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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Safeguarding Children from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} upholds the highest standards in safeguarding children from abuse and improper treatment, in compliance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and the Children Act 1989 and 2004. This policy outlines the responsibilities of all staff in preventing, identifying, and responding to concerns of abuse and improper treatment of children within our care home or during interactions with children in any capacity. This policy ensures that children’s safety, dignity, and well-being remain at the core of all safeguarding procedures.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and external professionals working within {{org_field_name}}, including those who may come into contact with children through service user interactions. It covers:

• Recognising different forms of abuse and improper treatment: Understanding signs of neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
• Responsibilities of staff in reporting safeguarding concerns: Ensuring all employees understand how to escalate concerns.
• Procedures for responding to allegations or suspicions of abuse: Providing a structured and legal framework for handling concerns.
• Ensuring a child-centred approach: Prioritising the child’s welfare and best interests in all decision-making processes.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure lawful compliance and best safeguarding practices:

• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: Establishes local authority responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
• Children Act 1989 & 2004: Defines child protection responsibilities and frameworks.
• All Wales Child Protection Procedures: Provides a clear and uniform approach to safeguarding practices.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016: Ensures regulatory standards for safeguarding compliance.
• Working Together to Safeguard People: Volume 5 – Handling Individual Cases: Offers statutory guidance on responding to individual safeguarding concerns.

4. Definition of Abuse and Improper Treatment

Abuse and improper treatment refer to any act or failure to act that results in harm, neglect, or exploitation of a child. This includes:

• Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm such as hitting, shaking, or burning. Staff must be able to identify suspicious injuries and unexplained marks.
• Emotional Abuse: Causing severe emotional distress through bullying, threats, humiliation, or constant criticism.
• Sexual Abuse: Any form of sexual activity with a child, including exploitation, inappropriate touching, or exposure to sexual material.
• Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, leading to harm or developmental issues.
• Institutional Abuse: Poor or inappropriate care practices within an organisation that lead to systemic neglect or harm.

5. Recognising Signs of Abuse

All staff must be trained to identify potential indicators of abuse, which may include:

• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, fractures, or other marks that raise concern.
• Behavioural changes: Sudden withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, or hyper-vigilance.
• Neglect indicators: Malnourishment, poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing, or lack of medical attention.
• Reluctance to engage with certain individuals: Avoidance behaviours or excessive attachment to new figures.
• Sexualised behaviour: Knowledge or language inappropriate for the child’s age or excessive fear of physical contact.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All staff members have a duty of care to report concerns immediately. The reporting process is as follows:

1. Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, staff must contact 999 without delay.
2. Internal Reporting: Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
3. Recording the Concern: Staff must document all observations, conversations, and actions factually and accurately, avoiding assumptions or subjective opinions.
4. External Reporting: If required, the DSL will escalate concerns to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team, CIW, or police.
5. Confidentiality: Safeguarding reports must be handled with strict confidentiality, ensuring that only those involved in the investigation have access to the information.

7. Responding to Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, {{org_field_name}} will follow strict safeguarding procedures:

• Suspension of the accused staff member pending a full investigation, if necessary.
• Immediate notification of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and CIW to assess the next steps.
• Full investigation to determine the validity of the allegation, ensuring due process is followed.
• Disciplinary action if misconduct is proven, which may include dismissal and referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Support for the affected child through independent advocates or family engagement where appropriate.

8. Child-Centred Approach

Children’s safety and well-being must always be the top priority. This means:

• Listening to children: Encouraging them to express concerns in a safe and supportive environment.
• Taking their concerns seriously: Acting on any disclosures or distress signals without delay.
• Providing access to safeguarding resources: Ensuring children understand their rights and how to seek help.

9. Training and Staff Responsibilities

All staff must undergo safeguarding training, including:

• Induction Training: Basic safeguarding awareness provided to all new employees and volunteers.
• Annual Refresher Training: Ensuring staff remain up to date with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Role-Specific Training: Additional training for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and senior staff who handle reports.

Staff responsibilities include:

• Being proactive in recognising and responding to safeguarding risks.
• Reporting concerns immediately and following the correct safeguarding procedures.
• Maintaining confidentiality while ensuring child protection concerns are escalated appropriately.

10. Compliance and Monitoring

The Registered Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) are responsible for ensuring:

• Regular audits of safeguarding records and procedures.
• Full compliance with CIW standards and local safeguarding protocols.
• Ongoing safeguarding training for all staff members.
• Reviewing safeguarding policies regularly to reflect legislative changes and best practices.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CHW28 – Staff Conduct and Code of Ethics Policy
• CHW29 – Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy
• CHW42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in CIW regulations or safeguarding legislation. Any updates will be communicated to all staff and incorporated into safeguarding training.

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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}}
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