1. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
The welfare and best interests of children are of paramount importance. HUGG is committed to respecting every child’s right to dignity and bodily integrity.
All HUGG staff, facilitators & volunteers have a responsibility to protect children and therefore have a duty to report suspected child abuse as set out in the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011).
This policy has been developed to comply with our responsibilities to safeguard the children connected with our service.
HUGG Management, Volunteer Facilitators and Co-Facilitators recognise the intense grief and devastation that affects family and friends following a death by suicide. Our Volunteer Facilitators & Co-Facilitators understand the emotional and physical effects of grief and are trained to distinguish what is considered a normal reaction as a bereaved person from a reaction that may indicate a possible child protection issue.
HUGG will endeavour to safeguard children by:
- Having procedures to recognise, respond to and report in relation to concerns for children’s protection and welfare
- Having a confidentiality policy
- Having a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers/students
- Having a safe recruitment procedure for staff & volunteers
- Having procedures for training and managing/supervising staff/volunteers
- Having a procedure to deal with complaints
As part of the policy, HUGG will: –
- Appoint 2 designated liaison persons (DLP’s) for dealing with child protection concerns
- Provide induction training around the organisation’s child protection policy and procedures
- Outline the reporting procedures for non-mandated and mandated persons
- Ensure that staff/volunteers attend child protection training, as appropriate
- Provide appropriate supervision and support for staff and volunteers who come in contact with children
- Share information about the child protection policy and good practices with families and children
- Review the organisation’s child protection policy and practices on a regular basis
This policy will be reviewed no more than two years from the date of adoption, or earlier if necessary.
2. RECOGNISING, RESPONDING, REPORTING CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD’S WELFARE OR POSSIBLE ABUSE
Facilitators / Co-Facilitators working with HUGG attendees may be concerned about the general welfare and development of a child/children connected to a person in a group. They should feel that they can discuss any concerns with the Designated Liaison Person (Fiona Tuomey). Good communication is very important in ensuring the best outcomes for children in this regard and any concerns should normally be discussed with parents (UNLESS DOING SO MIGHT PUT A CHILD AT FURTHER RISK). It is not always clear that a child may be being harmed or abused. DLP’s may discuss concerns informally with Duty Social Workers of Tusla if they are not sure whether to report a concern or not (section 2.7, Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook).
“If any person has misgivings about the safety or welfare of a child, they may consult the Tusla Children and Family Services’ Duty Social Worker to seek advice through initiating an informal consultation. This could be just a telephone call and provides an opportunity to discuss the query in general and to decide whether a formal referral is warranted. The consulting party needs to state explicitly that they are not making a report – that they are giving details of a concern, but no identifying information in relation to the child or family”
Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (DCYA 2011, paragraph 3.2.1)states that ‘Everyone must be alert to the possibility that children with whom they are in contact may be suffering from abuse or neglect.’
“If you identify a child as being at risk of harm – you must act”, (paragraph 3.7.3, Children First, 2011).
Designated Liaison Person Role
Under existing guidelines, the DLP should have completed the Keeping Safe Training as a minimum, and…
- They should be in a position to have an ongoing role with the service/organisation
- They should be in a senior position
- They should be open and comfortable with the topic of abuse
- They should be available and committed to undergoing further training in the area of child protection and positive childcare practices
- The DLP may link informally with the Tusla Duty Social Worker to discuss concerns around children in their service
- Where appropriate and when advised by the Tusla Duty Social Worker, the DLP will make a report without delay on a Child Protection and Welfare Report Form
- DLPs acting on behalf of their group will not make anonymous referrals in keeping with their child protection policy statement and the Tusla guidance on the limits of confidentiality
- The role of the DLP should be written into a job description and/or contract of employment
- The DLP should record all concerns or allegations of child abuse brought to his or her attention, and the actions taken in relation to a concern or allegation of child abuse
It is the responsibility of the DLP to make contact with the Tusla Duty Social Worker or, in the event of an emergency and the unavailability of Tusla, to contact An Garda Síochána.
The HUGG DLP is Fiona Tuomey, HUGG, 4 Kilvere Park, Cypress Downs, Templeogue, Dublin 6W.
Reporting Procedures
All staff, facilitators/volunteers in HUGG are aware of their responsibility to recognise and respond to child abuse and welfare concerns. The definitions and signs and symptoms of abuse are contained in this policy in Appendix 1.
Concerns about a child are discussed with or reported to Tusla within 24 hours.
Reporting Procedures for Non-Mandated Persons
The DLP will make a formal report to Tusla using the Child Protection and Welfare Report Form following the procedure detailed below.
Emergency Procedure: A child should never be left in immediate danger. If for any reason staff/volunteers are unable to contact the DLP’s, everyone needs to know that they should contact the Duty Social Worker or if not available An Garda Síochána.
1. Referral to the Tusla Children and Family Services Social Work Service is made using the Standard Report Form
2. Standard Report Forms can be accessed directly from Children and Family Services or downloaded from
http://www.tusla.ie/children-first/publications-and-forms/
3. If the concern is urgent and the child is in immediate danger, the report should be made by telephone and followed up with the completed Standard Report Form.
4. Remember: The quality of the information that is provided will help influence the ability of the Social Work Service to respond.
5. In the event of an emergency and the unavailability of the Tusla Duty Social Worker, An Garda Síochána should be contacted.
We recognise that it may be difficult for a member of staff or volunteer to raise a child protection or welfare concern. We recognise the need to provide support to people in the organisation who report child protection or welfare concerns.
If the DLP chooses not to pass on a concern raised by a member of staff, facilitator/ volunteer, he/she will inform them of this in writing, indicating the reasons. The DLP will advise the individual that he/she may proceed to make a report themselves and that the provision of the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 will apply. The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 provides protection from civil liability and penalisation by an employer where reports are made to designated officers in Tusla or to An Garda Síochána reasonably and in good faith.
Not all concerns that are raised will necessarily meet reasonable grounds for concern (see Appendix 2). Where concerns do not meet reasonable grounds for concern these will be documented, and kept confidential and secure for future reference.
Where there is a concern that a child has gone missing, this information will be reported to the Tusla Child and Family Social Work Services. We also recognise our responsibility to report potential risks to unidentifiable children to the Tusla Child and Family Social Work Services.
Contact details for duty social workers in all areas are available in the Child Protection & Welfare Practice Handbook.
When a child protection concern is being reported to Tusla, good practice would indicate that parents or guardians should be informed about the report UNLESS DOING SO MAY PUT THE CHILD AT FURTHER RISK. The DLP may seek advice from the Tusla Social Work Department in relation to this. Where appropriate, the DLP will inform the parent(s) of our intention to make a referral to the Tusla Child and Family Services.
Reporting Procedures for Mandated Persons
Mandated persons are people who have contact with children and/or families and who, because of their qualifications, training and/or employment role, are in a key position to help protect children from harm. Mandated persons include professionals working with children in the education, health, justice, youth and childcare sectors. Certain professionals who may not work directly with children, such as those in adult counselling or psychiatry, are also mandated persons. The list also includes registered foster carers and members of the clergy or pastoral care workers or a church or other religious community. There are mandated persons employed by HUGG, a complete list of mandated persons can be found in Appendix 3 of this document.
Mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. These are:
1. To report, the harm of children above a defined threshold to Tusla
2. To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Section 14(1) of the Children First act
2015 states:
‘…. where a mandated person knows, believes or has reasonable grounds to suspect, on the basis of information that he or she has received,
acquired or becomes aware of in the course of his or her employment or profession as such a mandated person, that a child
1. has been harmed
2. is being harmed, or
3. is at risk of being harmed,
he or she shall, as soon as practicable, report that knowledge, belief or suspicion, as the case may be to the Agency.’
Mandated persons are expected to inform the DLP of any report made to Tusla, and should contact the DLP for advice regarding their concern if needed. HUGG asks that you speak to our DLP before making a direct report to Tusla, unless a serious blatant incident has occurred.
If any mandated person is in doubt about whether their concern reaches the legal definition of harm for making a mandated report, Tusla can provide advice in this regard. If a concern does not reach the threshold for mandated reporting, but is felt that it is a reasonable concern about the welfare or protection of a child, it may be reported to Tusla under the Children First National Guidance 2017.
3. PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE
At the debrief following a HUGG Group meeting if there is any concern about the welfare or safety of a child/young person who is connected to the HUGG group the following procedure will be followed.
- If the Facilitator, Co-Facilitator is a mandated person, feels there is reasonable grounds for concern they must inform Tusla and one of the DLPs.
- They may contact the DLP for advice.
- The facilitator may ring if a concern does not reach the threshold for mandated reporting, but is felt that it is a reasonable concern about the welfare or protection of a child, it may be reported to Tusla under the Children First National Guidance 2017.
- The DLP should record all concerns or allegations of child abuse brought to his or her attention, and the actions taken in relation to a concern or allegation of child abuse.
When a child protection report is being made to Tusla, good practice would indicate that a family should be informed about the report UNLESS DOING SO MAY PUT THE CHILD AT FURTHER RISK. The DLP should seek advice from the social work department in relation to this.
For concerns in relation to abuse of children/young people by people employed or volunteering within HUGG the procedure above will also be followed in relation to the protection of the child. However, in addition, the ‘allegations’ against staff and volunteer’s procedure’ will also be followed in respect of the rights of the staff member or volunteer.
In general, it is recommended that the same person should not have responsibility for dealing with both the reporting issues and the employment issues.
The procedures in respect of the employee or volunteer are as follows: –
- The CEO informs the employee/volunteer that an allegation has been made against him/her and the nature of the allegation
- The chairman of the Board should be informed of the allegation.
- The employees/volunteers should be given an opportunity to respond. The DLP should note the response and pass on the information when making the standard report to Tusla.
- Further action should be guided by the employment contract or volunteer agreement and the rules of natural justice – the first priority is to ensure that no child is exposed to unnecessary risk. Protective measures must be undertaken (See Children First, pg. 111).
- Follow-up action on the allegation/concern must be taken in consultation with the investigating agencies: Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána. After these consultations, when pursuing the question of the future position of the employee, CEO should advise the employee of the agreed procedures to be followed
- Employers should take care to maintain close liaison with Tusla and/or An Garda Siochana during the course of the investigation.
4. CONFIDENTIALITY
It is the policy of HUGG to keep confidential all personal information about the adults connected to our service.
The only exception to this may be when child protection concerns arise in relation to a child. In this situation information will be shared on a need to know basis in the best interest of the child.
Management, staff, facilitators/volunteers in this service will be advised of our confidentiality policy and required to sign up to it.
5. RECORD KEEPING
Only appropriate individuals involved with the child will have access to confidential files on a need to know basis.
Where there are child protection issues, observations/records should be kept on an ongoing basis and information shared with Tusla as appropriate.
Confidential records will be kept in a locked file in central office.
The HUGG CEO will have access to the records.
6. CODE OF CONDUCT
- All HUGG attendees will be treated with dignity respect & without judgement
- Personal family information will be treated strictly confidential except where there are child protection concerns, such concerns will be brought to the DLP
- Professional boundaries will be respected
Events
HUGG families and friends may be invited to organised events. Children should be under the supervision of their parent/guardian at all times, however should a child be separated from them, the child will be kept safe in the company of others until they can be reunited with their parent/guardian. Children should never be escorted alone.
7. RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
HUGG will ensure that all staff and volunteers are carefully selected by undertaking the following:
- Devising a clear job description which outlines the qualifications, skills and experience needed
- Advertising as widely as possible using the agreed job description
- Requesting candidates to supply information on an agreed application form, which should include information re personal details, past and current work/volunteering experience, qualifications or skills relevant to the post
- A declaration form should be submitted in relation to criminal convictions
- Two forms of identification including photo ID such as passport/drivers’ licence and a copy of a utility bill no less than 3 months old
- Two written references should be supplied
- These must be followed up with a phone call to verify that they are bona fide
- This is also an opportunity to ascertain if there have been any concerns that have not been outlined in the written reference
- Interviews will be conducted by and in line with the recruitment processes of HUGG.
- It is the responsibility of the organisation and not one individual in it, to appoint staff/volunteers.
- All processes should be consistent and transparent. (i.e. scoring sheets and feedback to candidates as appropriate)
- During interviews candidates’ attitudes should be clarified i.e., ethos, discipline, child protection.
- Have an employment contract with staff or written agreement with volunteers
- Have a probationary period which is written into a contract
- Volunteers should not be left unsupervised at any time.
8. INDUCTION TRAINING SUPERVISION/SUPPORT
- All management, staff, volunteers and students will receive training as part of their induction on the child protection policy
- All management, staff, volunteers etc. will be required to sign up to the child Protection policy.
- DLPs will be released to attend Health Services Executive DLPs Training and other relevant training as identified
- Regular supervision and support will be available to new and existing staff and volunteers through group supervision meetings.
9. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
HUGG is committed to ensuring that all our communications and dealings with the general public are of the highest possible standard. We will listen and respond to the views of our stakeholders, supporters and donors so we can continue to improve. HUGG welcomes ALL feedback. Therefore, we aim to ensure that:
- It is as easy as possible to make a comment or complaint about any aspect of our operations
- HUGG will treat as a complaint any clear expression of dissatisfaction which calls for a response.
- HUGG will treat a complaint seriously whether it is made by telephone, letter, email or in person.
- We will deal with the complaint quickly and effectively and respond accordingly – for example, with an explanation, or an apology where we have got things wrong, and information on any action taken etc.
- HUGG will learn from complaints, use them to improve, and monitor them at our Board as appropriate.
If you do have a complaint or comment, you can contact Fiona Tuomey in writing or by telephone. In the first instance, your complaint will be dealt with by HUGG’s Chief Executive. Please give us as much information as possible and let us know how you would like us to respond to you, providing relevant contact details.
Write to:
HUGG CEO, 13 Adelaide Road, Dublin, D02 P950 email info@hugg.ie
HUGG is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.30pm
What happens next?
If you complain in person or over the phone, we will try to resolve the issue there and then. Similarly, if you complain by email or in writing we will always acknowledge your complaint within 5 days, and do everything we can to resolve it within 21 days. If this is not possible, we will explain why and provide a new deadline.
What if the complaint is not resolved?
If you are not happy with our response, you may get in touch again by writing to HUGG’s Chairman. The Chairman will ensure that your appeal is considered at Board level and will respond within two weeks of this.
Monitoring Group
Ideally in the first instance you should address your complaint to HUGG as outlined above. You may however at any stage make your complaint in writing to the Charity Regulator who oversee charities compliance with the Charities Act 2009.
In this instance please write to:
Concerns About Charities, The Charities Regulator,
3 George’s Dock, IFSC
Dublin 1.
Contact Telephone Number: 01 633 1550
Email Address: concerns@charitiesregulator.ie
What happens next?
You will receive confirmation of receipt of your email. The Charity Regulator will consider complaints and will respond where deemed necessary.
10 APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Definitions and Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
NEGLECT
Definition
Where a child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment and affection from adults, medical care.
Some Signs & Symptoms Include
- Children persistently being left alone without adequate care & supervision
- Malnourishment, lack of food, inappropriate food or erratic feeding
- Lack of adequate clothing
- Inattention to basic hygiene
- Lack of protection & exposure to danger
- Non-organic failure to thrive
- Failure to provide adequate care for the child’s medical and development problems
- Exploited, overworked
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Definition
Occurs when a child’s need for affection, approval, consistency and security are not met. Is usually found in the relationship between the care-giver and the child.
Some Signs & Symptoms Include
- Rejection
- Lack of comfort and love
- Lack of attachment
- Lack of proper stimulation (e.g. fun & play)
- Lack of continuity of care
- Continuous lack of praise and encouragement
- Serious over-protectiveness
- Inappropriate non-physical punishment
- Family conflicts and/or violence
- Inappropriate expectations of a child relative to his/her age and stage of development
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Definition
Physical abuse of a child is that which results in actual or potential physical harm from an interaction, or lack of interaction, which is reasonably within the control of a parent or person in a position of responsibility, power or trust. There may be single or repeated incidents.
Some Signs & Symptoms Include
- Bruises
- Fractures
- Swollen joints
- Burns/scalds
- Abrasions/lacerations
- Haemorrhages
- Damage to body organs
- Poisonings – repeated
- Failure to thrive
- Coma/unconsciousness
- Death
SEXUAL ABUSE
Definition
When a child is used by another person for his or her sexual gratification or sexual arousal or for that of others.
Some Signs & Symptoms Include
- Difficulty /pain passing urine/feces
- Noticeable and uncharacteristic change in behaviour
- Hints about sexual activity
- Age-inappropriate understanding of sexual behaviour
- Unusual reluctance to join in normal activities that involve undressing
- Mood change
- Bedwetting, soiling
- Separation anxiety
- Depression, isolation, anger
- Running away
- Missing school
- Self-harm, suicide attempts, eating disorders
- Drug, alcohol, solvent abuse
Appendix 2: Reasonable Grounds for Concern
- Specific indication from the child that he/she was abused
- An account by a person who saw a child being abused
- Evidence, such as illness, injury or behaviour consistent with abuse and unlikely to be caused
. another way - An injury or behaviour which is consistent both with abuse and an innocent explanation but where there are corroborative indicators supporting the concern that it may be a case of abuse
- Consistent indication, over a period of time, that a child is suffering from emotional or physical neglect
Appendix 3: List of Mandated Persons
Fiona Tuomey : CEO
Marie McKeon : Group Support Manager
Sheila Stapleton: Telephone Support
