Safe To Grow Policy

Procedure if Abuse is Discovered or Disclosed

Possible Signs of Abuse

The following may indicate abuse, but do not jump to conclusions. There could be other explanations.

Physical

unexplained or hidden injuries, lack of medical attention (See Appendix 1 - C)

Emotional

reverting to younger behaviour, nervousness, stealing, lying, sudden underachievement, attention seeking, running away; may be frightened by threats or taunts, or are given responsibilities beyond their years.

Sexual

preoccupation with sexual matters evident in words, play, drawings; being sexually provocative with adults; disturbed sleep, nightmares, bedwetting, secretive relationships with adults.

Neglect

looking iII -cared for and unhappy, being withdrawn or aggressive; having lingering injuries or health problems.

Spiritual

where an adult with spiritual authority uses that authority to coerce

Where there is clear evidence of abuse:

• Do not delay
• Do not confront
• Do not act alone
• Do not start to investigate
• Consult with your Children�s Advocate as soon as possible.
• Seek advice from the Diocesan Child Protection Officer a.s.a.p. � see telephone number below
• As and when appropriate and following advice given: Inform the local Social Services and/or the Police immediately and in any event within 24 hours.

In an emergency involving a child protection issue ring one of the following statutory child protection agencies:

The following is a summary, for reference only and is no substitute for training.

When talking with a child:

• Look at the child directly
• Reassure the child that they are right to tell you and you believe them.
• Accept what the child says
• Do not press for information.
• Tell the child they are not to blame.
• Be aware that the child may have been threatened.
• Do not appear shocked or appalled.
• Let them know that you may need to tell someone else; do not promise confidentiality.
• If you are informed of anything illegal you must inform your Children�s Advocate(s).
• Let them know what you are going to do next, who you are going to inform and why.
• Let them know roughly what will happen next, yet be sensitive. (See below)
• Finish on a positive note.
• As soon as possible afterwards make hand-written factual notes of exactly what the child said and the date and time of your talk.
• Do not take on board other people�s problems as if they were your own. Remember, empathy is standing in someone else's shoes with your feet firmly in your own.

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