occurring. All concerns for welfare of an adult should be recorded and reported to promote this.

2. Who Do We Safeguard?

The safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:

• has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs)
• is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect
• as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or experience of abuse or neglect

Where young adults (aged 18 or over) are still receiving children’s services and a safeguarding concern is raised, the matter should be dealt with through adult safeguarding arrangements.

For example, this could occur when a young person with substantial and complex needs continues to be supported in a residential educational setting until the age of 25. However, close liaison with the CS children's safeguarding lead and children and family service providers is critical to establishing who the best person is to lead or support young people through adult safeguarding processes.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Details and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

• Mon – Thurs Lucy Giles, Adult Service Manager – 0117 9392200 ext 217
• Fri – Joss Tagg, Young Carers Service Manager - 07843 991989

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) acts as the main source of support, advice, and expertise for safeguarding at CS. Overall responsibilities include.

• Reviewing policies and procedures for safeguarding.
• Ensuring the distribution of policies, procedures, safeguarding resources and information - local and national.
• Advising on training needs and development, providing training where appropriate and maintaining appropriate training records.
• Providing safeguarding advice and support to staff, Trustees, volunteers, contractors and consultants.
• Managing safeguarding concerns, allegations or incidents reported to the organisation.
• Managing referrals to key safeguarding agencies (e.g. social services or police) of any incidents or allegations of abuse and harm.

The DSL will also maintain a centralised recording system of all safeguarding alerts made to the local authority, or concerns where a referral is not felt appropriate, but the risk is deemed important to log and keep under review.

3.1        External contact numbers

Advice and guidance relating to safeguarding can also be obtained through the following local authority contacts.  For a:

• Bristol resident at risk - Call Care Direct on 0117 922 2700
• South Glos resident at risk - Call Customer Service Desk on 01454 868007
• BANES resident at risk - Call Community Services on 01225 396 000
• North Somerset resident at risk - call Care Connect on 01275 888 801

4. Key Principles

The following six key principles must underpin all safeguarding work:

• Empowerment – people being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent
• Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs
• Proportionality – the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
• Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership – local solutions through services working with their communities
• Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding

5. Mental Capacity

When safeguarding concerns arise, the mental capacity of the individuals involved is central to the assessment and decision-making processes.

People must be assumed to have capacity to make informed choices about their safety and the way they want to live their lives and to be given all practicable help before anyone treats them as not being able to make their own decisions.

We need to take into account the ability of adults to make informed choices about the way they want to live and the risks they want to take. This includes how able they are:

• to understand what is likely to result from or affect their situation
• to take action themselves to prevent abuse
• to take part as fully as they can in making decisions about getting other parties involved

Where an adult is found to lack capacity to make a decision then any action taken, or decision made for or on their behalf, must be made in their best interests. All professionals and other staff are required to work in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and have regard to the relevant code of practice. Please see separate Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards policy for further details.

6. Reporting Procedure

7. Monitoring and Review

Regular review of the concerns and follow up actions should be undertaken, and the DSL updated. Staff should contact the Local Authority directly if no response is received to an initial safeguarding alert within 5 working days.

The DSL will monitor all safeguarding concerns to ensure that all agreed actions are delivered. While providing follow up information and support to the carer, staff will monitor changes in the service user's situation that may affect the level of risk of harm and take action where appropriate. Monitoring activity will be documented on Charity Log by the person to whom the disclosure was made.

8. Types of Abuse

Abuse or neglect can take many forms and can be identified as:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual exploitation
• Psychological abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Discriminatory abuse
• Domestic abuse: controlling and coercive behaviour
• Honour-based violence (HBV)
• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Modern slavery
• Human Trafficking
• Hate crime
• Mate crime
• Self-neglect
• Suicidal ideation
• Self-harm
• Hoarding
• Radicalisation and violent extremism

Anyone can carry out abuse or neglect, including:

• Spouses/partners
• Other family members
• Neighbours
• Friends
• Acquaintances
• Residents
• People who deliberately exploit adults they perceive as vulnerable
• Paid staff or professionals
• People in positions of power
• Volunteers
• Strangers

Abuse can happen anywhere, for example in someone's home, a public place, hospitals, clinics, residential or care settings, workplaces, colleges, or online.

Technology-related abuse can include:

• Mobile phone
• Internet chat rooms
• Social networking sites
• Email
• Websites

The most common types of abuse are:

• Physical abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological/emotional abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Modern slavery
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Self-neglect

9. Modern Slavery

The Home Office has published statutory guidance in England and Wales on identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery.

Resources:

• Modern slavery awareness and victim identification guidance (2017)
• Care of unaccompanied migrant children and child victims of modern slavery (2017)

10. Domestic Abuse

Defined as: “any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”

Controlling behaviour includes isolating a person from support, controlling finances, restricting freedom, and monitoring communication or movement.

Coercive behaviour involves threats, humiliation, and intimidation used to harm or frighten the victim.

Forms of domestic abuse:

• Sexual abuse and rape
• Physical violence (punching, kicking, etc.)
• Financial control
• Restricting daily life (e.g. movement, clothing choices)
• Surveillance of communication
• Threats to harm or kill

More information: Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership

11. Forced Marriage and Honour-based Violence

12. Non-Recent Abuse

Disclosures of historic abuse must be taken seriously and acted upon like current cases, as the perpetrator may still pose a risk.

13. Support to Staff

All CS staff will attend mandatory Safeguarding Training related to their role at induction and two yearly thereafter, as a minimum. Further training will be provided as appropriate to ensure staff are equipped and supported to handle safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding will be a standing item on all team agendas and at supervision, so that learning can be discussed and shared in and between teams across the organisation.

Internal training needs will be identified through regular supervision and the annual appraisal system. Relevant staff will attend recommended external training offered by the Local Authority Safeguarding Partnership to further enhance their skills and build relationships with other support agencies.

The receipt of a disclosure of abuse or harm can be upsetting for staff. CS staff have access to:

• Individual case debriefs with their Line manager and/or the DSL.
• Regular reflective practice groups where cases can be shared
• Regular supervision with their Line Manager, which includes time to share the impact of safeguarding and to discuss individual cases.
• Access to the staff counselling service.

14. Safeguarding Allegations Relating to Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation or concern that an employee or volunteer has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, an adult will be taken seriously and dealt with sensitively and promptly, regardless of where the alleged incident took place. This can relate to a current or historical issue.
The allegation may concern one or more adults:

• In receipt of a CS service
• Volunteering for CS
• Working for CS
• Involved in a fundraising or participation activity
• Not known to CS
• That a member of staff or volunteer has contact within their community/home life
• Is a family member of the employee or volunteer

The responsibility for overseeing safeguarding allegations against a member of staff, or a volunteer, lies with the DSL, and where they are unavailable it lies with the CEO. The investigation will commence within 24 hours of receipt of the allegation being made.

The safety of the adult at risk is of paramount importance, and immediate action may be crucial in safeguarding an investigation. Where there is concern that other individuals may be at risk of harm or abuse, this must be reported immediately.

Depending on the situation, an appropriate response may involve:

• the police investigating a possible criminal offence.
• making sure the adult involved is given appropriate support and/or referring to social care to assess support needs.
• following CS disciplinary procedures with individuals concerned.

For allegations or concerns relating to children or young people, please refer to the Safeguarding Children policy.

15. Measuring Effectiveness of the Policy

The effectiveness of this policy and safeguarding procedures will be reviewed and monitored by the CS Safeguarding Board. The membership of this group will include:

• a Trustee
• the CEO
• both the Adults and Children’s DSLs
• the Deputy DSLs

Safeguarding Board will provide updates and report trends, concerns, etc to the Service & Quality Sub-Committee on a quarterly basis.

The Adult DSL will undertake an annual audit of the safeguarding process, and the Safeguarding Board will be responsible for implementing all actions from the audit.

Effectiveness will also be measured through feedback from staff, volunteers and Trustees.

16. Responsibilities and Breach of Policy

It is the responsibility of everyone noted in Section 1 to recognise, identify and respond to concerns and disclosures relating to the protection of adults at risk. Failures to comply with this policy will be investigated fully and could result in disciplinary action where appropriate.

1. Policy Statement

Carers Support (CS) is an organisation that works with carers throughout Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The aim and purpose of CS is to identify and support carers within these local authorities. CS provides direct support to children and young people (under 18yrs) through its work with Young Carers, however, also comes into contact with children and young people through working with families, parent carers, health, social care and schools. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all employees and volunteers to ensure the wellbeing of children is promoted and their safety is protected.

CS is passionately committed to keeping all children safe and promoting their welfare and wellbeing. Everybody has a right to live their life free from violence, fear and abuse and it is the responsibility of all who come into contact with children to act in their best interests and record and report suspicions of actual or risks of abuse in a timely manner.

CS will aim to meet this responsibility by setting clear guidelines and protocol for all staff and volunteers to follow. This will be supplemented by training and recruitment strategies, as well as by other policies. The relevant policies to read in conjunction with Safeguarding Children are:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Safeguarding Adults
• Confidentiality
• Equality and Diversity
• Compliments and Complaints
• Lone Working and Training

There is also a Young Carer friendly policy booklet in which there is a Safeguarding guideline and policy for Young Carers, which can be read in conjunction with this policy. This contains policies on social media use, behaviour guidelines and media consent.

This policy covers procedures where there is disclosure and/or specific or more general concerns about a child¹. However, CS recognises that it has a much wider responsibility to the children it works with directly or indirectly, as our role and resources allow.

It is important that all those representing CS are aware and mindful of discriminatory factors which may act to disguise or confound safeguarding issues. It is the view of CSC that all children should be treated equally, and therefore issues of discrimination such as race, gender, disability, religion and sexuality should be challenged. CS should, wherever reasonably practicable, provide support to gain access to information and services, such as an interpreter. The best safeguard for young people is to create an atmosphere and working practices which are open and honest, avoid secrets, and challenge bullying and all forms of oppression. We must aim, always, to encourage children and young people to have a voice, to listen to what they say, and to treat them with respect. CS strives to provide opportunities for young people, for their voices to be heard and empower them to take advantage of these opportunities.

We will always act in the best interests of a young person. We will foster relationships with social care and other agencies who help to safeguard young people and adults. We will share information about a young person or adult with those agencies if we believe that there is a serious risk of harm to them, or to another person, with informed consent wherever possible.

In line with the Children’s Act 1989, CS complies with the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount. Therefore, all concerns for welfare of a child should be recorded and reported to promote this. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) act as the main source of support, advice, and expertise for safeguarding in the CS. Overall responsibilities include:

• Reviewing policies and procedures for safeguarding.
• Ensuring the distribution of policies, procedures and safeguarding resources throughout the organisation.
• Advising on training needs and development, providing training where appropriate.
• Provide safeguarding advice and support to staff and volunteers.
• Manage safeguarding concerns, allegations or incidents reported to your organisation.
• Manage referrals to key safeguarding agencies (e.g. social services or police) of any incidents or allegations of abuse and harm.

The policy adheres to the HM Government Guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” July 2018. In line with this the CSC also follows local guidance and procedures of the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership and South Gloucestershire Safeguarding.

2. Key Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Name: Joss Tagg
Mobile No: 07843 991989

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Ben Williams
Mobile No: 07743 794240

Referral to Social Care – Bristol

• First Response (office hours): 0117 9036444 (if same day response needed)
• First Response for professionals working with children
• Emergency Duty Team (out of office hours): 01454 615165
• Make a First Response referral
• Advice about a referral:
  • North: 0117 352 1499
  • East / Central: 0117 357 6460
  • South: 0117 903 7770

South Gloucestershire

• Safeguarding South Gloucestershire (for professionals)
• Access response (office hours): 01454 866000
• Emergency Duty Team (out of office hours): 01454 615165
• How to make a referral

3. Child Protection Concerns

Where it is believed that a child is suffering from or is at risk of significant harm, we will follow the procedures set out in the South-West Child Protection Procedures. This will be underpinned by the legal guidance set out in The Children’s Act (1989) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018). This applies to ALL staff employed by or volunteering for CSC.

Some children are in need because they are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm. “Harm” is defined as the ill treatment or impairment of health and development. It may include "impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill treatment of another" for example, where there are concerns of domestic abuse.

There are no absolute criteria on which to rely when judging what constitutes significant harm. Consideration of the severity of ill-treatment may include the degree and the extent of physical harm, the duration and frequency of abuse and neglect, the extent of premeditation, and the presence or degree of threat, coercion, sadism and bizarre or unusual elements.

In some incidents there will be clear evidence or a disclosure of abuse or neglect from another adult or child, however in some situations there will be signs, symptoms or identification of risks. In both cases the person MUST record and report.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. However, ACEs can be prevented.

Preventing ACEs can help children and adults thrive and potentially:

• Lower risk for conditions like depression, asthma, cancer, and diabetes in adulthood.
• Reduce risky behaviours like smoking and heavy drinking.
• Improve education and employment potential.
• Stop ACEs from being passed from one generation to the next.

¹ Child: Anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday; the fact that a child has reached 16 years and is living independently, or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change his or her status or entitlement to services or protection under the Children Act 1989.

4. Children’s Safeguarding Procedures

4.1 Flowchart

4.2 Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All employees, volunteers and trustees, where they come into contact with parents, carers, children and young people, should:

• Be alert to potential indicators of abuse or neglect.
• Be alert to the risks which individual abusers or potential abusers, may pose to children.
• Be alert to the impact on the child of any concerns of abuse or maltreatment.
• Gather and analyse information as part of an assessment of the child's needs.

Where there is cause to suspect abuse or harm, staff, volunteers or trustees will sensitively highlight their concern with the service user in order to stimulate active disclosure. If there is not a clear disclosure, but a member of staff, volunteer or trustee has grounds for concern, they should discuss with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Line Manager or Chief Executive as a matter of urgency, but this must happen within the working day.

4.3 Assessing the Level of Risk

When a report is received that a child is suffering or has suffered significant harm through abuse or neglect, or is causing harm to others, the initial response should be to listen carefully, observe behaviour and circumstances, and:

• Clarify concerns to understand severity and frequency.
• Offer reassurance about how the child will be kept safe.
• Explain what action will be taken and within what timeframe.

The person disclosing must not be led or cross-examined, or given false assurances of confidentiality. Their views should be taken into account, but action will be taken to ensure safety even without consent if necessary.

Concerns should be discussed with the parent unless doing so places the child at further risk. If consent is not sought, the reasons must be documented clearly and included in the referral.

4.4 Seek Advice and Further Information

Following a disclosure or concern, staff must contact the DSL immediately or within 24 hours. A safeguarding report must be completed using the template in Appendix 1 and shared with the DSL and uploaded to Charity Log.

External advice may be sought from:

• First Response (Bristol): 0117 903 6444 / Out of hours: 01454 615 165
• ART (South Glos): 01454 866 000 / Out of hours: 01454 615 165
• The Police – 999 for immediate risk

Online referrals must also be completed.

4.5 Determine and Take Appropriate Action

If harm is identified, CSC will act to protect the child or young person, involving them in decisions where possible. Consent is preferred, but not essential when significant harm is identified. GDPR does not affect the duty to share information to protect a child.

Actions may include:

• Referral to LA children's social care.
• Monitoring and follow-up by CSC.
• Support via 1:1 programmes or external referral.
• Signposting to helpful resources.

All decisions and actions must be documented and shared with the DSL within 24 hours using the Safeguarding Form.

4.6 Monitor and Review

The DSL will regularly review concerns and ensure agreed actions are followed. Changes in the service user's situation that affect risk will be monitored and recorded in Charity Log.

4.7 Summary

Situation 1: Immediate Risk of Significant Harm

• Call 999 and ask for police (and ambulance if necessary).
• Call DSL on 07843 991989 for immediate debrief and record.
• If DSL unavailable, contact CE or senior staff.
• If no one available, person reporting must contact Social Services.
• Complete safeguarding form within 24 hours, email to DSL, upload to Charity Log.
• DSL logs on case management spreadsheet.
• Case is monitored and closed once resolved with DSL agreement.
• Staff involved receive appropriate support and supervision.
• CE kept informed throughout.

Situation 2: Concerns About Welfare or Safety

• Remind service user about confidentiality limits.
• Inform DSL or senior staff within one working day.
• Complete safeguarding form within 24 hours.
• Decision about referral made by DSL and reporting person; CEO mediates if needed.
• Update safeguarding form with action details and reasoning.
• Email form to DSL, upload to Charity Log.
• DSL logs on case management spreadsheet.
• Case is monitored and closed once resolved with DSL agreement.
• Staff involved receive appropriate support and supervision.
• CE kept informed throughout.

5. Definitions, Signs and Symptoms

The 1989 Children’s Act recognises four categories of abuse. Below are the categories, definition and some, but not all, signs and symptoms of the abuse:

5.1.1 Child Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (Department for Education, 2017).

Children and young people in sexually exploitative situations and relationships are persuaded or forced to perform sexual activities or have sexual activities performed on them in return for gifts, drugs, money or affection.

CSE can take place in person, online, or using a combination of both.

Perpetrators of CSE use a power imbalance to exploit children and young people. This may arise from a range of factors including:

• age
• gender
• sexual identity
• cognitive ability
• physical strength
• status
• access to economic or other resources (Department of Education, 2017)

Sexual exploitation is a hidden crime. Young people have often been groomed into trusting their abuser and may not understand that they're being abused. They may depend on their abuser and be too scared to tell anyone what's happening.

When sexual exploitation happens online, young people may be persuaded or forced to:

• have sexual conversations by text or online
• send or post sexually explicit images of themselves
• take part in sexual activities via a webcam or smartphone (Hamilton-Giachritsis et al, 2017)

Abusers may threaten to send images, video or conversations to the young person's friends and family unless they take part in further sexual activity. These images or videos may continue to be shared long after the abuse stops.

Signs a child or young person is being groomed or sexually exploited:

• Unhealthy or inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Persistently going missing or coming home late
• Staying out late or overnight without explanation
• Being secretive about contacts or whereabouts
• Using more than one phone
• Spending more time online or on devices
• Excessive messages or contact by others
• Older or controlling relationships
• Unexplained absences from education or work
• Receiving expensive gifts
• Mood swings or behavioural changes
• Hotel cards or unknown keys
• Inappropriate or revealing clothing
• Changes in emotional well-being
• Disruptive or violent behaviour
• Contact with police or signs of abuse or pregnancy

For further information: Protecting children from sexual exploitation | NSPCC Learning

5.1.2 Grooming

Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.

Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked. Groomers may also target the child’s family or friends to build trust.

It can be difficult to tell if a child is being groomed – signs may be subtle or mistaken as typical teenage behaviour.

Potential signs of grooming:

• Being very secretive about time spent online
• Having an older partner
• Unexplained gifts or possessions
• Underage drinking or drug use
• Emotional changes such as being upset or withdrawn
• Sexualised behaviour or knowledge beyond their age
• Spending more or less time at home

Throughout the UK, grooming and meeting a child following grooming is a criminal offence.

Workers and volunteers should be alert to behavioural changes and encourage open discussions about online activity. Onsite computers should have antivirus and parental control software installed.

For further information: Child abuse and neglect | NSPCC Learning

5.1.3 E-Safety

Technology and the internet are integral to young people’s lives but come with risks such as abuse, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.

Online abuse can happen through:

• Social networks
• Messaging apps and texts
• Emails and private messages
• Live streaming and chat features
• Voice chat in games

Children may be revictimised if abuse is recorded and shared online, even if the abuse was originally offline.

Signs of online abuse:

• Changes in time spent online
• Being upset or angry after using the internet
• Secrecy about online activity
• New or unfamiliar contacts or accounts

For further information: Child abuse and neglect | NSPCC Learning

5.1.4 Online Sexual Abuse

Online child sexual abuse is covered by UK legislation and includes:

• Sexual communication with a child
• Encouraging or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Causing a child to watch sexual acts
• Paying for sexual services of a child
• Causing or inciting sexual exploitation
• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child

The Malicious Communications Act 1988 also criminalises sending distressing or offensive content.

Signs of online sexual abuse:

• Spending more time online
• Emotional distress following internet use
• Secretive online behaviour
• Multiple new contacts or messages

Concerns about online exploitation should be reported to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP): www.ceop.police.uk

For further information: Child abuse and neglect | NSPCC Learning

5.1.5 Sexting

Sharing explicit messages and images ("sexting") can leave children vulnerable to blackmail, grooming, or bullying. Some feel pressured into sharing nudes.

Laws in the UK make it an offence to take, make, possess or share indecent images of children. Relevant laws include:

• Protection of Children Act 1978
• Criminal Justice Act 1988
• Communications Act 2003 (Section 127)

If a young person discloses involvement in sexting, respond without judgment. Do not view or store images. Take steps to get them removed:

• Report the image to the hosting platform
• Contact the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
• Use the Childline and IWF Report Remove tool

For further information: Child abuse and neglect | NSPCC Learning

5.1.1 Revenge Porn

Revenge pornography is a broad term usually involving an individual, often an adult ex-partner, uploading onto the internet intimate sexual images of the victim, to cause the victim humiliation or embarrassment. This became an offence within the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 where it states that it is an offence to disclose private sexual photographs or films without the consent of an individual who appears in them and with intent to cause that individual distress.

For support and advice contact the Revenge Porn Helpline at www.swgfl.org.uk/products-services/esafety/revenge-porn-helpline or by calling 0845 6000 459. The helpline is operated by the Southwest Grid for Learning.

For more information: Protecting children from sexual exploitation | NSPCC Learning

5.1.2 Up skirting

Up skirting normally involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks to obtain sexual gratification, or to cause upset to the victim. Up skirting often occurs in a public crowded place, making it hard for the victim to know that a photograph is being taken, victims are often distressed and feel humiliated.

In April 2019, a new law banning the invasive practice came into force across England and Wales and offenders can now be arrested and sent to prison. The criminal offence of ‘up skirting’ was created under the Voyeurism Act in February 2019.

For further information: Upskirting: What do you need to know? (educare.co.uk)

5.1.3 Child trafficking and modern slavery

Child trafficking is child abuse. It's defined as recruiting, moving, receiving and harbouring children for the purpose of exploitation (HM Department for Education (DfE) and Home Office, 2011). Child trafficking is a form of modern slavery (HM Government, 2014). Many children are trafficked into the UK from overseas, but children can also be trafficked from one part of the UK to another.

Children are trafficked for:

• Child sexual exploitation
• Criminal activity, including:
  • Cannabis cultivation
  • Street crime - such as pickpocketing, begging and bag theft
  • Moving drugs
  • Benefit fraud
  • Immigration fraud
  • Selling pirated goods, such as DVDs
• Forced marriage
• Domestic servitude, including:
  • Cleaning
  • Childcare
  • Cooking
• Forced labour, including working in:
  • Restaurants
  • Nail bars
  • Factories
  • Agriculture
• Illegal adoption
• Unreported private fostering arrangements (for any exploitative purpose).

This list is not exhaustive and children who are trafficked are often exploited in more than one way.

Children who are trafficked are intentionally hidden and isolated from the services and communities who can identify and protect them. While identification may be difficult, there will be signs that you can watch for.

Children who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked may:

• Have to do excessive housework chores
• Rarely leave the house and have limited freedom of movement
• Not have any documents (or have falsified documents)
• Give a prepared story which is very similar to stories given by other children
• Be unable or reluctant to give details of accommodation or personal details
• Not be registered with a school or a GP practice
• Have a history with missing links and unexplained moves
• Be cared for by adults who are not their parents or carers
• Not have a good quality relationship with their adult carers
• Be one among a number of unrelated children found at one address
• Receive unexplained or unidentified phone calls whilst in a care placement or temporary accommodation

Knowing the signs of trafficking can help give a voice to children. Sometimes children won't understand that what's happening to them is wrong. Or they might be scared to speak out.

It may not be obvious that a child has been trafficked, but you might notice unusual or unexpected things. They might:

• Spend a lot of time doing household chores
• Rarely leave their house or have no time for playing
• Be orphaned or living apart from their family
• Live in low-standard accommodation
• Be unsure which country, city or town they're in
• Can't or are reluctant to share personal information or where they live
• Not be registered with a school or a GP practice
• Have no access to their parents or guardians
• Be seen in inappropriate places like brothels or factories
• Have money or things you wouldn't expect them to
• Have injuries from workplace accidents
• Give a prepared story which is very similar to stories given by other children.

The Home Office has published guidance on how to identify and support victims of modern slavery. The guidance is statutory in England and Wales.

For further guidance, check the following:

• Modern slavery awareness and victim identification guidance (PDF) (Home Office, 2017)
• Care of unaccompanied migrant children and child victims of modern slavery (PDF) (Department for Education, 2017)

5.1.4 Gang culture including County Lines

County lines is a form of criminal exploitation where urban gangs persuade, coerce or force children and young people to store drugs and money and/or transport them to suburban areas, market towns and coastal towns (Home Office, 2018). It can happen in any part of the UK and is against the law and a form of child abuse.

Children and young people may be criminally exploited in multiple ways. Other forms of criminal exploitation include child sexual exploitation, trafficking, gang and knife crime.

County lines gangs are highly organised criminal networks that use sophisticated, frequently evolving techniques to groom young people and evade capture by the police. Perpetrators use children and young people to maximise profits and distance themselves from the criminal act of physically dealing drugs (National Crime agency, 2019). Young people do the majority of the work and take the most risk.

Dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines” are used to help facilitate county lines drug deals. Phones are usually cheap, disposable and old fashioned, because they are changed frequently to avoid detection by the police.

Gangs use the phones to receive orders and contact young people to instruct them where to deliver drugs. This may be to a local dealer or drug user, or a dealer or drug user in another county.

The grooming process involves the gang:

• Seeking out a child to exploit
• Observing the child for vulnerabilities
• Finding out what the child’s needs and wants are
• Manipulating the child into believing that being in the gang can fulfil these needs.

Once they have identified a child, the gang will make some form of contact, and the grooming process will begin. This could be in person or via mobile phone. Social media profiles may also be used to glamourise gang life and entice young people.

Some children are groomed through family members, for instance if they have a sibling or relative who is already involved with a county lines gang. County lines gangs offer money and status to attract young people. Children may also be attracted to joining a gang by the prospect of belonging to a ‘family’ that will protect them if their own family feels unstable or unsafe.

Any child could potentially be at risk of criminal exploitation by a county lines gang. Factors that make a county lines gang more likely to target, groom and exploit a child include:

• The child having experienced neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse in the past
• Social isolation

5.1.14 Young people at risk of radicalisation

Children can be exposed to different views and receive information from various sources. Some of these views may be considered radical or extreme.

Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism and is in itself a form of harm.

Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It includes calls for the death of members of the British armed forces (HM Government, 2011).

If a child or young person is being radicalised their day-to-day behaviour may become increasingly centred around an extremist ideology, group or cause. For example, they may:

• Spend increasing amounts of time talking to people with extreme views (this includes online and offline communication)
• Change their style of dress or personal appearance
• Lose interest in friends and activities that are not associated with the extremist ideology, group or cause
• Have material or symbols associated with an extreme cause
• Try to recruit others to join the cause (Home Office, 2015)

Anybody can be radicalised, but being more impressionable makes children and young people more vulnerable. Children and young people at risk of radicalisation may:

• Have low self-esteem
• Be confused about their faith, sense of belonging, or identity
• Be victims of bullying or discrimination
• Feel isolated or lonely
• Be experiencing stress or depression
• Be going through a transitional period in their life
• Be angry at other people or the government
• Feel angry about how they are treated or seen by society

It is very difficult to know at what stage certain views can become dangerous, or if a child or young person is being exploited and manipulated into becoming a part of an extremist group. Signs aren’t always obvious, but indicators that a child or young person is being radicalised may include:

• Withdrawal from family and friends, or changing circle of friends
• Hostility towards others
• Talking as if from a script
• Being unwilling to discuss their views
• Increased levels of anger
• Being secretive, particularly around what they are doing on the internet
• Using extremist terms to exclude people or incite violence
• Expressing the values of extremist or terrorist organisations (including political or religious based grievances)
• Supporting violence and terrorism towards other cultures, nationalities, or religions
• Writing or creating artwork that promotes extremist values
• Talking about being a ‘martyr’
• Possession of extremist literature or other material, or trying to access extremist websites
• Possession of any material about weapons, explosives, or military training

These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being radicalised. Sometimes this can be normal teenage behaviour, or an indicator that something else is going on.

Under Section 26 of the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015 staff are expected to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent duty. “Prevent” training for staff is mandatory training.

There is Prevent duty guidance for specified authorities in England and Wales (Home Office, 2019). This details the responsibilities of organisations in different sectors.

If you think a child or the people around them are involved in radicalisation and there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away.

If it isn’t an emergency, follow the safeguarding procedures. For further support and guidance:

• Call the police anti-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321
• Call the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000
• Report suspicious activity to HM Government Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign

5.1.15 Historic abuse

There may be occasions when an adult or child will disclose abuse (either sexual or physical) which occurred in the past. This information needs to be treated in the same way as disclosure or suspicion of current child abuse. The reason for this is that the abuser may still represent a risk to children or adolescents now.

As a trustee board member, paid staff or volunteer, you are not responsible for diagnosing abuse. However, you have a responsibility to be aware and alert to signs that might indicate a child protection issue and a duty to record and report. Not all concerns about children or young people relate to abuse, there may well be other explanations. It is important to keep an open mind and consider what you know about the child and its circumstances.

CSC advises employees, trustees and volunteers to have a copy of the procedure flowchart (section 3.1) and have a charged phone with credit accessible to them always when on duty.

6. Support for Staff

All CSC staff will attend internal mandatory Safeguarding Training related to their role and will be provided with any further training necessary to ensure they are equipped and supported to handle safeguarding concerns.

Internal training needs will be identified through regular supervision and the annual appraisal system. Relevant staff will attend recommended external training offered by the Local Authority Safeguarding Partnership to further enhance their skills and build relationships with other support agencies.

The receipt of a disclosure of abuse or harm can be upsetting for staff. CSC staff have access to:

• Individual case debriefs with their Line Manager or the DSL
• Regular Reflective Practice groups where cases can be shared
• Regular supervision with their Line Manager which includes time to share impact of safeguarding
• Sharing learning from safeguarding in staff team meetings

7. Safer Recruitment

CS is committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. This includes:

• Identifying and rejecting applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people
• Responding to concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process
• Responding to concerns about the suitability of employees and volunteers once they have begun their role
• Ensuring all new staff and volunteers participate in an induction which includes child protection

Refer to:

• Recruitment Policy
• Equalities and Diversity Policy