Policy: Counseling for Associates working with Children and Vulnerable Groups: Difference between revisions

The organization is determined to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect children and young people from harm. This policy establishes the organization’s position, role and responsibilities and clarifies what is expected from everybody involved in the organization. It clearly highlights the importance placed by the organization in the protection of children and young people.

Every child and young person who participates in the organization’s activities should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in the organization. The organization recognizes that child abuse can be an emotive subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved and not to allow them to interfere with judgment about any action that needs to be taken.  

The organization recognizes its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying. The organization shall not be held responsible for any physical or psychological injury caused by negligence of the person during the organizations organized events.  

The Children Act 1989 defines a child as anyone who has not reached their 18th birthday. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital, in prison or in a Young Offenders’ Institution does not change his or her status or entitlement to services or protection.

While one would expect that the majority of adults seeking to work with children and youth is out of pure care one needs to be aware and cautious of those adults who seek to find themselves closer to youth and children for their own ulterior motives.  All concerns regarding individuals’ practice should be reported to your supervisor or head of you department/organization.  

Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often by people they know and trust. It refers to the damage done to a child’s physical or mental health. Children can be abused within or outside their family, at school or in a sports or community environment. Vulnerable adults may also be subject to similar abuse.  

The organization’s staff, associates, and moderators, do not have responsibility or contact with children on a regular basis. However, the organization wishes to have a policy to cover those situations where its members do have contact with children. This contact may be direct, such as a telephone call to the Helpline or indirect, for example through an email report where the child asks for help.

The organization’s staff, associates should never be left on their own with children and will withdraw their services rather than find themselves in this situation. It is the responsibility of the centre to provide an environment where the organization’s staff or representatives can carry out their duties without the likelihood of finding themselves left unsupervised with children.   Additionally, staff and associates will have occasional contact with children in schools or on work placements and may be privy to information or situations which give cause for concern.  

• Staff/associates working with children, will be issued with a copy of this policy. Any member of staff found in breach of the guidance will be subject to immediate removal from their position/contract. The Organization has zero tolerance to child abuse  physical or psychological, harassment or bullying. The individual identified carrying or instigating such acts will be expelled from the Organization immediately with no  remuneration, any benefits or recommendation for future employment.

• Staff/associates who engage external placements for work experience and training programmes are required to ensure that placement providers are aware of child protection issues and obligations when seen to be violated based on the UN Convention on the rights of the Child (UNCRC).