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Child Protection Policy

A Scottish Office Check List

Community Pages

From 25 August 2003 the Child Protection Policy Pages are being changed to reflect the third edition of the booklet produced by Highland council.  Paper copies of the new document are available from council offices.  This note will be removed when the full upgrade of the section is completed.

A Child Protection Policy for your Community Group

Children have the right to be protected from abuse and harm at all times and in all situations.  This booklet has been designed to help your organisation protect these rights. 

Child Protection is the responsibility of every adult who has involvement with children.

This is the 3rd edition of this booklet. In addition to a Child Protection Policy it now includes advice on

Disclosure Scotland vetting procedures and all the policies your group will require to implement.

Highland Child Protection Committee would like to acknowledge the help and guidance of those on the working group that produced this document.

Special thanks go to Highland Pre-school Services whose document inspired much of the content.

Ian Latimer - Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary
Chair - Highland Child Protection Committee

What Does This Document Do?
This document has been designed to help your group discuss and agree child protection policies. It contains the following help and advice:

 For any further guidance on this please contact your local office as listed Here

· What is child protection?

· Ensuring a safe environment

· What is child abuse?

· How this may affect your group

· How to react & listen

· Why it is necessary to have a policy

· What vetting means

· A sample policy

· A sample policy statement

· References & Contacts

· Forms
Personal Profile
Vetting Check List
SCRO Form

It is good practice to adopt this policy even if your group does not currently involve children in it’s activities.

We believe that every child, regardless of age, has at all times and in all situations, a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that results in a child being physically or psychologically damaged.

The Highland Child Protection Committee includes representatives from Highland Council, Highland Health Board and Northern Constabulary

Paper Copies of this Document are available from the offices listed HERE

Next Page

Simple questions to protect children
A Scottish Office Check List
A handful of simple questions could prevent a child being harmed or abused by adults running youth clubs and groups, Minister for Young People Cathy Jamieson said today.

Over half a million young people are involved in organisations such as the scouts, guides and sports clubs.

A new Parent Checklist for Youth Activities lists 15 questions that every parent should ask when children are joining any group or organisation.

They include:

  • Are there procedures in place for recruitment and training?
  • Is there clear guidance on behaviour towards children?
  • Are there adequate numbers of leaders and helpers?
  • Is the group subject to regulation and inspection?
  • Is parental consent sought for outside visits, adventure activities etc?
  • Are parents encouraged to visit the group and meet the staff?

Ms Jamieson said:

"There are thousands of youth organisations in Scotland and the overwhelming majority are well-run by paid workers and volunteers. These groups and clubs help young people develop, learn and have fun. The vast majority of groups have procedures in place to protect children and re-assure parents.

"Unfortunately we cannot take it for granted that everyone adheres to the same standards and this could put children in danger - either by exposing them to unsuitable adults or putting them at risk of injury.

"The checklist being published today provides parents with the questions they should ask to assure themselves that their children will be looked after properly. It also offers advice on what parents can do if they are unhappy with the way an organisation is run.

"The checklist could mean the difference between a safe child and a harmed child. Well-run organisations will welcome and encourage this kind of parental interest.

"As an additional safeguard, we are taking action to tighten up the law on adults working with children. The Protection of Children Bill, published last month, will ensure that anyone sacked or moved as a result of their behaviour towards children is prevented from working with children again – even if they have not been convicted of a criminal offence."

The Parent Checklist will be distributed to primary school children through local authorities. Copies will also be distributed to the main youth and children's organisations and other relevant bodies.

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