CH218-Protecting Children and Young People from Bullying, Harassment, and Exploitation Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Protecting Children and Young People from Bullying, Harassment, and Exploitation Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all children and young people supported by {{org_field_name}} are protected from all forms of bullying, harassment, and exploitation while receiving care in their homes. This policy promotes a culture of safety, respect, and zero tolerance for abuse in any form. It aligns with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly Regulation 13 (Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), and Regulation 17 (Good Governance), as well as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023).
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, agency staff, and contractors working with or in the presence of children and young people under the age of 18 in their own homes or community settings. It also informs families, advocates, and professionals involved in multidisciplinary care planning. It covers verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and cyber-related forms of abuse or exploitation.
3. Related Policies
- CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
- CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
- CH29 – Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy
- CH30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
- CH32 – Handling and Prevention of Bullying and Harassment Policy
- CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
4. Policy Statement and Principles
{{org_field_name}} has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment, grooming, or exploitation of children and young people. All staff are responsible for recognising and responding to indicators of harm and for promoting a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect. The voices of children and young people are at the centre of our care planning, and all concerns must be taken seriously, acted upon promptly, and recorded appropriately.
4.1 Recognising Bullying, Harassment, and Exploitation
Bullying is defined as repeated behaviour intended to hurt another individual, physically, emotionally, or socially. Harassment includes unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates, or intimidates, often linked to protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or sexuality. Exploitation may be sexual, financial, or criminal, including grooming for County Lines, online abuse, or trafficking. Staff are trained to recognise signs such as withdrawal, fearfulness, bruising, aggression, anxiety, changes in behaviour, or excessive secrecy. Care workers are expected to remain alert to patterns of control or isolation.
4.2 Prevention and Risk Reduction
Every child or young person supported by {{org_field_name}} has an individual risk assessment and care plan that identifies vulnerabilities, communication needs, relationships, internet usage, and known risks. This is regularly reviewed and shared with involved agencies. Where necessary, risk management plans are created with input from social workers, safeguarding teams, and families. Staff must actively encourage safe peer interactions, supervise contact where necessary, and promote healthy relationships and boundaries through everyday interactions.
4.3 Reporting and Whistleblowing
All staff must report any concern or suspicion of bullying, harassment, or exploitation immediately to the Safeguarding Lead {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}}. Where a child is at immediate risk, emergency services must be contacted without delay. Staff may also report directly to the Children’s Safeguarding Local Authority: {{org_field_children_safeguarding_local_authority_authority_name}}, with information available via {{org_field_children_safeguarding_local_authority_information_link}}. Whistleblowing protections apply, and concerns may also be escalated using our CH29 – Whistleblowing Policy if internal reporting is not safe or effective.
4.4 Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Escalation
{{org_field_name}} works closely with {{org_field_children_multi_agency_safeguarding_hub_authority_name}} and other safeguarding partners to manage risk and respond to incidents. If a referral is made, full cooperation is provided, and all relevant documentation is shared securely. Staff must follow escalation procedures if they feel a concern is not being taken seriously or acted upon quickly. All safeguarding referrals are logged, monitored, and reviewed by the Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}.
4.5 Online Safety and Digital Conduct
Children and young people must be supported in using technology safely. Staff must never engage in personal communication with children through social media, text messaging, or email. Where digital devices are used as part of communication, education, or recreation, staff must ensure safety filters are in place, monitor screen time appropriately, and report any online risks, such as sexting or radicalisation. Families are supported in understanding online risks and how to manage them at home.
4.6 Staff Training and Supervision
All staff working with or around children receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role, including Prevent, CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation), FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), County Lines, and online safety. Training is refreshed annually and monitored by the Deputy Manager {{org_field_deputy_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_deputy_manager_last_name}}. Staff receive regular supervision and are encouraged to reflect on safeguarding concerns and personal conduct. DBS checks are conducted for all staff and updated periodically in line with safer recruitment principles.
4.7 Listening to Children and Advocacy
{{org_field_name}} actively promotes a listening culture where children and young people feel safe to express concerns or talk about relationships. Staff must take all disclosures seriously, record statements factually, and follow the safeguarding procedure. Where needed, independent advocacy is arranged, and the wishes and feelings of the child are central to all safeguarding decisions and care reviews.
4.8 Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
All concerns, disclosures, and incidents are recorded clearly, securely, and in a timely manner in accordance with CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy. Records include date, time, nature of concern, who was involved, actions taken, and the outcome. These are accessible only to designated safeguarding personnel and statutory partners when appropriate. Safeguarding logs are regularly reviewed to identify patterns or systemic risks.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or earlier if there are changes in legislation, guidance from CQC, or safeguarding frameworks. The latest version will be available at {{org_field_website}} or on request from {{org_field_email}}. All staff will be informed of updates and receive training where required.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.